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Channel 4 New Writers Scheme

Channel 4’s New Writers Scheme is a one-stop-shop for unrepresented writers currently living in the Nations and Regions with a burning desire to write TV drama.

Channel 4's New Writers Scheme

Applications for the New Writers Scheme 2025/26 are now OPEN

Click on the links below to apply:

(Please ONLY apply to the location which is geographically closest to where you currently live)

ABOUT

Channel 4’s New Writers Scheme is a one-stop-shop for new writers currently living in the Nations and Regions with a burning desire to write TV drama. It is open to unrepresented new writers looking for their first writing credit. This scheme is aimed at those currently underrepresented in the TV industry. We are particularly keen to hear from Deaf and/or disabled people, ethnically diverse people and people from lower socioeconomic groups.

This is a unique opportunity to gain the skills needed to forge a successful writing career, and tell stories which reflect the diversity and creativity of the place where you live. Over 9 months, you will receive support to complete a spec script and will benefit from expert industry training and insights, mentoring and introductions to scripted drama production companies. You will be expected to attend 2 training days in person (travel will be required) approximately every other month. A designated commissioning contact from the Channel 4 Drama team will be assigned to you and will read your script at the end of the course.

This development programme is targeted at emerging writers from the UK’s Nations & Regions, with applications welcomed from writers living near one of our Channel 4 Hubs: Bristol (Wales and the West/South West of England), Glasgow (Scotland) and Leeds (Northern England).This year, we are also accepting applications from writers based in Northern Ireland. There will be a cohort of writers selected from each location and you will build your skills, knowledge and networks to develop and write scripts reflecting your regional identity, with a particular focus on diverse perspectives.

ELIGIBILITY/CRITERIA

The scheme is open to all new writers who are not represented by an agent. Please note that we cannot accept applications from writers with representation or a writing credit for television.
You will be able to demonstrate a burning desire to write television drama.
You may have had experience in writing for theatre, radio or made short films though this is not essential.
Submissions will be your original work.
Submissions will be assessed on the strength of the writing and the originality of the pitch.
You must be able to commit to attending in-person training days (around every 8 weeks), alongside regular virtual masterclass sessions, and meetings with your mentor and script editor.
Please be aware that participation in this scheme requires a significant commitment. To achieve your writing goals on the New Writers Scheme, you will need to commit to a minimum of 10 hours of writing per week.

COURSE CONTENT

The scheme will cover fundamental elements of writing drama for TV including masterclasses from some of the best producers, directors and writers in the industry on subjects such as:

TV Format and genre.
Story and structure: Essential elements that go into creating a dynamic and compelling story.
Character and dialogue: How to create memorable and original characters.
Pitching.
How to write outlines and treatments.
Navigating the industry and finding & working with an agent.

TIMETABLE

Applications for the scheme will be open from Wednesday 28th May to Wednesday 25th June 2025.
- Please submit your application by 18:00pm on Wednesday 25th June.
We hosted a one hour online Q&A webinar for applicants on Thursday 12th June. You can access the recording with subtitles and BSL Interpreter here: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/play/Z8JxeTE3DVLsRI9bG5anokkuVCAu3Rb7mI_qGK_Gdum9_AejlS4VAyM0oZkJkJc0Jf4POALIVYVtw3TG.ytsNE5EeawMwOD_-?pwd=f6F83xvb_vznwROZ5-nA-rtzsCfef6jU.
The interviews will be held virtually in September 2025 (Dates TBC). The scheme will begin in October 2025.
If you are selected you must be able to travel* to a series of training days and events between October 2025 and July 2026. In-person sessions will take place every 6 to 8 weeks and could take place across our regional C4 hubs: Leeds, Manchester, Bristol and Glasgow.
- The scheme will launch in October with three days of onboarding and training at the Channel 4 Leeds HQ (Tuesday 21st- Thursday 23rd October). Future training dates are currently TBC, but will be shared with successful writers before the scheme begins.
Please be aware that participation in this scheme requires a significant commitment. To achieve your writing goals on the New Writers Scheme, you will need to commit to a minimum of 10 hours of writing per week.

*C4 can provide financial support for travel related costs (i.e. trains, flights and overnight accommodation) for travel to/from training sessions that are part of the programme. As this is a free training programme, it is unpaid and sessions are scheduled to ensure most people can attend them around a full-time job.

Important additional information

Adaptations will not be accepted. Submissions must be your own original work and may not be based wholly or in part, on the work of another person, whether known, published, produced or not.
Adaptation of third-party materials, novels, short stories, poems and short films (under 30 minutes in duration) are ineligible unless it is your original work.
Submissions should not be, or ever have been, in development with any third party.
Applicants must be unrepresented, and we cannot accept applications from writers with agent representation.
No feedback can be given on unsuccessful submissions.
This scheme is an unpaid opportunity, but financial assistance with travel and expenses may be available for those who need support.
Applicants must only apply once, and this should be to the regional hub closest to where you are based. Additional applications will not be accepted.
The deadline to apply is 18:00pm on Wednesday 25th June. Please note we are unable to accept any applications after this date.

HOW TO APPLY

PART ONE: Please submit the following documents as one merged PDF file*:

A CV, highlighting any credits or relevant experience if applicable.
The first eight pages of an original script idea for a new Channel 4 TV drama series.
A separate drama series pitch document for a different idea for a series, no longer than one side of A4.

For guidance on the current commissioning priorities please follow this link: https://www.channel4.com/commissioning/4producers/drama

PART TWO: Please also answer the following questions and upload as a PDF file:

Please tell us why you would like a place on this scheme and how would you benefit from participating? (150-200 words max)
Channel 4 is committed to amplifying underrepresented voices in TV Drama, please tell us more about your script and how you hope to bring your unique perspective to your writing? (150-200 words max)
What steps have you taken to advance your writing and experience so far? For example this may be training, voluntary work or theatre experience. (250-300 words max)

*For information on how to merge files into one document please visit this link: https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/online/merge-pdf.htm

SUBMISSION FORMAT

At the top of your application, please state your name(s) and the location where you live clearly.
Create front pages for your original script and your pitch document with the following information:
- Title: give your original script and pitch working titles even if you think you may want to change them later.
- Written by: your name(s).
- Contact details
- Format: e.g. 6 x 60 serialised drama, 6 x 30 romantic comedy.
- Genre: e.g. supernatural horror.
- Logline: a very short (approx 50 words) summary of the concept which conveys the essence of your show.
One-page pitch: this should be able to stand alone to pitch your show. Think of it as an extended logline, like a flyer for your show. It summarises, in four or five paragraphs, all the key elements that will make your show compelling.
Please use a clear, readable font, such as Courier, Verdana, Calibri or Arial and use the same font throughout.

FAQ's

Q) Can I submit a script from a sub-genre of drama?

A) Yes, we also welcome scripts from sub-genres of drama, e.g comedy-drama.

Q) Can I submit as part of a writing partnership?

A) We welcome submissions from writing partnerships (two maximum) as long as both writers meet the criteria and submit individual applications to the scheme (the script and pitch submitted may be the same for both applicants, if these two separate ideas were written together). Both writers should specify clearly at the top of their application documents that they are submitting as part of a partnership, and include the name of their writing partner.

Q) Do I need to upload 2 pitch documents?

A) No, please only upload one pitch document (1 side of A4), this should be for a different original idea to your 8 page script submission.

If you have any questions regarding the application process or require any adjustments please email us at 4Skills@channel4.co.uk

APPLY NOW

Click on the links below to apply:

(Please ONLY apply to the location which is geographically closest to where you currently live)

The Channel 4 New Writers Scheme has been developed and delivered by Channel 4, alongside our regional partners: BFI Network (Film Hub North and Watershed), Screen Scotland and Northern Ireland Screen.