Writerslam & UKTV Writing Opportunity
UKTV Are partnering with TriForce Creative Network on the latest WriterSlam program, promising not just a development commission, but a greenlit season of originals on Dave in 2021/22. Check out details from their website below:
UKTV will select six writers who will receive a paid development commission to work up their original TV ideas into 30’ scripts suitable for broadcast and for potential expansion into full length series. These writers will benefit from several writing workshops in addition to working with a script editor and experienced executive producer over a three month period. Individual mentoring and support from TriForce Creative Network will also be available over this timeframe, culminating in a table read of all six scripts performed by a troupe of handpicked professional actors which will help inform the final selection process.
Four of these scripts will then be green lit to be produced for Dave, with TriForce Productions taking on some of the shows but with others being produced by emerging Indies to make under their umbrella with support from TriForce Productions. All the productions will be supported by Dandi – TriForce’s diversity and inclusion support service, to help them crew up in an inclusive way. It’s anticipated that the season will air on Dave either in late 2021 or early 2022.
Pete Thornton, Head of Scripted, UKTV, said, “We’re excited to be working with TriForce Creative Network and Dandi on this unique UKTV WriterSlam and to be throwing this opportunity open to all underrepresented voices from any background. This is a truly inclusive initiative, and we want to hear from people from ethnic minorities, those from underserved socio-economic groups, the LGBTQ community, those who identify as having a disability and basically anybody who feels that their voice isn’t currently heard clearly on our screens. We’re offering dedicated support and mentoring over a three-month writing period and then the opportunity to see your show prepped, cast, shot, edited, marketed and broadcast on Dave next year.”
Writers will be asked to submit a one-page pitch of their idea, as well as a 10-15 page sample of their writing.
What are we looking for?
We’re looking for ideas that will make a great 30 min episode in their own right, but also have the potential to be developed into a series in the future. They can be dramatic or comedic (or anything in between!) but need to be exciting and original. We are keen to hear from writers from all over the UK, with stories that we don’t always get to see on our TV screens. Whether your script is about telling a story we’ve never seen on TV before, or it’s simply a universal story told by a different voice, we want to hear from you. We want writers who represent the society that we live in, and who will offer different perspectives, experiences and opinions.
What do I need to submit?
We know that the prospect of writing an entire script can be daunting, so you just need to send us:
- A one page pitch of your original idea. It’s up to you what this includes, but it’s always good to start with a log line
- 10-15 page writing sample. This must be a sample of your writing in the format of a TV script. It doesn’t have to be from the idea you’ve pitched (although it can be). We just want to see how well you write. The pages can be from anywhere in a script, they don’t have to the first 10-15 pages.
When do I need to submit?
Submission are open from midday on midday Thurs 18 Feb – 11:59pm Thurs 25 Mar 2021.