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At Words Across Europe, we are driven by a passionate team, supported by experienced mentors, and guided by a knowledgeable advisory board. Together, we strive to create an enriching environment for European writers to collaborate and innovate in the world of TV and film.
Our core team, including the founder and programme manager, the outreach manager and programme coordinator, is dedicated to facilitating collaboration and creativity among WORDS ACROSS EUROPE’s participants, experts and mentors.
Our mentors include Joachim Friedman, a versatile scriptwriter for TV networks like ARD, ZDF, RTL, and SAT1, and writer for comics (Carlsen Comics, Disney Comics) and games (Microsoft), Rachel O'Flanaghan, a seasoned story consultant specializing in screenwriting and business development, and Maria Cervera, Head of Development at Cattleya Producciones. They provide guidance and direct support during the intense 4 days of VR sessions to the writers, ensuring the highest quality in storytelling and development.
Our advisory board meets quarterly to offer strategic advice and insights, shaping and enhancing the program's vision and direction. Members include: Eilish Kent, a seasoned professional with over 25 years in TV drama and film. Eilish has worked in commissioning for Public Service Broadcasters BBC and RTÉ, as well as state agencies like the Arts Council and FÍS and Joachim Friedman, a scriptwriter for TV networks such as ARD, ZDF, RTL, and SAT1, as well as a writer for comics (Carlsen Comics, Disney Comics) and games (Microsoft). He is also a professor of Serial Storytelling at the ifs internationale filmschule köln and consults part-time at Studio Hamburg Serienwerft.
With over two decades of experience in the European and US film industries, German-born Nathalie Lichtenthaeler is the visionary behind WORDS ACROSS EUROPE. As the founder of Ireland-based Wide Eye Films and a prolific producer of several acclaimed feature films, she brings a profound understanding and appreciation of all facets of film and TV production with a particular focus on script development. At the helm of WAE’s development, funding and partnership endeavours, Nathalie has assembled a stellar team intent on elevating European TV broadcast/streaming writing and concept generation.
Joachim Friedmann is a multi-awarded screen- and headwriter for feature films and TV series, working in the field since 1997. Joachims Storytelling-approach is transmedial though, he also writes comics for Disney, Egmont and Carlsen, furthermore interactive Media and Games for Microsoft and Oetinger, amongst others. As a consultant he works for production companies like btf, Constantin TV or Studio Hamburg Serienwerft. In addition, Joachim is giving Storytelling and Dramaturgy classes in Europe (Germany, France, Estonia, Lithuania) and Africa (Morocco, Nigeria). His textbooks (Storytelling in Media – UTB, Narratives Crossing Boundaries – transcript) are published internationally. Since 2017, he is Professor for the MA Serial Storytelling at the International Film School of Cologne.
Clara Planelles brings experience in coordinating educational programs, managing logistics, and facilitating creative workshops. Passionate about storytelling, she thrives on creating spaces where writers and artists can develop their voices and connect with new audiences. With a background in film, theatre, and photography, she blends organization with creativity, ensuring that each project runs smoothly while staying true to the heart of great storytelling.
An award-winning Irish writer and director, David brings extensive experience from both the European independent sector and the international studio system. As Creative Director of Words Across Europe, he co-developed the programme’s writers’ room methodology and story-development framework. Drawing on his background in screenwriting and production for film and television, David advises on the creative direction and ensures the programme’s artistic and strategic coherence.
Fahad is our go-to IT expert, always on top of the latest tech. He doesn’t let any tech glitch slow us down. Whether you’re stuck or curious, he’s got you covered with support that’s smart, friendly, and reliable.
EUROPE’S FIRST VR WRITERS’ ROOM PROGRAMME
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