Applications to the BBC Writersroom 2022 TV Drama Writers’ Programme are open from Wednesday 28th July 2021 to 12 noon on Monday 13th September 2021 for credited and/or agented writers.
Please read the full Terms and Conditions of Entry
ELIGIBILITY
- Writers must have at least ONE professionally produced piece of narrative scriptwriting work, a minimum of 30 minutes in length, in television, radio, theatre or film. Novels are ineligible and will not be accepted. ALTERNATIVELY writers must have an agent, supplying address and contact details.
- Writers are asked to submit an original spec script (minimum 50 pages) and a one-page pitch outlining a potential series or serial idea for BBC One, BBC Two or BBC Three. The original spec script can be film, theatre, television or radio – any medium except for novels.
- The pitch needs to be a different idea from the spec script. It should be as distinctive as possible, bearing in mind the current, competitive TV landscape in the UK and abroad.
- The aim of the Programme is to give writers their first original television drama series or serial commission.
- Writers must not have an original idea in development (beyond treatment stage) with BBC Television Drama. Writers in development outside the BBC are eligible to apply.
- Writers must not have had a previous original series or serial commission from BBC One, BBC Two or BBC Three.
- Writers must demonstrate a burning desire to write television drama.
HOW TO APPLY
- Writers will need to submit their CV highlighting produced credit or credits, an original spec script and a one page pitch (all saved as PDF) via the BBC Writersroom E-Submissions System only. The spec script should be an original, full-length script (minimum 50 pages) and not an episode of an existing drama series.
- To make their submissions, writers must submit (PDF only) via the BBC Writersroom using this link
E-Submissions System – https://writersroom.external.bbc.co.uk/opportunity/202
Details (taken from the BBC Writersroom Website):
TIMETABLE
- There are 10 places; and we shall be shortlisting 15-20 writers for the scheme.
- The first round of interviews will be held in early 2022 (dates tbc). Shortlisted writers will then have meetings with independent production companies in February/March 2022.
- We will then inform the successful 10 writers.
- Selected writers must be free to attend a three day intensive workshop in 2022 (dates tbc) and available to write their script and attend a series of writing workshops, lectures and readings across the subsequent months. They will also receive notes on their pitches and each draft of their treatment and script.
SCRIPT FEE
- Writers will be commissioned to write a minimum of two drafts of a treatment and a minimum of three drafts of their original script. They will be paid a minimum script fee as agreed by the WGGB/PMA and the BBC on a favoured nations basis (currently £13,320 for 60 minutes).
ENTRY FAQS
- It is essential that applicants have an interest in and enthusiasm for television drama. Submissions will be assessed on the strength of the writing and the originality of the pitch.
- Applicants must be resident in the UK or Republic of Ireland.
- The Logline, medium and genre on the E-submissions form refers to the spec script and not the pitch.
- Submissions must be the writer’s original work, and may not be based wholly or in part, on the work of any other person, whether known, published, produced, or not (i.e. no adaptations).
- As well as individual writers, writing partnerships of two (maximum) may enter. Scripts submitted must be written by the partnership.
- No feedback can be given on unsuccessful submissions.
If you have any questions, contact writersroom@bbc.co.uk
*Please Note: This is a separate scheme from their open submission Script Room, with more restricted entry criteria*
Deadline: 13 September 2021 at 12 noon
Source: BBC Writersroom