Seventeen emerging writers from across the UK have joined Channel 4’s New Writers Scheme, a nine-month programme designed to support new and underrepresented voices in television drama.
The initiative offers writers the opportunity to develop their first pilot episode-spec for TV, with expert guidance and mentoring from scripted indies and a script editor, alongside feedback from Channel 4.
This year, the scheme has expanded to include Northern Ireland, with five writers from the region joining writers based near Channel 4’s regional hubs in Bristol, Glasgow, and Leeds.
The scheme launched this week at Channel 4’s National Headquarters in Leeds, with expert talks from screenwriters Grace-Ofori Attah (Malpractice, Playing Nice) and Helen Black (Time, Life and Death in the Warehouse).
Writers also heard from Channel 4’s Interim Head of Drama Gwawr Lloyd and World Production’s Head of Development and Exec ProducerEmma Luffingham, before taking part in two days of bespoke training led by television producer and script editor John Yorke.
The New Writers Scheme is funded and developed by 4Skills with Channel 4 Drama and supported by the BFI NETWORK (Film Hub South West and Film Hub North), alongside support from Screen Scotland and Northern Ireland Screen.
Kevin Blacoe, Head of Partnerships & Skills, Nations & Regions at Channel 4, said:
“Giving emerging and talented writers the opportunity to grow their craft is written into Channel 4’s DNA. We’re thrilled to be expanding to Northern Ireland this year and work with Northern Ireland Screen, Screen Scotland and the BFI NETWORK to open up new pathways for regional talent.”
Gwawr Lloyd, Interim Head of Drama at Channel 4, said:
“It was a real pleasure to meet this year’s cohort, all of whom are very talented and deeply committed to developing their craft over the course. We’re very proud of the scheme – now returning for its third year – which is connecting us with writers from across the UK and helping them gain experience in the industry. We wish them all the best on the scheme and are really excited to see how their ideas evolve and take shape over the coming months.”
Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, said:
“We’re thrilled to see the first Northern Ireland cohort of Channel 4’s New Writers Scheme officially underway. This is a fantastic opportunity for emerging writers here to take the next step in their careers to develop their voices, build industry connections and get one step closer to seeing their stories on screen.
“Channel 4 has a strong track record of backing bold, authentic storytelling and Derry Girls, written by Northern Ireland’s own Lisa McGee, is proof of how local stories can strike a chord with audiences around the world. Partnering with Channel 4 on this scheme allows us to champion fresh, diverse talent and ensure Northern Ireland’s next generation of writers have the support they need to make their mark in television drama.”
Alice Cabañas, Head of BFI NETWORK, said:
“As a programme that prioritises nurturing underrepresented writing talent from across the nations and regions, we are delighted to support this initiative. Now in its third edition, it is fantastic to see it expand into Northern Ireland.”
Kieran Hannigan, Head of Scripted at Screen Scotland said:
“Channel 4 have once again unearthed some great Scottish talent. We’ve seen firsthand the benefits for some of the past participants of the scheme and hope this year’s writers gain just as much from this invaluable opportunity to develop their craft in the hands of some top indies and the great team at Channel 4.”