The Writers’ Access Group is returning to support a third group of exciting new writers following in the footsteps of the 2018/19 and 2020/21 groups. It is an 18-month programme of professional development support for deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent writers. All writers selected for the programme will take part in a series of workshops, masterclasses and panel discussions to develop their craft skills and deepen their industry knowledge and contacts. Sessions will be led by professionals from the television industry and will cover things such as story structure, character development and the commissioning process.

The programme will have an emphasis on developing craft skills and industry knowledge but will also create real opportunities for the participating writers to gain professional experience across the BBC, as well as connecting and developing working relationships with peers amongst the group.

Ten writers will be invited to take part in the programme which will run for 18 months starting in October 2023 and running until April 2025. The programme will be primarily delivered over Zoom with some in-person sessions and workshops at key moments in the schedule. There will be at least two half-day workshop sessions per month for the first eight months of the programme, followed by a dedicated writing period where participants will complete a new television spec script with the support of a professional script-editor and the BBC Writersroom team.

It is important to note that this script will not be for production – it is to help create a piece of work that will best showcase writing skills to the wider broadcasting industry, putting writers in a strong position to take the next step in TV writing.

The programme is free to attend for successful applicants and we will cover all travel and access costs for selected participants.

The programme also involves an industry outreach element where participating writers will be introduced to producers and production companies, as well as agents and BBC commissioners. Mentoring will also be offered to the participants to help them as they progress through their careers.

Criteria 

• Anyone who identifies as deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent AND:
• Is aged 18 or over
• Is a resident of the UK or Republic of Ireland
• The BBC want to work with the next wave of exciting and passionate deaf, disabled and neurodivergent storytellers. They’re looking for emerging writers who have a real desire to write for television. They’re looking for writers with an original voice, a fresh perspective, and a keen interest in the medium of television and learning more about writing for it.
• You do not need to have a credit or agent representation in order to apply.
• As part of the application process, they request ONE complete script sample in PDF format. This should be a Drama or Comedy Drama script written for TV, Film, Radio, Stage or Online.

Deadline 

12pm (noon) on Tuesday 18th April 2023. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunities/writers-access-group/