BBC Cymru Wales, National Theatre Wales and BBC Writersroom Wales join forces again to find the next Wales Writer in Residence.
In 2020 BBC Cymru Wales, National Theatre Wales and BBC Writersroom Wales are coming together again to search for the next Wales Writer in Residence.
This prestigious scheme, created in 2019, has been designed to develop and support Welsh writing talent.
The initiative offers the winning writer the opportunity to hone their craft over a portfolio of media, encompassing stage, sound and screen. During their yearlong residency they receive over £12,000, get to spend six months working with the BBC, including time with BBC Studios, followed by six months with NTW. They’re offered physical space to write in, access to industry expertise and support to develop their ideas and talent.
They will also gain a BBC-broadcast credit in the form of a BBC Radio 4 drama commission.
This year writers are able to submit previously unproduced scripts in any medium alongside a pitch for an audio drama. Writers will be judged on both their writing flair alongside the compelling originality of their audio drama idea.
The award is open to anyone over the age of 18 who can represent the culture of Wales with authenticity (for example you may be from, or have lived or worked in Wales).
The submission window for entrants is open from Monday 10th February 2020 until Monday 11th May 2020. The scheme is for English language scripts and will be managed by the BBC Writersroom team in Wales.
The inaugural Wales Writer in Residence award was won by Holyhead-born writer Rhiannon Boyle. Rhiannon said of her 2019 win:
Winning Wales Writer in Residence 2019 has been amazing so far. It’s opened many doors and has led to lots of exciting meetings and opportunities. From developing TV drama ideas with BBC studios, to mentorship from established writer Matthew Hall, to some pretty immersive and thorough audio drama training. After years of writing it’s been the leg up I’ve needed to launch me into a successful career writing across all platforms here in Wales and beyond.
Rhiannon’s award winning script, ‘Safe From Harm’ will be broadcast on Radio 4 at 14.15 on 7th August 2020.
Find out more about Rhiannon Boyle on the blog
Entry is via the BBC’s online e-submissions system. When the opportunity is open the link will be provided here. Registration or submissions are not permitted prior to Monday 10th February 2020.
Before entering, please read the full Terms and Conditions for the Wales Writer in Residence
Deadline: Entries for the Wales Writer in Residence open on Monday 10 February 2020. The deadline is Monday 11 May 2020
Source: BBC Writersroom