Building on the success of the MonologueSlam UK initiative for actors, WriterSlam UK is a new initiative to help TV production companies and broadcasters access new and established writers from diverse backgrounds, and support them in their career development, providing tangible outcomes for participants, with a structured and accessible programme over 2015.
The first WriterSlam will take place on 10th June at Theatre Royal Stratford East and is supported by Creative Skillset, ITV, ITV Studios, BBC and Tiger Aspect. It is looking for new voices for television, who come from all backgrounds. It champions diversity of experience – if you include everyone, you don’t need to exclude anyone.
You might have literary representation, you might not. You might have written for theatre, or for short film, in your bedroom, or even just in your own head. ANYONE can enter.
What are they looking for?
ITV and ITV Studios are the lead supporters on the first event and they are looking for new drama voices. So WriterSlam is looking for ideas for SCRIPTED DRAMA SERIES.
What do you need to submit?
WriterSlam believe that not everyone has the time to sit down and write a whole TV script, even though they may be the next Steven Moffat. Instead of submitting an entire script, you need to send:
- A short synopsis of your drama series idea (no more than 200 words)
- 10-15 pages of an episode of the drama series. This does not have to be the first episode, but it can be.
- All submissions must be sent in a Word doc (or equivalent) to minnie@thetcn.com
- All submissions must be sent to minnie@thetcn.com
Are there any restrictions?
For the first event they are looking for drama ideas, rather than comedy. However there are ideas which don’t easily fall into either genre, so if you’re not sure, submit it.
There must be a maximum of 6 characters in the script extract you submit. There can be further characters that appear in the series later on.
Your submission can be written for the competition, or it can be something you’re already working on.
What’s the process?
- All submissions will be read
- Up to 20 submissions will be shortlisted by the TCN
- ITV and ITV Studios will select 5 submissions as finalists.
The 5 finalists will be invited to a writer’s workshop in the first week of June. These 5 writers will be taught how to generate an industry standard pitch and synopsis, as well as receiving in-depth advice and expertise from an industry Script Editor. Writers will also be developing their work with an eye to producing a full script by the end of the week.
The 5 finalists will have their extracts performed at the WriterSlam event on 10th June. The event is open to the public and will have a large industry attendance.
ITV and ITV Studios will select a winner
BBC and Tiger Aspect will each select a runner up.
What are the prizes?
The winning writer will receive a paid development commission from ITV Studios, with mentoring from an ITV Studios Exec as well as feedback from ITV’s Jane Hudson, Head of Drama Series.
One runner up will receive a guaranteed place on the BBC’s Introduction to Continuing Drama workshop – their invite only workshop for writers hoping to write for the BBC’s award winning continuing dramas; Holby City, Casualty, Doctors and EastEnders.
Another runner up will be offered a shadowing opportunity on the writing team of one of Tiger Aspect’s drama series.
All 5 finalists will have their work showcased in front of the industry panel, with representatives from the ITV, ITV Studios, BBC, Tiger Aspect and TriForce Productions.
This scheme is funded by Creative Skillset’s Skills Investment Funds.
Visit the WriterSlam UK website for more details
Deadline: 22 May 2015
Source: BBC Writers Room
phil collins narrates (and performs in) a series about drumming around the world…not only does this explore the origins of the need to communicate, it will also demonstrate the music and performance displayed globally by artists and cultures throughout the ages untill the present day…The last person to get mentioned in the Pub Quiz is always the Drummer!!
Do yo know of anything like this happening in Manchester.
Thank you.