The London Screenwriters’ Festival is partnering with the Scottish Screenwriters’ Festival to provide its attendees with an invaluable experience. If you attend LSF you will ultimately gain access to the Scottish Screenwriters’ Festival for free that takes place in September.
The Scottish Screenwriters’ Festival is a catalyst for career-changing opportunities and by joining forces with the London Screenwriters’ Festival it will create an even more powerful platform for filmmakers and writers looking to break into the industry.
The driving force behind SSF, Maureen Hascoet, built her career through persistence and a willingness to create her own opportunities. Bringing that same proactive energy to Scotland’s film industry, she is striving to create a sustainable environment for screenwriters where there is support and channeled opportunities.
Hascoet has a longstanding history with Chris Jones of LSF. “The London Screenwriters’ Festival is addictive and transformational,” Hascoet said. “There is no doubt in my mind that Chris is putting on life changing events. Chris makes me feel like everything is possible. I’ve met so many of my heroes from engaging with LSF.”
As the Scottish industry is growing, there are gaps—especially when it comes to empowering independent filmmakers. LSF is teaming with SSF to bridge that gap.
LSF’s partnership with SSF brings high-impact networking opportunities, hands-on workshops, and direct access to industry executives. A key highlight is the “elevator pitch” format, where filmmakers get a chance to pitch their projects in a high-stakes, high-energy setting. This approach has already led to tangible success stories, such as a delegate landing a deal with STV after pitching at the festival.
With LSF and SSF working together, attendees gain access to an expanded global network and additional sessions.
“For our delegates, it’s about expansion—more sessions, bigger connections, and a stronger community to support their creative journeys,” Hascoet said.
Beyond the festival, Hascoet is committed to fostering a sustainable film industry in Scotland. She believes the country needs more investment in local talent, not just in servicing big productions.
Scotland has seen incredible growth in the film scene, but much of it has been focused on bringing in large productions. Now, it needs to build a solid infrastructure that nurtures homegrown talent.
“Whenever there’s a challenge, it’s an opportunity to think outside of the box or reinvent,” Hascoet said.
Hascoet’s latest film, Elementals, is a testament to that vision—blending historical storytelling with fresh, female-driven narratives. As she looks ahead, she urges filmmakers to embrace innovative distribution methods, including vertical dramas designed for modern digital audiences.
“Netflix might not come knocking, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find your audience,” Hascoet said. If you plan your path, you’ll be miles ahead.
By joining SSF, filmmakers aren’t just attending another festival—they’re stepping into a space designed to connect, support, and launch careers. In an industry where change is the only constant, the combined power of LSF and SSF offers an unparalleled opportunity to take the next bold step into the industry.
Amber Morris is an undergraduate student attending Boston University’s College of Communication, pursuing a degree in journalism and public relations. She previously worked full time as a homepage co-op at The Boston Globe. Prior to joining the Globe, she spent a month abroad in Padua, Italy, studying crisis and conflict reporting.
Morris also works as a freelance photographer and was previously a contributing writer for the lifestyle section of The Daily Free Press.
