Writing schemes
Schemes developing new and established writers across drama, comedy and beyond
The Hot House Writers Development Lab 2026 - apply now
Eight-week writer development lab run in partnership with BBC Writers supporting screen writers to create engaging and commercially viable climate stories for film and TV with industry exposure and expert guidance. Deadline: 30 January
BBC Writers Open Call
Submit your drama or comedy-drama script to BBC Writers to be selected for further development schemes including the BBC Writers’ Scripted and Voices groups. Open Call accepts submissions annually, with full details and dates on the BBC Writers website.
BBC Writers Scripted
BBC Writers’ annual development scheme for exciting new writers identified through Open Call and other talent searches. The one-year scheme includes a programme of workshops and masterclasses before each writer is given professional script-editing support to help develop an original script they can use as an industry calling-card. Find out more on the BBC Writers website.
BBC Writers Voices Groups
Each year around 70 new writers are selected via BBC Writers Open Call to be part of the Voices development group, which runs from hubs across the UK. The intensive six-month programme aims to progress the best local writing talent with expert-led masterclasses, craft sessions and roundtable discussions supporting each writer to develop an original TV drama series idea. Find out more about Voices on the BBC Writers website.
BBC Writers Write Across
Development scheme for emerging writers focussing on specific areas of the UK. The eight-week programme is designed to empower writers to develop an original series idea through workshops, expert-led sessions and networking opportunities. Write Across has its own specific application windows with details and dates available on the BBC Writers website.
BBC Writers Writers' Access Group
Development programme for deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent writers offering a programme of scriptwriting masterclasses, expert-led talks and networking sessions alongside freelance script-editing support to enable writers to develop their work. The programme lasts for 18 months and is open for applications every two years via the BBC Writers website.
BBC Writers Pilot
BBC Writers’ development programme for experienced writers with a professional credit and/or agent. Pilot partners writers with production companies across a year, with a paid commission to write the pilot script of a potential BBC drama series or serial, alongside masterclasses and workshops. Full information and dates available on the BBC Writers website.
BBC National Short Story Award
Short story award for established authors worth £15,000. The award is for a single story of up to 8,000 words. Submissions open annually with information available on the BBC National Short Story Award website.
The Kay Mellor Fellowship
Year-long opportunity for a writer based in Yorkshire and the Humber to work with Leeds Playhouse and Rollem productions on a new stage play which they will develop into a TV pitch and receive a place on a BBC Writers Voices development programme. Applications open annually. Find out more on the Rollem productions website.
BBC New Comedy Awards
Nationwide comedy search to find the best new stand-up performers. Shortlisted entries compete in televised regional heats across the UK with the winner from each performing at the final, broadcast on BBC One. The winner will receive a prize of £1,000, a paid commission to write and perform in a 30-minute audio pilot mentored by a BBC comedy commissioner. Further information on the New Comedy Awards website.
BBC Upload - send your content now
Showcase your creativity on the BBC by uploading any kind of content - audio, video, text or images - and what catches our attention will be broadcast on BBC Radio stations and BBC digital platforms. Upload is open to submissions all year round based around the creators location. Find out more on the BBC Upload website.
BBC Short Stuff - send your content now
Year-round opportunity for comedy writers and performers from or based in Scotland to develop new ideas and characters via experimental short-form sketches published on the BBC Short Stuff website. Send the BBC Scotland commissioning team ideas for new sketches at any time.
BBC Words First
Development scheme to enhance the skills and confidence of spoken word artists aged between 18 and 30 including rappers, MCs and poets. Participants attend workshops with established artists to help develop their work with a shortlist then performing in front of a live audience at the Contains Strong Language festival. The scheme was last open for applications in spring 2025. Find out more on the Words First website.
BBC Alfred Bradley Bursary Award
£5,000 bursary and the chance of a Radio 4 Drama commission for writers based in the North of England new to writing for audio. Applications were last open in April 2025 via the BBC Drama on 4 website.
BBC Young Writers' Award
Writing competition in partnership with Cambridge University for stories of up to 1,000 words by authors aged 14-18. Five shortlisted stories are broadcast on the BBC with the writers attending a creative workshop and award ceremony broadcast live on Radio 4’s Front Row. The award is run annually with submission information on the Radio 1 website.
BBC Comedy Collective
Comedy bursary scheme offering emerging writers, producers, directors and editors paid shadowing opportunities on BBC comedy productions, production mentors and £5k grants to help develop new material. Previous winners have received script commissions, produced successful TV and radio shows and won BAFTAs. Applications will be open in Spring 2026 via the BBC Commissioning website.
New Generation Thinkers
Offering the UK’s most promising arts and humanities early career researchers the opportunity to share their pioneering research with BBC Radio 4 listeners along with unique access to training and support from AHRC and the BBC. Applications open yearly via the UK Research and Innovation website.
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