New project developer at Film & TV will help projects take off

Who is Gunnar Eriksson and why did you apply to Lindholmen Science Park and Manusfabriken?
I was born and raised in Stockholm, but have lived in Gothenburg for almost three years. After studying various scriptwriter courses, I graduated in 2013 as a dramatist and dramaturgist from the Stockholm Academy of Dramatic Arts. Since then, I have freelanced as a scriptwriter and dramaturgist for film, TV and theater. I have always enjoyed alternating my own writing and working with other peoples’ texts and projects, not least as it makes me a better writer when I see how other people work.

In 2016, I came into contact with Manusfabriken and have since tutored scriptwriters and worked as project manager for the Script Lab for film and TV series held in 2017. When Lindholmen Science Park offered me an opening to continue developing film and TV series, it was obvious to me that I had to accept the position.

Describe your role as project developer and what your new area of responsibility entails.
My main area of responsibility is to pursue and develop the financing of innovative projects in film, TV and moving images. I will act as a coordinating link between the creative applicants and the reference group that will later make a decision on financing. In my role, I am available to answer questions about the application process and to try to help scriptwriters, directors and producers with their projects. Other than this, I will also work with script supervision and with continuing to push various film and TV project onwards. During the year, I also hope to hold a number of meetings and seminars with a focus on writing and development to inspire and educate creative talent in Västra Götaland.

What do you have to offer in your new role?
Above all, I believe I can provide the scriptwriter and dramaturgist perspective, that I understand the challenges of working and struggling with projects through different stages. Hopefully, I can help applicants in both the application and development process.

You have been at Lindholmen Science Park for just over a month. How does it feel so far?
It has been great fun! On March 6, we held a successful industry meeting at Visual Arena where we presented the new guidelines for financing. It was interesting to meet the companies and the various creative people from the region, and to see the potential and creativity present in western Sweden. And March 25 is the deadline for this year’s first round of applications, so work has immediately begun at full speed!

What do you as a scriptwriter prefer to watch on TV or film when you sit at home on a normal evening?
I almost always watch a film or a TV series before I go to bed. I watch both dramas and documentaries. Recently I watched The Work, a powerful documentary about inmates at Folsom Prison. This winter I watched, for example, the latest seasons of American Horror Story and Black Mirror. Even if the seasons have different levels, I think both series avoid following the same worn tracks, but instead always try to think up something new and thought-provoking. And it will also be exciting to see what the second series of Handmaid’s Tale has to offer.