Editor's Note: Fraser Ayres co-founded The Triforce Creative Network with best friend Jimmy Akingbola in 2004. TriForce was founded to open the doors to the entertainment industry to people from all walks of life, as well as provide a trusted and viable avenue for the industry to discover diverse talent.
Following the success of their MonologueSlam industry showcase for actors from all backgrounds and profiles, Fraser introduces Triforce's new initiative, WriterSlam.
WriterSlam helps broadcasters and production companies access new and established writers from ALL backgrounds, with a core focus of providing tangible outcomes for participants. We believe there is a wide pool of dedicated, professional and highly engaged talent – they’re just waiting to be heard.
The TriForce Creative Network now has over 16,000 members and through various programs and initiatives, we hone talent, launch careers and provide support to creatives. Our initiatives focus on creating alternative routes for talent to access opportunities in the industry, helping to find new voices and fresh talent; such as Sophie Petzal who was discovered through our writing initiative with the BBC, ‘All Mixed Up’.
Following the same core ethos of providing access for all that has driven MonologueSlam UK, we’re engaging directly with broadcasters and production companies to provide opportunities (jobs!) that have a direct impact on those taking part.
WriterSlam was launched through our network and with our partners, asking writers to submit ideas for a returning drama series, with a synopsis and just 10-15 pages of a script. We believe not everyone has the luxury of time to sit down and write a full script, and the limited number of pages required ensures we get the widest spread of people and provide as much access as possible. This led to us receiving over 1000 entries from Polish plumbers to African parking attendants and everybody in between and we believe it is these voices that can bring fundamental change to our industry and how it engages with the new wave of creatives.
We held workshops with the finalists (led by the wonderful Michael Jacob) which culminated in an exciting event held at Theatre Royal Stratford East, where the pieces were performed by professional actors so that they could be heard by the judges and industry audience.
The 1st WriterSlam took place in June 2015 with the winner (Lee Coan) receiving a commission from ITV, and two other writers also wining prizes. Tom McKay received a place on the introduction workshop for BBC Continuing Drama, and Michael Wiafe a shadowing opportunity with Tiger Aspect on a new drama. Alongside this, the longlisters will also be receiving feedback directly from executives at the BBC and ITV, ensuring that doors are open to as many people as possible.
WriterSlam will be expanding with the next one in November 2015 (this time the focus will be on comedy) and we are currently talking to broadcasters about more WriterSlams, more outcomes, as well as an ongoing tutoring process so that people at all levels are receiving the support that they need.
You can see more of what we do at TheTCN.com and if you feel you have a voice that needs to be heard – get in touch!
Fraser Ayres
Co-Founder and MD of The TriForce Creative Network
