“No ceiling for talent” after Oscar win for north-east screenwriter

Published on 6, March, 2025

An academic at the University of Sunderland has claimed that “there is no ceiling for talent from the region” after north-east screenwriter Peter Straughan won Best Adapted Screenplay for Conclave at the Oscars 2025.

Lee Hall, Head of the School of Media and Creative Industries at the University, said: “Peter Straughan’s Oscar win demonstrates there is no ceiling for talent from the region. It’s also testament to someone at the pinnacle of their discipline.

“He took a tense novel and crafted a script hinged on great writing - rather than blockbuster effects or dramatic sequences – to enthral viewers.

“Screenwriting is an art in itself – and something we at Sunderland thread through our courses in a careful mix of standalone modules and as part of multidisciplinary learning.”

As part of the University’s film and media production programmes, students get a chance to hone their craft as screenwriters.

Jo McCullock, Senior Lecturer in Film Production at the University, said: “Screenwriting is integral to Film and Media production and our modules are designed to teach students, across a range of programmes, how to tell stories through various scriptwriting mediums.

“Even if students don't aspire as a scriptwriter specifically as a career, it is important that they learn how to structure their stories and get to grips with other elements of storytelling in their pursuit of a career in any of the creative industries. Storytelling is fundamental to all roles in film and TV.”

If you are interested in studying Film Production at the University, find out more here.

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