Athens’ 3rd International Screenwriting Workshop Returns with New Features

Photo source: Athens Film Office

The Municipality of Athens, through its Athens Film Office (AFO), recently announced the return of the 3rd International Screenwriting Workshop, “The Owl”, taking place from October 1 to 4.

The primary goal of “The Owl” is to connect the Greek film and television market with international counterparts, ultimately attracting more international productions to Athens. On that manner, eight out of ten scripts presented during the workshop’s inaugural year have already been picked up for production.

According to the organizers, the workshop this year is enriched with the introduction of “The Owl Industry Days” and an innovative “Intimacy Workshop”.

“For the third consecutive year, the workshop provides a platform for both Greek and international screenwriters who have established their presence in the film and television industries,” municipality officials’ said.

Participants, selected through an open call, must have previously written at least one film script or several hours of a television series. They will submit a new film or TV script draft that can be shot in Athens or elsewhere in Greece.

Innovative additions: “The Owl Industry Days” and intimacy workshop

Photo source: Athens Film Office

This year marks the first time “The Owl Industry Days” will take place concurrently with the workshop, featuring a series of presentations, panels, and discussions focused on Greek fiction productions. The Industry Days are scheduled for October 3 and 4 at the St George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel, providing valuable networking opportunities for local professionals.

In addition, as part of the 30th Athens International Film Festival “Opening Nights”, the office will host an “Intimacy Coordination Workshop” led by internationally acclaimed Intimacy Coordinator, Elle McAlpine. This workshop will take place on October 4 from 11am to 5pm at the “Friends of Music” venue at the Athens Concert Hall, and it is free of charge.

Record achievements for the Athens Film Office in 2024

Photo source: Athens Film Office

As of September 2024, the Athens Film Office has facilitated 28 audiovisual productions for major international networks and platforms including BBC, Amazon Prime, and Netflix, alongside 21 commercials and the latest music video for Coldplay.

This activity has generated over 1,000 jobs within the Greek audiovisual industry and with a spending of 40 million euros, contributing 150,000 in revenue to the municipality.

On June 27, 2024, the municipality’s office, in collaboration with the International Academy of the Emmys, co-hosted the semifinals of the International Emmy Awards. The event featured 14 Greek directors, actors, and producers voting on six series for Best Comedy, culminating in a glamorous evening at the City Hall.

Workshop and industry days highlights

Photo source: Athens Film Office

This year’s workshop will feature 11 esteemed screenwriters from Greece and abroad, who will receive one-to-one mentoring from industry veterans including Marc Lorber, Executive Producer of The Art of Co-Production; Mirela Nastase, Director of Drama at ZDF Studios; and Katie O’Connell Marsh, Executive Producer of Narcos and Hannibal.

The AFO was established in 2020 through the Athens Development and Destination Management Agency (ADDMA). Its main goal is to transform Athens into a “film-friendly city”, attracting international productions to the Greek capital.