Drama: how we grow and support writers
Supporting new drama talent
We work with the broadest possible range of storytellers to offer the very best of British authorship to our audience, both emerging and established writers, from diverse backgrounds and from right across the UK. It is vital that as well as working with the best of British talent - creators like Michaela Coel, Sally Wainwright, Jed Mercurio or Steve McQueen - we are also a creative home for new voices, and we are passionate about finding and developing the next generation of UK writers.
Our development slate is always rich with writers who are new to us, but who have something fresh, enlightening and exciting to say. Working with these authors – and their champions in the production community – to get these stories onto screen is at the heart of our mission.
We work hand-in-hand with BBC Writers (formally Writersroom) to find, nurture and grow new voices who will shape the great British dramas of the future. BBC Writers works with authors of varying levels of experience in a number of different ways, and all initiatives are strongly industry-focused with real and tangible outcomes.
BBC Writers teams are based across all four nations, and drama assistant commissioners based out of Cardiff, Belfast, Glasgow and Salford so that drama commissioning and Writersroom can bring even more emerging voices into active development and production.
Our work with BBC Writers
Open Call
Our annual script submission window where any writer – regardless of previous experience – can send their work for review. Successful writers are then placed on further intensive Writersroom schemes. Our unique ‘open-door’ policy has been key to the discovery and development of writers who are now working across the industry.
Pilot (formerly TV Drama Writers’ Programme)
Our annual flagship programme places around 10 writers into paid script development with independent production companies to write a pilot episode of a original series or serial for the BBC, supported by a wrap-around professional development programme and mentoring.
Scripted (formally Drama Room)
A one-year writer-development scheme for those identified through our open submission script room and talent searches. Around 15 writers meet monthly to receive targeted training and development and gain the support of a script editor to develop their original work. This hugely successful scheme has seen many alumni working consistently in the industry – including Isis Davis and Theresa Ikoko.
Write Across groups
Eight-week development schemes focussing on specific areas of the UK run in partnership with local organisations consisting of workshops, expert-led sessions and networking opportunities for new and emerging writers in the region.
