Are you a writer who has always wanted to pivot to screenwriting?

This free development lab is designed just for you! It’s open to underrepresented writers in West Yorkshire who are already creating content in other genres and are eager to explore the world of screenwriting.

Delivered by Screen Yorkshire, the training is funded through the West Yorkshire Mayor’s £2.3 million ‘You Can Make It Here’ programme, designed to support and grow the region’s creative industries. This program will support 10 writers to explore the new world of screenwriting. By the end, participants will feel ready to plan their next career steps, understand the essentials of screenwriting, be able to confidently create treatments and scripts, and have built a network of industry contacts.

The program includes six tailored online masterclasses led by established writers, commissioners, and development executives. Additionally, it offers regular check-ins and mentoring, a networking lunch with senior industry professionals, and an invitation to a broader networking event.

Applicants must be living or working in West Yorkshire to be eligible for this opportunity.  

The programme is open to anyone writing in a genre other than screenwriting i.e. playwrights, dramaturgs, lyricists, poets, novelists who are working in or living in West Yorkshire.

This is not an entry level programme and you must be able to demonstrate professional writing experience to be considered for a place. By professional writing experience we mean a piece of writing that has been published, publicly performed, funded, or commissioned. You do not need to be a full time professional writer to participate, but you must be able to demonstrate professional writing experience outside of screenwriting. This is to ensure a consistent level of programme to all participants.

Participants must be available for the online sessions and in-person dates as this is as a prerequisite to accepting a place on the programme.

In-person sessions will be held within the Yorkshire region where reasonable travel costs will be covered.  

What does the programme involve and what dates do I need to be available?  

The programme will be delivered from January 2025 – March 2025 via six online tutorials with two tailored, in person events towards the end of the programme.

 The programme will involve six online tutorials and keynote sessions from writers, producers, commissioners, agents and industry gatekeepers from across the screen industries. You will receive insights and guidance about how to pivot into screenwriting, what skills are needed, and one to one contact time to help develop an action plan and take the next steps in your career.

You will also be invited to an intimate working lunch with industry guests to help build your network of contacts. The cohort will also be able to attend a wider networking event at the end of the programme.  

Six online sessions to be held at 6pm on the below dates. Each session will be approximately 90 mins.  

Session 1 and 2 – 27th January and 3rd February, 2025  

The fundamentals of writing for the screen – exploring dialogue, stage directions, pacing, action, end of parts and episode hooks. These sessions will be delivered by an experienced script editor trainer and are intended to give writers a grounding in how to pivot their work.

Session 3 – 10th February, 2025  

The cohort will be introduced to at least one commissioner/senior gatekeeper who green lights content – we will explore the current commissioning landscape, IP and the writer’s role.

Session 4 – 17th February, 2025  

Meet the writer – for this session the cohort will meet an experienced writer who has worked across a different medium and successfully pivoted into screenwriting, cementing a professional screen career.  

Session 5 – 3rd March, 2025

Legals, agents and producers – this session will focus on the nuts and bolts of securing an agent, working with a producer, and considering any rights elements if adapting their existing work for the screen.  

Session 6 – 10th March, 2025  

This will be a guided session to support the cohort to develop a plan of action for next steps and point them to further resources.  

IN PERSON EVENT- 19th February, 2025

An intimate networking lunch with the cohort and a selection of invited senior industry guests  

NETWORKING SESSION 26th March, 2025

A larger in-person industry networking day to encourage relationship building and next step planning.  

Check-in sessions and support will be tailored at the beginning and end of the programme meaning every participant will receive mentoring.  

•  Programme Launch  & Applications Open Wednesday 20th November
• Applications close Sunday midnight 8th December
• Interviews Friday 13th December & Monday 16th December
• Offers made Tuesday 17th December
• Programme starts Monday 20^th January
• First online session commences Monday 27^th January
• Intimate working lunch Wednesday 19^th February
• Networking event Wednesday 26th March

Got questions? Come along to our online  FAQ session 25 Nov 5.30pm.

Register for the Q & A session  here

To apply for The Mayor’s Script Diversity Programme, please complete the below application form including details of your creative background, and by submitting a maximum of  two pages of professionally commissioned work e.g. prose, play, novel etc.

Applications close Sunday, Midnight 8th December.

Offers for the programme will be made on made 17 December and the Programme begins 20^th January 2025.

Please note: we will do our very best to support any access needs, get in touch with us at jo@screenyorkshire.co.uk  to advise if you need any additional support.