Entries will open in October for the Channel 4 screenwriting course 2016.
The purpose of the course is to offer 12 writers new to television drama an insight into how the industry works and to provide a “dry-run” of what it can be like to write under a television drama commission, specifically for one hour series and serial drama, and to work with them as they write an original drama script.
Writers will be expected to write an original, pilot one-hour drama series or serial episode, and 2-3 page outline \ pitch for the series \ serial as a whole. Each writer will be assigned a script editor, who is currently working in the industry, to guide them through this process. Writers will meet at least twice with their script editor and should complete a 2nd draft script before the 2nd weekend of the course. Completed, 2nd draft scripts will be sent to the script editor and two other writers on the course, for workshop discussions at the second weekend.
Course dates: 23rd and 24th January 2016 / 11th and 12th June 2016
Writers must ensure before entering that they are available to attend both these weekends, and are free to write at least two drafts of an original one-hour television drama between 25th January and 5th June 2016.
Eligibility: Eligible writers must meet the following criteria:
- Only writers who do not have a broadcast credit as a television or film writer may apply (although produced short films – 20 minutes or less – are exempt).
- Applicants must be 18 or over on Jan 1st 2014.
- Applicants must be resident in UK or Ireland
- As well as individual writers, writing partnerships of two (max) may enter. Scripts submitted must be written by the partnership.
What to submit/How to apply: Applicants should submit by using the online form on the website a CV, together with one writing sample (saved as a PDF). This can be a screenplay (film or TV), stage play or radio play, minimum length 25 pages (novels, treatments, short stories, unfinished screenplays and “shorts” are not acceptable).
Scripts entered must be 25 – 135 pages in length. They can be screenplays, TV scripts, stage plays or radio plays. Scripts shorter than 25 pages or longer than 135 pages will not be considered. The scripts should be original, not episodes of existing drama series.
Additional details can be found on the webpage.
What you get: In addition to the workshop sessions, writers will be paid a fee for participating in the course and for completing two drafts of a one hour script. All writers will be required to grant Shelley Productions a first option for Channel 4 to acquire all rights in their script and will be told within six months of delivery whether Channel 4 wishes to exercise this option.
Deadline: Friday 30 October 2015 at 6pm (*Note: Entries do not open until 12 October 2015)
Source: Script Consultant Website