Download the Workshop PDF here

Arista Development	http://www.aristadevelopment.co.uk/   Well established training organisation. Of particular interest is their guide to bursaries for courses. http://www.aristadevelopment.co.uk/usefulstuff.htm
BBC	http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom The BBC has completely overhauled its writing sections with the result that most of the information dotted about the BBC web site can now be tracked down from the Writers room page. There is lots of short notice writing opportunities so it’s worth a weekly visit. The main competitions are listed below. In addition they’ve started up a newsletter which seems a bit infrequent.
BBC Writer’s Room Calendar	http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/calendar.shtml A neat listing of current Beeb kinked opportunities and deadlines. Maybe someone at ITV might wonder if this is what they are missing?
BBC Marchmont Films Competition Deadline 30/9	http://www.marchmontfilms.com/scripts.php Currently the best opportunity for writers to get a start in Film. The competition is looking for low budget commercial fims.
BBC Radio Cumbria   The Crack   Deadline 6/10	http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/thecrack.shtml   If you are a resident or working in Cumbria, The Crack is your opportunity to write a short play and five lucky winners will receive professional productions for broadcast on BBC Radio Cumbria. The competition asks entrants to take a look in the small ads section in their local paper, imagine who placed the advert and who might reply and then invent the drama of what happens next. Be funny, be bold, be creative!
BBC Show me the Funny: Radio & TV Comedy opportunities   October Dealines	http://www.bbc.co.uk/newtalent/showmethefunny/   The BBC are BBC New Talent launches two new opportunities for aspiring comedy writers and performers. Sketch Factor offers the chance to join the writing team of a brand new BBC Radio 4 sketch show and Witty and Twisted offers aspirant performers the chance to get a 4 part comedy series on BBC 7.
BBC Scotland Watson’s Wind-Up   Deadline 26/10	http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/watson.shtml   Watson's Wind-Up, a topical, weekly radio show broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland, is inviting unsolicited, topical sketches drawn from the week's news. The deadline for sketch submissions is Midday on Thursdays. The show is recorded on a Friday, then broadcast on the Saturday
BBC The Alfred Bradley Bursary Award	http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/alfredbradley.shtml   Do you have a zest for writing? Could you write a bold, original story for radio? BBC Radio Drama is looking for talented writers based in the North of England, with compelling stories to tell. You could win a bursary of up to £6000, have your work produced on BBC Radio 4, secure a six month mentorship with a Radio Drama Producer and have the opportunity to develop future commissions - so get your creative juices flowing and get writing!
BBC Commissioning	http://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/ There is a wealth of information on what the BBC are looking for in a huge range of subjects. If you are considering pitching ideas this deserves some serious investigation.
BBC Open Door Policy	The BBC has launched a new Open Door policy to encourage new comedy writers. Open door policy is described at   http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/opendoor.shtml
BBC Radio Writers Newsletter	A very useful newsletter full of information which you can now subscribe to. http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/
BBC Smartscript	http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scriptsmart/   Don’t waste money on overpriced software when Scriptsmart does the job of formatting for free.
BBC Wales Writers Unit	http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/commissioning/writers/index.shtml Actively looking for writers to join its shadow scheme.
BBC Northern Ireland Tony Doyle Bursary	This award was switched to being biannual. Has it actually folded? Details at http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/drama/writing_opps/tony_doyle04.shtml
BBC Northern Ireland Get Writing	http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/learning/getwritingni/index.shtml Nobody told BBC NI that the Beeb’s Get Writing websiite was closed so it continues in Ulster on with lots of links and features for local writers,
BBC World Service	http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/arts/features/howtowrite/index.shtml Has lots of general information but competitions for overseas writers only.
BBC Commissioning Briefs	http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/drama/writing_opps/commissioning_briefs.shtml   What the Beeb is looking for and when.
Celador	http://www.celador.co.uk/pro_con_faqs.php   Well established production house is accepting scripts for comedy and radio.
Channel 4 Ideas Factory	Channel 4 has quietly launched a writer’s area in their Ideas Factory web site. The site covers all the arts and looks a slick but is a bit content free for screenwriters. C4 also ignore it for launching its occasional competition.    Take a look at http://www.ideasfactory.com
EM-MEDIA East Midlands	East Midlands Film Council body. A steady stream of events aimed at writers on offer. Check site for current funding for screenwriters.   www.em-media.org.uk
Film Council	Http//www.filmcouncil.org.uk   The home page for the Film Council
Film Council Development Fund	http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/funding/features/development/   You can receive funding of up to £10000 for your next project from the Film Council. It appears this is open to everyone without the requirement of having an agent.
Film Council Regional Bodies	A map of the bodies http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/usr/downloads/UKMap.pdf
Glasgow Screenwriters	http://www.scottishscreenwriter.co.uk/ Message Board for meetings and chat aimed at Scottish writers
Film London	http://www.filmlondon.org.uk/ New site for the Film council’s London arm.
Filmshed	http://www.filmshed.com     A new online ezine which includes an online writer’s forum. Recently relaunched.
FLIP ZOOM	www.f-l-i-p.com FLIP currently restructuring their site and activities
Inktips	Inktips  (Writers Script Network) Writers Script Network has renamed itself Inktips. An excellent site for pitching scripts with a genuine success story to tell. Try  http://www.writersscriptnetwork.com/. This is particularly good for listing small/new production companies looking for scripts. Subscribe to their weekly newsletter.
Initialize Films	http://www.initialize-films.co.uk/   Initialize is filling the gap between completing your screenplay and having it produced. Check out site for courses.
ITV Regional Production fund	What’s this, ITV actually putting money into the grassroots? Indeed it is and they’ve funded two TAPS competitions (see Below) as a starter. http://www.itvrpf.com/
Irish Film Board	http://www.filmboard.ie   Funding and other information for film makers in Ireland. The regularly updated news column features opportunities.
Kaos Films British Short Screenplay competition	http://www.kaosfilms.co.uk/   The British Short Screenplay competition has established itself as the major short film competition in the UK and the only one wherein the winner will actually be made. Currently sorting out this years winner.
Lighthouse	http://www.lighthouse.org.uk/ Well established Brighton based Media/arts organisation.
London Script Consultancy Soho Writers	http://www.londonscriptconsultancy.com/   The London Script consultancy seems to be filling in the gap caused by the demise of Screenwriters Workshop and has weekly meetings under the Soho Writers title. Shooting People usually has details of the meetings.
MEDIA	The EU's Media II initiative continues with a wide range of courses. Site recently updated. http://www.mediadesk.co.uk/
Moonstone	http://www.moonstone.org.uk Moonstone works in consultation with the Sundance Institute, the organisation founded by Robert Redford in North America to support and develop the work of independent screenwriters and directors of vision. The Screenwriters' Lab is aimed at experienced European screenwriters with sufficiently developed screenplays to benefit from a week's intensive collaboration with advisors who are themselves experienced screenwriters. In a series of one-to-one meetings with the advisor, the writer will discuss and analyse the nature, structure and creative possibilities of the project. Rewrites do not take place on the course, but participants will leave with a clear outline for their next draft. After the Lab, MOONSTONE provides continuous project support and guidance as well as co-coordinating re-drafts by advisors. Projects that have gone into production following the Labs include Lynne Ramsay's 'Ratcatcher' Sara Sugarman's 'Very Annie Mary' and Shane O'Sullivan's 'Second Generation'. Check site for next projects
Netribution	http://www.netribution.co.uk/2/   Those with long memories may rember Netribution briefly flowered during the dotcom boom. It’s back up an running again with the focus on film production. New Link.
New Producers Alliance	NPA recently took over the long established Writers Workshop and is now running more screenwriter focused events.   The Script Tank is of interest in writers developing their work. Full details of courses and joining at http://www.npa.org.uk/
No Rule Networking/Reel Network	No-Rule Networking (Hosted by Reel Networks), 7:00PM - 11:00PM, £5 or Free to Reel Networks Members (£30 Yearly Membership) Network with other film & TV people (directors, producers, editors, animators, actors, writers etc..) as you enjoy the sociable atmosphere of this exclusive venue. Location: MOTION, The River Bar - Hungerford House Victoria Embankment, Embankment, WC2N 6PA, London Contact: Rachel Jones, rachel@reelnetworks.co.uk, 07782217093 You do not have to be a member. However, a yearly membership can now be purchased at this event for £30. This will give you free entry to all No-Rule Networking Events plus many other benefits/discounts soon to be announced in our new magazine. Please feel free to contact us for further details. Music and Fashion in film coming soon...
North West Vision	http://www.northwestvision.co.uk/ Film Councils body for the North West. Check site for current funding for screenwriters.
NORTHERN FILM & MEDIA	www.northernmedia.org   North East’s Film Council body. A Script reading service has been established which promises to read up to 3 scripts a year with a ten week turnaround. Full contact details on site.
Northern Ireland	Northern Ireland’s Film Council body www.niftc.co.uk   Ulster’s been the surprise success story for UK production in the past 12 months. Plenty of local opportunities.
Northern Screenwriters	http://www.northernscreenwriters.co.uk/ A screenwriting organisation in the North.
Oscar Moore	http://www.screendaily.com/omf.asp   Sadly the Oscar Moore competition seems to have folded.
PAWS	http://www.pawsdrama.com/   This long established organisation looks for science and technology based scripts from radio film and TV. PAWS has changed its funding approach. The plan is for at least two major grants for top writers, and two to four smaller grants on a similar basis to 2005/6, again for ideas featuring in some way women scientists or engineers in leading roles. The smaller grants will generally be aimed at writers who have secured some commitment for the idea from a producer or broadcaster. PAWS support is intended to combine financial support with researching ideas, and in moving on a loosely formed proposal into a realistic and viable treatment. Any writer or producer can approach PAWS for a research and development grant. The process now is by discussion and negotiation, and the timescales are flexible within the year of the project. The new PAWS 'year' started in June 2006   Email for full details of the various opportunities e-mail: pawsomni@btconnect.com
Player-Playwrights   New Link	http://groups.msn.com/PlayerPlaywrights/   TEST RUN YOUR SCRIPT Player-Playwrights are a leading writers' group. Each week, a member’s script (TV, Radio, Film, Drama, Sitcom, etc.)  is given a reading to the group, which is followed by a structured, positive discussion of its strengths, weaknesses and marketability. It's an excellent way of hearing how your work sounds live, and the critical but supportive = feedback is invaluable for rewrites. The membership ranges from established writers and actors to newcomers. There are regular talks from agents, producers and other media professionals. Come along, have a beer and network. Where? The HORSE AND GROOM, 128 Great Portland Street, London W1. ((Oxford Circus & Gt. Portland St tubes)
Raindance	http://www.raindancefilmfestival.org/   Extensive site with lots of information on all aspects of film making and a weekly ezine. Good for looking for networking opportunities through its training courses.
Rocliffe Forum	Well established venue for performing extracts from scripts.   Currently looking submissions for Radio and Theatre scripts to submitting a script please email scripts@rocliffe.com for an application form, each submission must include one.  It is important that once a script has been scheduled you attend on the night your script is being used. Visit them at http://www.rocliffe.com/homepage.htm
Scottish Screen	www.scottishscreen.com Scottish film initiatives.
Scottish Screen Crash Course in Screenwriting book.	http://www.scottishscreen.com/bigpicture/images/documents/crashCourseInScreenwriting.pdf   Download David Griffiths 100+page guide to Screenwriting
Screen East	Screen East is the Regional Screen Agency for the East of England http://www.screeneast.co.uk/
Screen South	www.screensouth.com   Film Council Funded body for SE England. Lots of events and opportunities often at short notice so worth a regular visit.
SCREEN WEST MIDLANDS	West Midlands Film Council body. www.screenwm.co.uk
ScreenPimp	http://www.scriptpimp.com/ Don’t be put off by the name. ScreenPimp offers similar services to Inktips but is also putting together a comprehensive database of US production companies and what they want. Worth consideration if you are writing for Hollywood. Also see this news piece concerning a UK writers success  using Screen Pimp http://www.scriptfactory.co.uk/go/News/ScriptFactory/Article_285.html
ScreenYorkshire	http://screenyorkshire.co.uk/   Yorkshire Film Council body.
Script Factory	http://www.scriptfactory.co.uk/ An excellent web site for the Script Factory that aims to fill the gap between writers and the industry and runs along side Shooting People. There are extensive courses, script reading services and networking opportunities and a mail list to keep up to date. You can also become a member for a range of reductions and offers.
Screentraining Ireland	http://www.screentrainingireland.ie/index.cfm   Funding for writers amomgst others to develop skills.
Scriptblaster	http://www.scriptblaster.com/ Similar to the Writers Script Network in that you post your script online and hope Spielberg gives you the call. Has a list of happy customers so worth consideration for US style scripts.
Shooting People	http://shootingpeople.org   Excellent daily source of information and script calls from new producers/directors as well as general screenwriting conversation. Moderated.   A Pitching only newsletter is issued every Wednesday and is recording its first successes and Wideshot interviewing new filmmakers has been launched http://shootingpeople.org/wideshot/   Starting to offer subscribers deals like substantial discounts of First Draft http://shootingpeople.org/finaldraft/ Screen International and Broadcast.   To subscribe, e-mail: writers-join@shootingpeople.org
Sitcom trials	http://sitcomtrials.co.uk/ Well-established vehicle for budding sitcom writers. You need to join the egroup to find out how to enter.
Skillset Film Council ‘25 words or less’   Currently Suspended	http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/filmmaking/funding/features/development/25woldcgdlns/   If you fancy pitching high concept ideas, this is for you. The Film Council is going to run 3 of these a year and they are funding winners very generously - which gives some idea of the importance high concepts are held in.   However, you must have an agent or be a full member of the Writers Guild to enter.
Skillset	http://www.skillset.org The Film Council has effectively handed over training to Skillset. With a budget of over £6M, Skillset has considerable scope to radically change the training of screenwriters in the UK. A raft of initiatives are on the way.   Check out the site for announcements and sign up for their newsletter.
Skillset Berlinale Talent Campus 1/11	http://www.skillset.org/film/business/overview/article_5225_1.asp The annual networking event for young talent is free if you meet the criteria foe entry. Check out the site for details http://www.berlinale-talentcampus.de/www/1
South West Screen	http://www.swscreen.co.uk/ The Screen Council funded body in the South West. Check site for current opportunities
SouthWest Scriptwriters	http://www.southwest-scriptwriters.co.uk/ Established in 1994, Southwest Scriptwriters works to develop and promote new drama writers and writing in Bristol, Bath and the surrounding area.
Talent Circle   New Site	http://www.talentcircle.co.uk/ Promoting itself as the website for new and emerging filmmakers and artists in the UK, this is a very slick site with lots of information and a scriptwriters section. You need to register. Worth a look.
TAPS	http://www.tapsnet.org     Well established organization promoting new writing. Contact for details of their current activities. TAPS, Shepperton Studios, Studios Road, Shepperton, TW17 0QDTel: 01932 59 2151 email: taps@tvarts.demon.co.uk Fax: 01932 59 2233
Trigger Street	A well-meaning attempt by Kevin Spacey amongst others to find new writers. A bit like Zoetrope and already submerged under hundreds of submissions from writers. www.triggerstreet.com
US Competitions	The best source is http://www.moviebytes.com, which keeps a comprehensive database.
	http://www.walesscreencommission.co.uk/ This appears to have replaced Sgrin
Wales RIP	Wales’ Film Council Body. Ceased in May 2006 www.sgrin.co.uk
WGA	You can register your script online with the Writers Guild of America at www.wga.org. for $20. Worth serious consideration before entering non-UK competitions.
Writers Guild	http://www.writersguild.org.uk/   A lot of the WG info is available for download. Worthwhile joining if you haven’t got an agent and want some advice.
Copyright	Scriptunities list is 2006 John Hobson You can distribute this list on condition that all headers and footers (including this notice) are included.