Little Chick Productions, founded by BAFTA and Emmy award-winning writer Abi Morgan (The Split, Eric, Shame) and Emerging Talent Programme Director Dorcas Morgan, has announced the return of the Little Chick Emerging Writers Scheme.
The scheme is a television drama writing programme for early-career professional screenwriters. Following a successful pilot year in 2025 that featured 12 participants, the programme returns in 2026 in collaboration with WDM Entertainment and the Arvon Foundation. Applications are now open.
The 2026 Little Chick Emerging Writers Scheme is open to applicants across the UK and Ireland and will offer a selected cohort of writers a five-day residential retreat at Arvon, featuring intensive workshops, tutorials and guest speakers drawn from across the entertainment industry. Following the retreat, writers will enter a six-month guided development period, receiving sustained mentorship from Abi Morgan and Sue Gibbs (Head of Development, Heyday Television UK) alongside one-to-one meetings, development resources and a final table read of their work. The programme also includes introductions and networking opportunities to help participants forge new relationships within the industry. The programme is open to writers who are at the earlier stages of their career with one or more professional credits (including short films).
Abi Morgan said, “Having worked with some of the leading film and TV production companies in the UK and US, the value of creative collaboration is at the heart of my work. Little Chick is committed to helping emerging talent find their voice and build creative partnerships that are the backbone of any career. We hope that our Emerging Talent Programme is one more step on that journey.”
Elisabeth Hopper, Head of Film Talent initiatives, WDM Entertainment said “Supporting under-represented voices and next-generation talent is central to WDM Entertainment’s mission, and we’re proud to work alongside Abi and Dorcas Morgan on this truly meaningful programme that gives writers time, support and sustained access at a crucial moment in their careers. This initiative creates genuine opportunity, championing bold, original storytellers that reflect the audiences UK television serves.”
Natasha Carlish, Deputy CEO of Arvon said “Arvon is delighted to be continuing its partnership with Little Chick. It is a privilege to support a programme that offers such a meaningful opportunity to emerging screenwriting talent who might otherwise not have access to this quality of expertise. Abi Morgan’s own writing journey began at Arvon, which makes it especially fitting to welcome Little Chick back to The Hurst, our Shropshire writing house. Like Arvon, Little Chick is deeply committed to inclusivity and to championing writers from across the UK so their stories can be heard and seen on screen. The residential element of this programme has the potential to be a genuinely transformative and life-changing experience, and we are excited to see how the partnership continues to evolve in support of the screenwriters of tomorrow.”
Applications are now open via the Little Chick website and close on the 20th February 2026 at 1pm. The opportunity is open to writers across the whole of the UK and Ireland with at least 1 professional credit (including short films). In the first instance, applicants are required to answer a few simple questions and attach an up-to-date CV, with shortlisted applicants then being asked for a follow up writing sample. Further details on the fund and how to apply can be found at littlechickltd.com. 12 applicants will be selected to participate in the programme.
Jon Creamer
Share this story
