Big Light Productions, the producer behind Leonardo and The Man in the High Castle led by Frank Spotnitz, has announced the recipient of its annual writers’ apprenticeship programme.

Screenwriter and director Dekel Nitzan from Israel is set to join Big Light Productions for a three-month placement from January 2024. Currently based in Germany, Nitzan was selected having completed the prestigious Serial Eyes postgraduate television training programme for television writers at the German Film and Television Academy Berlin (DFFB), where Spotnitz is a founding tutor.

Dekel Nitzan said: “I feel very honoured and grateful for this opportunity. As I am always aiming to maximise my screenwriting skills and my approach toward the development process, I’m sure that the apprenticeship at Big Light will help me achieve this goal with higher standards than I could have ever imagined. And while I’m developing my own TV projects as head writer and showrunner, I’m happy for the chance to learn from a team of professionals who made and took part in making, such great series over the years. I have no doubt I will gain a lot and I wish to contribute as much as I can during my time at Big Light.”

Big Light Productions CEO and Writer Frank Sponitz said: “When I moved to Europe and established Big Light, I was struck by the many advantages American writers enjoy, chief among them the opportunity to work in writers’ rooms. Writers’ rooms not only give emerging writers the chance to hone their craft, but help give producers and broadcasters confidence in hiring emerging talent, which is essential to bring new voices into the industry.  Dekel is one of those exciting and gifted new voices.  We hope our programme will help him take the next step in his promising career, and are delighted to welcome him to the Big Light team.”

Big Light Productions’ Writing Apprenticeship Programme helps emerging writing talent master their craft and gain insight into the industry.  The three-month programme provides practical experience in a writers’ room, collaborating on local and international projects and new series development and is aimed at aspiring screenwriters who have already made a considerable commitment to the development of their practice and would benefit from a placement alongside experienced international drama executives.  During the placement, Nitzan will have the opportunity build on his craft and learn from Spotnitz (The Man In The High Castle, Leonardo, Medici, Devils, The X-Files) and the wider Big Light team across a range of scripted television and feature film developments.

 

Jon Creamer

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