Channel 4 seeks new writing talent

Judging is underway to identify raw and diverse writing talent from the north of England, thanks to a new scheme launched by Northumbria and Channel 4, as part of the annual Northern Writers’ Awards.

The ‘Channel 4/Northumbria University Writing for Television Award’ was launched as a new category in the Northern Writers’ Awards, which are produced by New Writing North. The competition, which was open to complete beginners as well as those who already have some writing experience, will offer two writers the chance to be mentored through the script commissioning process.

One of the winning writers will be mentored by Lime Pictures in Liverpool, which produces Hollyoaks, shadowing the process of script development, from first draft to broadcast script. This may lead to a commission to write an original episode of the serial that will be broadcast on Channel 4. The other winner will be mentored by RED Production Company in Salford (producers of Scott & Bailey and Happy Valley) and will receive advice on script development and technique. They will also have access to support from top television professionals to develop their own original ideas for broadcast.

Lee Mason, Commissioning Editor for Channel 4, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Northumbria University and New Writing North on this new award. There is a wealth of writing talent in the north of England, and the opportunity to identify and nurture that talent is incredibly exciting.

“Lime Pictures and RED Production Company are hugely respected companies that have a large amount of experience and advice that will be immensely helpful for aspiring writers. They also both share an incredibly strong reputation for supporting new talent from the north of England.

“We very much look forward to