Channel 4 launches scheme to identify new TV drama writing talent in South West England

16 May 2022

Channel 4 has launched a scheme designed to identify and support new TV drama writers in the West and South West of England.

The Channel 4 TV Drama New Writers scheme will give 12 writers six months of specialist support which will include in-person workshops and training, mentoring and introductions to scripted drama production companies. After completing the scheme, participants will be able to submit a first draft script for consideration and feedback from Channel 4’s Drama Commissioning Editor, Gwawr Lloyd.

Gwawr said: “Ensuring that the Nations and the Regions are represented in its dramas is a real priority for Channel 4. As a broadcaster, we have a history of discovering and nurturing new talent - it’s something that we are passionate about. 

“Launching this TV Drama New Writers scheme is a fantastic opportunity for the channel to identify talent from the region and to work with them to help us get authentic, original stories on screen - reflecting audiences back on themselves. It’s the perfect opportunity for the Channel 4 Bristol Hub to collaborate with our local partners to give stories that matter the platform they deserve.”

Devised by Channel 4’s Bristol hub in collaboration with Bristol UNESCO City of Film, its partners BFI NETWORK (delivered regionally in the South West by Watershed), UWE Bristol and The Bottle Yard Studios, the scheme opens for applications today. The initiative is one of many projects being supported by 4Skills, Channel 4’s nationwide training and development strategy which aims to create over 15,000 opportunities nationwide in 2022 with a particular focus on people from diverse and disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds who want to explore a career in broadcasting.

Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees said: “This exciting opportunity shows what can be achieved having brought Channel 4 to Bristol, working closely with our UNESCO City of Film partners.

“It’s a fantastic scheme that demonstrates the value of the partnerships being forged in the creative sector and will strengthen the region’s writing talent-base, hopefully leading to new stories that represent the diversity of our city and the wider region reaching our screens as TV drama. Thank you to Channel 4, Bristol UNESCO City of Film and all the partners involved for joining forces to make this happen.”

Alice Cabanas, Head of BFI NETWORK says: “BFI NETWORK is pleased to back this new writers scheme in the South West through our regional delivery partner in Bristol, Watershed; building on strong existing partnerships to offer an exciting and bespoke new opportunity.

“The scheme feeds into BFI NETWORK’s ambitions to upskill and support local writers, as well as encourage growth of the scripted TV Drama and film sector in the South West. Watershed and our regional BFI NETWORK Talent Executives will be working with the other partners to ensure this scheme benefits the local writing community and platforms new perspectives.”

Lynn Barlow, Assistant Vice-Chancellor Creative and Cultural Industries Engagement, UWE Bristol, says: “Great writing underpins the success of the screen industry. Finding new stories and developing the skills of new writers are the first important steps in that success. UWE is delighted to be part of this partnership with Channel 4.”

Opening for applications today The Channel 4 TV Drama New Writers Scheme (West and South West) invites applications from new and emerging writers based in West and South West of England, with a particular focus on diverse perspectives across the region. The scheme is open to unrepresented writers looking for their first writing credit and writers who are working on developing their own original series.

The deadline for applications is midnight, Sunday 12 June 2022. For full details and how to apply, visit: https://bit.ly/3FCkLLw

 

 

NOTES TO EDITORS

Bristol UNESCO City of Film

In 2017 Bristol was designated UNESCO City of Film, a permanent status that recognises the city’s achievements as a world-leader in the field of film and moving image. Bristol is one of 21 Cities of Film worldwide and a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), a group of more than 295 creative cities working together towards a common mission for cultural diversity and sustainable urban development. The Bristol UNESCO City of Film action plan is led by Bristol City Council and delivered in collaboration with partners in the city.

www.bristolcityoffilm.co.uk.

BFI NETWORK

Made possible through National Lottery funding, BFI NETWORK exists to discover and support talented writers, directors and producers at the start of their careers. We collaborate with film organisations and leading cultural venues across the UK to provide funding for short films, support for the development of first features, as well as a range of professional and creative development programmes. Watershed is the Lead Film Hub Organisation for Film Hub South West and home to two BFI NETWORK Talent Executives who nurture the South West’s new wave of filmmaking talent.

Find out more and watch supported work: https://network.bfi.org.uk/

https://watershed.co.uk/filmhub/making-films/

The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)

The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) has a global and inclusive outlook, with approximately 30,000 students and strong industry networks and connections with over 1,000 employers. Research at UWE Bristol focuses on real world problems and the University plays a pivotal role in the regional economy. With over £300 million invested in infrastructure, buildings and facilities across all Campuses, UWE Bristol is creating a place for learning that is innovative, ambitious, connected, enabling and inclusive. UWE Bristol is ranked 36th in the Guardian university league table, as well as 4th in the South West of England for student satisfaction. www.uwe.ac.uk

The Bottle Yard Studios

A Bristol City Council initiative, The Bottle Yard Studios is the largest dedicated studio facility in the West of England. Located in South Bristol, the Studios are at the heart of a thriving TV and film industry in one of the UK’s most creative, film-friendly cities. Eight stages are available for hire across the seven-acre main site and three new premium sound stages will open in Summer 2022 at a neighbouring second site following West of England Combined Authority investment. Facilities include a 5,000 sq ft green screen studio, 20,000 sq ft of furnished production office space and a host of ancillary workspaces. More than 25 companies are based on site providing film and TV industry-related services. Recent productions include The Outlaws (BBC/Amazon), Chloe (BBC/Amazon), The Girl Before (BBC/HBO Max), Showtrial (BBC One), The Pursuit of Love (BBC/Amazon) and The Spanish Princess (Starz).