The National Film and Television School (NFTS) is launching a new UK writers development programme, in partnership with The Crown producer Left Bank Pictures.
Kicking off from March 2024, the NFTS Diverse Writers Development Programme will select six up and coming UK screenwriters from under-represented backgrounds.
The chosen writers will embark on a paid, intensive 10-week programme.
During the course of the programme, four full series ideas will be developed and pitched, with the aim of creating commercially viable television drama concepts.
The participants will work through a curriculum designed by the NFTS whose graduates include screenwriters Laurie Nunn (Sex Education), Amelia Spencer (His Dark Materials) and Nathaniel Price (Noughts + Crosses).
The writers will get an understanding of the studio production process and how projects go from script to screen.
The programme will connect writers with production executives from Left Bank Pictures (The Crown, Without Sin, Quiz, Who Is Erin Carter?) and potentially other British production companies, giving opportunities for mentorship and industry networking. The writers will pitch their finished series ideas to executives from participating companies, who will have the option to pick up the concepts for further development.
Commenting on the launch of the new initiative, NFTS Director Jon Wardle commented: “Together with Left Bank Pictures, we hope to carve a new path where diverse voices illuminate the way forward, ensuring the stories we tell on screen are as vibrant and varied as the world we live in. We can’t wait to find these six new emerging writing talents from across the UK and begin the exciting journey ahead.”
Andy Harries, CEO of Left Bank Pictures added: “This is an important scheme, supporting new diverse talent and allowing their story telling to be heard and shared. We are thrilled to be part of this new initiative.”
Applications for the NFTS Diverse Writers Development Programme are now open with a closing date of midnight on 31st October 2023. For more info on how to apply and for eligibility criteria, go to nfts.co.uk/diverse-writers-development-programme
Pippa Considine
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