At DANDI, we are very excited to announce an update to the Regional Breakthrough Writers programme! We have partnered with three additional independent production companies for a brand-new regional writer’s programme for writers based outside the M25 looking to break into High-end Television. This programme is supported and funded by the ScreenSkills High-End TV Skills Fund with contributions from UK high-end TV productions.
The Regional Breakthrough Writers programme now offers nine emerging regional writers the opportunity to partner with a production company, for a programme of training and support, alongside a developing a brand new HETV idea under a paid six-month option with their partner production company.
DANDI will be delivering the programme, following similar successful programmes such as WriterSlam for UKTV, which resulted in four new comedy pilots being produced for the channel in 2022.
This groundbreaking programme aims to create opportunities for talented writers from underrepresented backgrounds in the regions who are trying to establish themselves and develop their voice.
The companies participating in the programme are:
Warp Films (Sheffield)
LA Productions (Liverpool)
Sid Wild (Bristol)
Northern SISTER (Manchester)
Saffron Cherry Productions (Manchester)
TriForce Productions (Nottingham)
5 Acts Productions, part of ITV Studios (Cardiff)
Hill 5.14 Media (Bedford)
Rope Ladder Fiction (Manchester)
Each company is searching for their own writer – some have already identified who they will be working with. TriForce Productions and Rope Ladder Fiction are currently working through their applications from the open call out they had, but Sid Wild are now open for a short time accepting applications. You can find out more and apply here on the TCN Talent Pool: https://jobs.thetcn.com/jobs/Careers
This opportunity is open to any writer without a high-end television writing credit. Writers with credits in Children’s and Continuing Drama are welcome to apply. You do not need to have agent representation to apply.
What is the process?
The selected candidates will be paid £15,000 for an initial option fee spanning six months. At the end of the process the partner production company will either decide to extend the option and continue to develop the project, or return the rights to the writer.
Throughout the six-month programme, the selected writer will work closely with their partner production company to develop their idea through to a pilot episode by the end of the six months.
Alongside their work with their production company, the successful applicants will also be provided with regular training alongside the rest of the cohort, organised by the ScreenSkills HETV Skills Fund and Dandi.
Key Dates
Mid November – Final writers selected and informed.
(tbc) 28th November – scheme launch event in Birmingham (travel expenses covered)
How to apply and FAQs
Please head over to our jobs website to find out more and apply. Sid Wild are keen to hear from writers based in the South-West of England.
Sid Wild https://zurl.to/4bGL?source=CareerSite
About the ScreenSkills’ High-end TV Skills Fund
Launched in 2013, the High-End Television Skills Fund has invested over £36 million in skills and training. The five major broadcasters support the Fund along with streamers including Acorn Media, Amazon, Apple, Disney, Netflix, Sony and Warner Media and since launch 1,090 productions have contributed to the Fund.
ScreenSkills is the skills body for the UK screen industries. Industry funded and business-led, it helps to train people at every career stage who make UK content which everyone loves and trusts. ScreenSkills’ Funds play a leading role in the creation of high quality, accessible and standardised training and development programmes that creates and sustains a skilled and inclusive workforce, enabling growth and future innovation, and actively contributing to the future creativity, health and prosperity of the sector.
