BBC Studios is launching a new Writers’ Workshop initiative, designed to help develop those already writing for TV.

With guidance from some the biggest names in television, successful applicants will be paid to write a pilot script and a series bible over six months in partnership with BBC Studios. They will meet and learn from Producers and Heads of Development from BBC Studios Production Scripted and BBC Studios’  network of independent production companies, such as Various Artists Limited (I May Destroy You), Clerkenwell (The End Of The F***Ing World), Cuba Pictures (McMafia), House Productions (Brexit: The Uncivil War), and Moonage Pictures (Curfew).

Writers will then have the chance to pitch their idea for further development with these companies and BBC Studios Production Scripted. The opportunity will help them make the leap from working writer to series creator.

The Writers’ Workshop will be a virtual course. There are ten places available and to be eligible, applicants will need to have written at least two hours of scripted TV over the course of their careers so far.

Applications open on Monday 7th September 2020.

The Writers’ Workshop is the latest initiative from the newly named BBC Studios ScriptWorks team. The team is led by industry heavyweight John Yorke (Life on Mars, EastEnders, The Street, Shameless, Father Brown and Bodies) the author of screenwriting book Into the Woods: How Stories Work and Why We Tell Them, Yorke and his team will be supported by Mark Linsey, who leads BBC Studios’ IP strategy and pipeline.

Mark Linsey, BBC Studios’ Chief Creative Officer, said: “Across the UK, we have a wealth of talented writers. They are passionate about TV, bursting with diverse stories and different perspective and just waiting to be discovered.

“Nurturing and developing the next generation of storytellers, particularly from under-represented groups in the writing community, is vital if we want to continue to make new and fresh content that connects with our audiences. The Writers’ Workshop builds on previous efforts to support writing talent and responds to a clear demand within the industry. We’re delighted that John will continue to lend his specialist guidance and expertise to ScriptWorks, allowing candidates of all levels to learn from the very best.”

John Yorke said: “BBC Studios’ commitment to training and developing writers is second to none, and this move consolidates the support available to those trying to make their way in the industry. I’m thrilled to continue finding and mentoring voices from every background, whether they’re brand-new or wanting to break through to the next level – ScriptWorks will provide opportunities for writers at all levels of experience to learn their craft and boost their potential. It’s harder than ever to get a rung on the writing ladder, and once there it can be extremely difficult to climb to the next level too, but each of those steps is incredibly important if we are to see new and diverse stories on our screens.”

More information on the Writers’ Workshop can be found on the ScriptWorks website.