The winners of the Channel 4 Writing for TV Awards were revealed at Leeds Playhouse last night.
Part of the Northern Writers’ Awards – New Writing North’s flagship writer development programme – they aim identify and support new writers, particularly those from backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in the television industry.
All 3 winners will receive a package of support including a 9 month placement, mentoring and £3k bursary.
The trio are:
Rebecca Glendenning-Laycock, from Newcastle Upon Tyne, who will be placed at Red Productions. She’s already had work commissioned and staged by Live Theatre, Freedom Studios and Newcastle’s Alphabetti Theatre.
“I feel so excited and privileged to have won the Channel 4 Writing for Television Award with Red Productions. The opportunity to work and collaborate with Red Productions and develop myself and my work is truly incredible. I can’t wait to see where it takes me,” she said.
Tyne Valley-based Emily Low will be working with Rollem Productions. A performer, writer, and storyteller, her first commission was staged at the Alphabetti Theatre this year, and she was selected to join the Live Playwriting community.
“It means so much to me that New Writing North read my script and saw its potential as an original comedy drama,” said Low.
“Before I won this award, I would watch brilliant shows on TV and daydream about what story I would tell if I ever got the chance. I feel very astonished and excited that I now have the opportunity to develop my own script with the wonderful Rollem Productions.”
Finally, Nana-Kofi Kufuor from Stockport was awarded the placement with Bonafide Films. The British-Ghanaian playwright and screenwriter has had worked featured at Leeds Playhouse and the Edinburgh Fringe. He has also written for Hollyoaks, Waterloo Road and has been commissioned by Sky and the BBC to write original works, which lean towards social and political stories through a hyper surreal lens.
“Being able to work with Bonafide and Channel 4 will push my career to new heights. Having people there to help me focus and improve my craft is priceless. I am unbelievably grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to get started,” he explained.
Kevin Blacoe, Head of Partnerships and Skills at Channel 4 stated:
“4Skills is proud to fund the awards and support new local talent. The placements and mentoring opportunities the winners have earned will undoubtedly open doors to set them on an exciting path in the world of television writing.”
