Applications for the 2026 Channel 4 Screenwriting Course open on 22nd September, 2025!

How it works

A series of lectures from high-profile writers, producers and directors. The expertise and guidance of your own script editor. Workshops with other leading industry professionals. These are the tools at your disposal. 

The purpose of the course is to offer 12 writers new to television drama an insight into how the industry works and to provide a “dry-run” of what it can be like to write under a television drama commission, specifically for one hour series and serial drama, and to work with them as they write an original drama script.

Writers will be expected to write an original C4 / E4 one-hour drama series or serial pilot episode, and 2-3 page outline / pitch for the series / serial as a whole.

Each writer will be assigned a script editor, who is currently working in the industry, to guide them through this process. Writers will meet at least twice with their script editor and should complete a 2nd draft script before the 2nd weekend of the course. Completed, 2nd draft scripts will be sent to the script editor and two other writers on the course, for workshop discussions at the second weekend.

There will be two key weekends in the course. Writers must ensure before entering that they are available to attend both these weekends (in London) and are free to write at least two drafts of an original one-hour television drama between January and June 2026.

The first weekend offers the chance to get the inside track on writing for television from expert industry figures. Time will also be set aside to chat through your ideas with our assigned script editor. You’ll then go on to develop your script, submitting a second draft in time for the second weekend.

This will see actors read a section of each script on the first day, followed by discussion and analysis on the second day. We’ll finish with a workshop, course overview and a look at our specific requirements in terms of series and serial television drama.

The course also includes a drinks evening at our offices in London where you can meet industry producers, script editors, literary agents and other useful people to know.

You’ll be paid for taking part and producing two drafts of a one-hour script. The first option on this should be granted to Shelley Productions for Channel 4 to acquire all rights. We’ll let you know within six months of delivery whether we intend to exercise this option.

Click here to see what past successful 4Screenwriting participants got up to. 

Applications for the 2026 Channel 4 Screenwriting Course open on 22nd September, 2025!

HOW TO APPLY:    

Channel 4 Screenwriting - Philip Shelley, Script Consultant (script-consultant.co.uk)

NOTE: YOU CANNOT SUBMIT THE SAME SCRIPT YOU HAVE SUBMITTED IN PREVIOUS YEARS. HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE A WRITER WHO IDENTIFIES AS DISABLED, YOU ARE WELCOME TO SUBMIT THE SAME SCRIPT A SECOND TIME.

ELIGIBILITY:

Only writers who do not have a broadcast credit as a television writer or theatrical release as a feature film writer may apply (although produced short films – 20 minutes or less – are exempt). 

CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSIONS:        

Monday 6th October 2025 at 5.00 pm. 

How it works

How it works

Initially we are looking for six writers who will be commissioned to write a treatment for an original half hour idea that can form part of an ambitious anthology series. Of those six, three will then be commissioned to write scripts for production. They will be tutored by and work with experienced drama producers at BlackLight Television to develop their scripts. The series of 3x30min dramas will be broadcast on Channel 4.

Additionally, at the end of the process the three chosen writers will also have the opportunity to develop an original series, serial or single with BlackLight Television and Channel 4.

Directors will learn how to hone their skills and deliver their vision under the guidance of experienced drama professionals, kick-starting their careers directing drama for television.

This is a unique opportunity for emerging writers and directors to make an authored TV drama with a guaranteed network broadcast. 

Commissioned by Channel 4 from BlackLight Television, the aim is to create an eye-catching, original and bold anthology. We aim to start pre-production in the summer of 2022.

Who can apply

We’re particularly interested in hearing from people who are currently underrepresented in TV drama, namely: women; deaf and/or disabled people; ethnically diverse people and people from lower socio-economic groups.This is in line with the positive action provision of the Equality Act 2010.

We want to hear from emerging UK writing and directing talent who bring a distinct and alternative view of modern Britain.  

Writers

We want to hear from you if you haven’t had an original single, serial or series broadcast on UK television. It’s fine if you’ve contributed to episodes on soaps, series or serials but you should have no more than two hours of broadcast credits. You’ll need to submit an original full script for TV, radio, film or stage.

Directors

Those without a TV drama credit on a single or series and no more than two hours of broadcast credits on soaps. You’ll need to submit a short or long-form film.

Applications are welcomed from any writer or director who meets the criteria set out above. Although all applications will be considered on their individual merits, in order to promote diversity and to increase participation of those who are currently under-represented in TV drama, use may be made of the positive action provisions in the Equality Act 2010 when deciding between two equally qualified and talented applicants.

All applicants must be a resident of the United Kingdom.

4Stories is in its fourth year and has proven to be a successful launchpad for emerging British talent. The first series of On The Edge received 2 BAFTA nominations for Best Single Drama and Best Breakthrough Talent and 3 BAFTA Cymru nominations for Best Drama, Photography and Sound. The second series also received 2 BAFTA nominations for Best Single Drama and Best Breakthrough Talent and won a BAFTA Cymru for Best Breakthrough. On The Edge series 3, shot in 2021, saw 3 new films by exciting first-time writers and directors - Mincemeat, Cradled and Superdad are available to view on All4. 

Applications for 4Stories 2022 are now closed.

Production Training Scheme 

Applications for the Channel 4 Production Training Scheme 2025 have now closed. 

On the Production Training Scheme, we offer opportunities across the UK, where our trainees get to work for independent production companies for a period of 12 months alongside support and training delivered by thinkBIGGER! 

In the first week, trainees spend a week in TV Bootcamp hearing from graduates of the scheme and Commissioning Editors who’ll give them the lowdown on what it takes to succeed. Their career in TV then starts for real at their production company and each month they’ll still receive invaluable training from thinkBIGGER! to help them further their career.

Applicants applying for this scheme may already have a degree in Film and Television (or related) or have some previous experience of the television industry through running, work experience or short-term placements, but no more than three (3) months cumulatively. 

This is just one opportunity that you can apply for with 4Skills! 

For more information about future opportunities from 4Skills, please follow us on Instagram: @channel4skills or click on the 4Skills tab at the top of this page.