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Â鶹Éç Writers’ Pilot programme exists to identify outstanding emerging television writers and give them the support, time and industry connections to realise their potential. Every two years a group of writers are partnered with independent production companies for between a year and eighteen months. Throughout the duration of the programme, the writers attend masterclasses and workshops with established television writers and production teams while developing and writing their pilot script commission. The aim is that the writer’s series or serial will subsequently be taken into full development by the Â鶹Éç.

For 2027/28 we're delighted to be focusing the programme exclusively on emerging deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent writers, whose voices are vital to the future of television drama in the UK.

Find out more on a blog post from Jess Loveland, Head of Â鶹Éç Writers and New Writing for Â鶹Éç Drama

*Please Note* This is a separate opportunity from our annual Open Call

ELIGIBILITY

• Writers must have at least ONE professionally produced piece of narrative scriptwriting work, a minimum of 30 minutes in length, in television, radio, theatre or film.  Novels are ineligible and will not be accepted.  ALTERNATIVELY writers must have an agent, supplying address and contact details or have completed the Â鶹Éç Writers Access Group programme.
• Writers are asked to submit an original spec script written for television (minimum 50 pages) together with evidence of their professional credit and/or agent representation.
• The aim of the Programme is to give writers their first original television drama or comedy/drama series or serial commission. 
• Writers must not have an original idea in development (beyond treatment stage) with Â鶹Éç Television Drama.  Writers in development outside the Â鶹Éç are eligible to apply.
• Writers must not have had a previous original series or serial commission from Â鶹Éç One, Â鶹Éç Two or Â鶹Éç Three.
• Applicants must be resident in the UK or Republic of Ireland. You do not need to have been born here, but you do need to have the right to work in the UK.
• Writers must demonstrate a burning desire to write television drama. 

HOW TO APPLY

• Read the full Terms and Conditions of Entry for Pilot 2027/28
• Submit your application via the Â鶹Éç Writers E-submissions system (using the link further down this page) before the deadline.

Deadline: 12 noon on Tuesday 4th August 2026

TIMETABLE

• There will be up to eight places on the scheme.
• The first round of interviews will be held in October 2026 (dates tbc).  Shortlisted writers will then have meetings with independent production companies in November-December 2026 (exact dates tbc).
• We will then inform the successful writers.
• Selected writers must be available to write their script and attend a series of writing workshops, lectures and readings from the beginning of 2027 and across the subsequent months, both in-person and online. They will also receive notes on their pitches and each draft of their treatment and script. 

SCRIPT FEE

• For details see the Terms and Conditions of Entry Section 5 'Outcome'. 

ENTRY FAQS

• It is essential that applicants have an interest in and enthusiasm for television drama.  Submissions will be initially assessed on the strength of the writing and ideas demonstrated at interview.
• Submissions must be the writer’s original work, and may not be based wholly or in part, on the work of any other person, whether known, published, produced, or not (i.e. no adaptations).
• As well as individual writers, writing partnerships of two (maximum) may enter.  Scripts submitted must be written by the partnership.
• No feedback can be given on unsuccessful submissions. 

ACCESSIBILITY AND SUPPORT

• Download an Easy Read document which explains the Pilot scheme and the application process
• See a preview of the E-submissions entry form so you can prepare your submission and answers to the questions in advance

**If you have specific access requirements then please Contact Â鶹Éç Writers at least 48 hours ahead of the deadline to discuss your application.** 

Read the full Terms and Conditions of Entry  You will be asked to confirm that you have read these before submitting your entry.