At the moment The Development Pool is a fairly intimate and informal networking group run by professionals for professionals and primarily revolves around our monthly social meetings and any spin off arrangements we might make. As our membership grows this may well develop into something slightly more formal or ambitious with the opportunity to evolve perhaps as an agency for development talent or even potentially a union – representing the role of development in the industry and helping raise the profile and status of the profession. Our evolution will largely depend on our members of course so everyone is welcome to bring their ideas and energy to the forum.

This year we are likely to arrange another trip to The Screenwriters' Festival and potentially other events. We may expand the function of our website, Facebook page and perhaps distribute further useful professional information. We will aim to be raising the profile of the group, gaining members and, for anyone interested, will perhaps begin to build a database of talent. If you're a script reader, script development consultant, script editor, upcoming executive or development producer you are welcome to chat to one of our founder members; Sarah Olley, about your experience and the type of work you're pursuing. This will be a first step in beginning to define who is available for what work should any opportunities arise. There may also be an opportunity to place profiles or a directory on the website.

In the first instance, if you're a fellow graduate of The Script Factory / NFTS Script Development Diploma and would like to put a profile on this site, complete the form available here and send it to us at developmentpool@hotmail.com, or bring it to a meeting and talk to Sarah or Dónal Heath; another fellow graduate and our website manager.

(NB: Of course The Development Pool is not an agency at this point so please do not expect to receive any work from the group. This is just a first step in helping raise profiles and share support).