New Writers Guide

We hope the following information about resources, courses, and prizes is useful. This list is far from exhaustive and we will continue to update.

Resources

The BBC Writersroom is an invaluable resource. It includes:

  • Opportunities throughout the industry (not just the BBC)

  • A library of scripts to read from a range of productions and genres

  • Information regarding Writersroom initiatives, schemes, submissions windows and access groups

The Writers Guild website sets out rates, agreements, guidelines and advice. Members are entitled to contracts vetting from their team.

Competitions

These are just a few of the highly regarded competitions in the industry:

BAFTA Rocliffe

Bruntwood Prize

Phoebe Frances Brown Award

Verity Bargate

Women's Prize for Playwrighting

Courses

For some writers, a BA or MA, or a shorter course such as that run by C4 or Arvon, are a good way to hone their craft. The list is a small selection of what is on offer.

Arvon Foundation

BBC WritersRoom Groups

Birkbeck, University of London

Channel 4 Screenwriting Course

City Academy

London College of Communication

London Film School

Met Film School

NFTS

Northern Film School

Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

Theatres

Many theatres have specific windows for new writers to submit, or run groups for writers to get involved.

 Theatres and theatre companies that particularly champion new playwrights include: 

Bush Theatre

Finborough Theatre

Orange Tree Theatre

Paines Plough

Royal Court