A new scheme to support “powerful storytelling” and help writers in the North of England has been launched in Manchester.
It’s being backed by Warner Bros. Discover Access, Wall to Wall North (which is part of WBD) and The Royal Exchange Theatre.
The 2023 Writers Access Programme, Supporting Powerful Storytelling has been established to help emerging theatre writers from under-represented backgrounds break into television.
Writers will take part in workshops and sessions led by industry experts to show how to write for screen.
The selected writers will be mentored by Wall to Wall North’s Executive Producer Sian Palfrey (Overshadowed/Girlfriends), whilst each writer will be named ‘Artist in Residence’ at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, supported by Dramaturg Suzanne Bell.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the incredible team at the Royal Exchange Theatre to help emerging playwrights transition their skills to screen, while further nurturing their writing for stage,” said Wall to Wall North’s Sian Palfrey.
“For many new writers, theatre can feel accessible in a way TV often doesn’t and it’s important to lift the lid on our industry for those breaking through. New writers are the lifeblood of both TV and theatre, and we’re excited to discover the next wave of voices from the North and empower them to carve out long and successful careers across both.”
Those behind the programme say they hope it will create a space for under-represented storytellers to experiment, take risks, hone and develop their work.
“Warner Bros. Discovery is passionate about facilitating change in the industry to help increase access and visibility for creative talent that may have faced challenges or obstacles in their careers and it is our hope that the Writers Exchange, alongside many of our other talent development programmes as part of WBD Access can contribute to that aim in the UK,” added Asif Sadiq MBE, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Warner Bros. Discovery.
Applicants must be based in the North of England and be at least 18 years old. They also can’t have any screen credits at the time of applying.
The deadline is 8th May 2023.
