BBC Writersroom announce Scottish Drama Writers' Programme 2021

Following on from the successful BBC Writersroom pan-UK TV Drama Writers’ Programme, the Scottish initiative will fund and partner 8 writers with a Scottish independent production company who will support them in developing an original TV script aimed at BBC One or BBC Three.

Within the year-long programme, the selected writers will have access to BBC Writersroom led writer sessions and workshops with experienced British TV writers and industry experts to assist in developing their scripts. The aim is that the writer’s series or serial will be taken into full development by the BBC.

Long term, the aim of the Scottish Drama Writers programme is to be a catalyst for the selected writers and independent production companies to establish working relationships and to support the wider creative broadcast industry in Scotland.

Participants in the 2021 programme are:

• May Sumbwanyambe - Two Rivers Media
• Anita Vettesse - BBC Studios
• Jenni Fagan - STV Studios
• Emma Lennox - TOD Productions
• Raman Mundair - Synchronicity Films
• James Price - Balloon Entertainment
• Maryam Hamidi - World Productions, Scotland
• Rob Drummond - Freedom Scripted Entertainment

Quotes from partners

Kieran Hannigan, Screen Scotland's Head of Scripted says, "Writers are the lifeblood of TV drama and we are thrilled to be part of this programme that pairs some of the most exciting writing talent in Scotland with some of our best drama Indies. Our commitment alongside the BBC is to deepen the relationship with Scottish talent with more high impact drama projects from Scotland on the BBC network as our shared aim."

Gaynor Holmes, Drama Commissioner, BBC Drama says, "Nurturing new talent is absolutely central to everything we do in BBC Drama so we are thrilled to announce this joint initiative with Screen Scotland and BBC Writersroom. Scottish drama output is at an all time high but we’re always looking for the next great idea and can’t wait to see what the selected writers come up with."

Anne Edyvean, Head of BBC Writersroom says, "This initiative builds on our successful pan-UK programme, but takes a further step by focusing just on Scotland. We are delighted to be working with writers who represent voices from across the many communities of Scotland, both geographical and cultural."

Quotes from eight indies

Claire Armspach, Head of Drama Development, STV Studios says, "We are thrilled to be taking part in Scottish Drama Writers' Programme. It was wonderful to be introduced to so many great, new, Scottish voices. We were immediately drawn to Jenni Fagan's flair for creating authentic and iconic characters and her commitment to telling powerful and important stories that explore women's lives in all their complexity."

Deanne Cunningham, Head of Development, Synchronicity Films says, "We are delighted to be working with Raman Mundair as part of the Scottish Drama Writers’ Programme. It’s a brilliant opportunity for us to work with an exciting new talent on a scheme that’s truly industry focused."

George Aza-Selinger, Head of Development, World Productions Scotland says, "We are thrilled to be taking part in this programme and to be working with Maryam for the first time, whose unique voice and playful approach to genre, make her a hugely exciting writing talent."

Elaine Collins, MD of Tod Productions says, "We are delighted to be taking part in the Scottish Drama Writers’ Programme and to be working with Emma Lennox, who impressed us with her dry humour and imaginative take on genre drama. The standard of writer entering was extremely high this year and we’re positive that many of those involved have a great future in the industry."

Mike Ellen, Creative Director, Freedom Scripted Entertainment says, "BBC Writersroom Scotland has been a game changer for new talent. Freedom are thrilled to be part of the Scottish Drama Writers’ Programme and now to be working with one of our most exciting dramatists Rob Drummond on his own highly original and thought provoking crime show."

Marcus Wilson, Head of Drama, Two Rivers Media says, "What a brilliant idea - take eight fantastic writers from a diverse range of backgrounds, add eight ambitious Indies hungry for talent and give it huge support from the BBC and Screen Scotland. We’ve been paired with an amazing talent in May Sumbwanyambe and we can’t thank SDWP enough for the intro! Proof positive that Scotland has even more talent to give our industry."

Michael Parke, Executive Producer, BBC Studios says, "BBC Studios are thrilled to be part of the Scottish Drama Writer’s Programme. The writers on the scheme are so talented and passionate about Television drama and we feel especially fortunate to be paired with the wonderful Anita Vettesse to develop her bold, shocking and totally gripping new revenge thriller."

Daniel Donnelly, Development Executive, Balloon Entertainment says, "We are thrilled to be a part of the inaugural Scottish Drama Writers’ programme. Living and working in Glasgow I’m delighted that this scheme is taking place and I’m even more elated to be working with the unbelievable talent that is James Price. James’ writing is witty, scabrous and beautiful in equal measure, I’m so thrilled we’re working together."

CK