Channel 4 is offering up-and-coming British film-makers the chance to have their own original feature length single drama produced in the new look Coming Up scheme. From the submitted applications, a shortlist of 6 writers will be commissioned to write a full screenplay under the guidance of key industry talent. Three of those writers will then be selected to proceed to second draft before one 90 minute screenplay will be chosen to be produced in full with an up-and-coming director at its helm and planned for broadcast on Channel 4 in 2016. The two runners-up will be commissioned to develop a series treatment for Channel 4.
Continuing the spirit of supporting and unearthing bright new talent that has run throughout the previous 14 years of the Coming Up scheme, this new incarnation of Coming Up encourages applications from those looking to build a career in television.
The scheme is funded by Channel 4 and produced by Touchpaper Wales, a Zodiak Media company, and the aim of the scheme is to produce bold, original, surprising and powerful ideas.
Writers with no previous television experience and writers with a writing credit on less than 2 programme hours of a series or serial (such as a long running soap) broadcast on UK television are eligible.
Writers of an original single television drama, or writers with credits on 2 programme hours or more of a series or serial broadcast on UK television are not eligible.
How to apply: visit the website for full guidelines and an application form. You’ll be asked to submit a writing sample which needs to be a full length script / 2 short plays.
Deadline 15 May 2015
Source: @Playwriting_UK