As we open our for unsolicited scripts, a window of possibility opens for thousands of writers. The outcome of the Script Room will be - a group of 15 writers we take through a six month attachment to the ±«Óãtv Writersroom comprised of monthly, intensive masterclasses. These masterclasses offer a full scale immersion into various aspects of writing for broadcast – radio, continuing drama series, television drama, children’s. The writers are introduced to producers, heads of development, script editors and other industry figures. It’s our time to champion their work and try to set them on a path to being a successful, jobbing writer.
Even though I love to imagine that every writer could get their wonderful original ±«Óãtv One drama off the ground, we try to be realistic about what is achievable when you’re early in your writing career. Even well-seasoned writers struggle to get their ideas through commissioning and onto the screen. The competition is fierce. The odds aren’t stacked in your favour. So what can you do to improve these odds? We encourage writers to think broadly and explore avenues they may not have entertained or imagined working. Much of the work we do with the Drama Room writers is to draw their attention to these entry points that may be more achievable in these earlier stages of their career. Let me be clear that (a) this doesn’t mean it’s easy to get work writing in these places – you still need to be a brilliant writer, passionate about the show and work excruciatingly hard (b) not all – or perhaps any - of these places may be the right fit for you. As with all things to do with a writing career and writing itself, there’s no “one size fits all”. You have to beat out your own path and be true to yourself. I know some writers who would rather eat their own pancreas than write for a continuing drama series. That said, I know others who may have put themselves in that category before doing a session with someone like the inimitable (who has written about 300 episodes of EASTENDERS). Let me tell you, everyone wants to write for after you hear Sarah talking about it.
The 2016 Drama Room writers in a TV drama writing masterclass
So, if having your original television drama series is the golden egg, how can you get there? Or at least, how can you begin the journey of getting there?
RADIO
Have you thought about writing a radio drama? Do you listen to radio drama? May I suggest familiarising yourself with the (formerly the Afternoon Play)? Radio 4 produce the highest volume of original drama across all broadcast. And they have a commitment to “first time” writers.
CHILDREN’S
What about writing for children’s television? Do you watch or ? Have you thought about how it would be to write for a show with a large and diverse cast like ? Children’s are always looking for exciting new ideas and are more amenable to working with writers early in their career – for the right project. Get to know the channels and see what you think might be missing in the schedule!
The Dumping Ground
DAYTIME
Daytime television! and are two huge hits for the ±«Óãtv – daytime or not. Both have fantastic writers working on them and are a boon for international audiences. What’s different about daytime television? Well, practically, the budgets are smaller, but who is your audience? Do you have an idea that could fit these slots?
The Coroner: Jane Kennedy (Claire Goose) and DS Davey Higgins (Matt Bardock)
CONTINUING DRAMA SERIES
And finally, continuing drama series: , , , and . These shows are massive machines that need writers for their considerable output. They can be beasts that chew you up and spit you out if you can’t work to their demands. But they can also be a supportive environment where you will learn your craft very quickly. If you’re good at writing for them, they will keep you close and you may just be able to earn a living. Please make no mistake about them being a stepping stone – this is a popular misnomer. They could lay a very solid foundation to your writing career. Before you state your opinion on any of these shows, think about the last time you watched any of them – if ever. Then go to and do some catching up!
We anticipate receiving in excess of 3000 drama scripts for this Script Room. I know you can do the maths on these odds. However, I hope to encourage you to keep on writing no matter what the outcome. Try broadening your view of the landscape to see if you can broaden your career opportunities?
For your chance to be part of the next Drama Room development group submit your script to our now open.