The ITV Academy has announced the return of ITV’s writing initiative ‘Original Voices’.
The long-standing scheme gives applicants from under-represented groups the chance to work on Britain’s biggest soap operas. The initiative aims to provide workplace training opportunities, to develop the writing skills of applicants from under-represented groups, whilst also “creatively connecting ITV with a diverse range of talent that is currently under-represented on mainstream channels.”
First launched in 2012, ITV has run the Original Voices initiative six times so far with writers gaining the opportunity to join the Story & Writing teams at Coronation Street or Emmerdale. Each placement is for 12 weeks.
Original Voices offers four prospective writers the chance to spend a month in the Coronation Street or Emmerdale story office. They will then spend four weeks in the Script Department with the Script Producer and Script Editors, following an episode through the script process, being mentored in this part of the process by the writer whose episode they are following.
Successful candidates will be given the opportunity to write a shadow script, which is commissioned at the same time as the script by the current writer, following that process in parallel, to complete the learning of the whole story-to-script process.
To apply, applicants will need to complete a creative task, writing consecutive scenes from a provided story arc. Applications require strong continuing drama storytelling and communication skills, availability for the full contract, and at least one paid writing credit across film, television, audio drama, theatre, or online content.
Applications are now open via this link and will close on Thursday 2nd July at 11:59pm.
David Proud, who went on to join the Coronation Street writing team after successfully completing the initiative in 2020, and still writes for the show today, said: “Original Voices is nothing short of life changing, and I don’t say that lightly. You are welcomed to the very heart of continuing drama at ITV, you get to actively participate and become part of the team. It is a great way to gain experience, make new friends, and immerse yourself in the longest running shows in the world.”
After successfully completing the initiative in 2024, Yassmin Abdel-Magied went on to join the Emmerdale writing team. Yassmin said: “Being selected for the Original Voices scheme hands down changed my life, and it can do the same for you. To be plunged into the heart of continuing drama is such a rare opportunity and gift. You’re learning from some of the best in the business, with the entire creative process – from ideation to shooting to transmission – at your fingertips. I found the team at Emmerdale so incredibly welcoming and eager to share their expertise; I got three years worth of tv development and production experience in three months! No matter who you are, or how slim a chance you think you have, you should 100000% apply for this program. There are so few routes into these rooms… but this is one of the rare paths that can genuinely lead to a sustainable career in television. Give it a go, and who knows – I might see you round the writer’s conference table super soon!”
The initiative is supported by ITV Studios and ITV, with funding provided in part by the Diversity Development Fund.
A virtual meet the team and application guide is being hosted on Thursday 18th June, where prospective applicants can hear tips and advice on the application process, including guidance from the editorial team on the written task. Applicants can sign up via this link.
Jon Creamer
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