Script Room: Get the Inside Scoop on our next Script Submission Opportunity

Thinking of entering a script in our next submission window? 

We've summed up the main points from our online webinar event from last Monday below, together with some top tips and advice.

WHEN IS IT OPEN?

The Script Room scheme opens for submissions at 11am on Monday 7th December. The scheme closes for submissions at 5pm on Wednesday 6th January.

WHO CAN ENTER?

• Writers of 16+ years of age.
• Writers who are resident in the UK or Republic of Ireland. You don’t need to be British or born in this country but if your script demonstrates you have the potential to be developed as a writer we do want to build an ongoing relationship with you. For this reason you must have the right to work in this country.
• A writer can only submit 1 script per submission window either as an individual or as part of a duo.

WHAT SORT OF SCRIPT?

• It must be at least 30 pages long.
• Please format it as well as possible. You don’t need paid-for scriptwriting software, there are templates available on our site or have a look at our Script Library for how to structure a script. There is free scriptwriting software available if you do a web search.
• You can also write your script on ordinary word processing software (eg Word) if that is what you are most comfortable with. All scripts must be converted to pdf files to submit them to us.
• Any medium: TV, Film, Radio, Theatre, Online.
• An original idea which doesn’t infringe anyone else’s copyright. For example don’t write a script for an existing show or include characters from another story. We don’t want adaptations (unless they are of your own work), or re-imaginings, spinoffs, fan-fiction ideas etc.
• Make sure you remove your details from the actual script. It is linked to your profile in the submissions system. Scripts are read anonymously.
• We only accept scripts that have not previously been submitted to Script Room.
• In this window we’re accepting Drama and Comedy Drama but not Sitcom.

WHY ENTER?

• It provides an annual deadline. Something to work towards. Professional writers have to be able to hit deadlines.
• You can build up a body of work and the more you write then the more you’ll develop your craft.
• If you reach the full read stage you will receive feedback on your work.
• It gets you on the BBC Writersroom ‘radar’.
• We often see writers get further and further through the process over several years and eventually gaining a place in one of our development groups.
• A small number of writers will be asked to interview and if selected will be asked to join our next Drama Room year-long writer development group.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?

• Script Room is not a competition but a way of the BBC seeking out the most talented new and exciting voices.
• Wait until your script is really ready before you submit, we don’t read early drafts, outlines, pitches, synopses, treatments etc and we won’t accept a resubmitted script in a later window.
• Take care with your script. Spelling and grammar mistakes and characters whose names change mid-script can be off-putting and give the impression that you don’t really care about your work.
• We are not looking for scripts to commission or produce but writers with potential (there's more about what we do here). Don’t be limited by considerations of budget, location etc. You don’t need to include a series outline (although you can if you want).
• Your script will not be judged on its suitability for a particular slot on the BBC but purely on the writing.
• When you enter you’ll need to include a logline for your script. You can find out more about loglines and get some advice on our blog. If you’re struggling to write your logline then that could indicate that there’s something wrong with your story.
• Scripts go through a number of reading rounds. The first round is of the first 10-pages of every script. If your script progresses beyond that then the next round is 30-pages followed by a full read. Find out more in our FAQs.

CAN YOU GIVE SOME TIPS AND ADVICE?

• Tip #1 Give us something new, not what you think we want or what you think the BBC would broadcast or a version of the latest popular show. Show us a view of the world, places and people that we haven’t seen or met before.
• Tip #2 Tap into your unique, distinctive and authentic voice. Write from the heart and tell us a story which only you could tell. What story are you passionate to tell? What excites you, annoys you, upsets you, makes you laugh?
• Tip #3 Lay the foundations early & hit the ground running. Remember that in the first round we only read the first 10 pages, so grab your audience, get your story going and get your characters in action and show us who they are by what they do.
• Tip #4 Writing is rewriting. Please don’t submit your first draft. Put it away for a week or two and come back to it. Read it and revise it. Be your own Script Editor. Try reading it out with friends – what works or doesn’t work?
• Tip #5 Entertain the reader. We want to read great stories, page-turners. Read scripts in our library of shows you like to see how they do it. 

HOW DO I ENTER?

• Visit the Opportunity page on our website for full details.
• Read the Terms and Conditions.
• If you haven’t entered before you’ll need to create a profile on our E-submissions system. You can only do this once the window is open. If you have entered before then you can login using the same details.
• All script submissions are made as pdf files via our E-submissions system. Find out more on the Opportunity page.
• You can enter at any time that the window is open. Don’t wait until the deadline day. Submit at least a few days in advance.
• If you get stuck with your entry then you can email us for help but we may be very busy on deadline day and we can’t guarantee to be able to respond before the deadline has passed.
• You’ll get an email confirmation for your entry with a unique submission number. Don’t forget to check your Junk Mail folder if you think this hasn’t arrived.
• Make use of the resources on the BBC Writersroom website (advice, blogs, tips and tricks, Script library and so much more).
• The full reading process can take several months so please bear with us to hear the outcome. 

FINAL ADVICE:

Make sure the first ten pages of your script really capture your audience’s attention.  Aim for something that’s exciting, concise, sets up your characters and their world. Don’t over describe. 

More great advice on getting your Script ready on this blog post from Philip Shelley