C4 New Writers Scheme: Leeds

Channel 4’s New Writers Scheme is a one-stop-shop for new writers with a burning desire to write TV drama. It is open to unrepresented new writers looking for their first writing credit. This scheme is aimed at those currently underrepresented in the TV industry. We are particularly keen to hear from Deaf and/or disabled people, ethnically diverse people and people from lower socioeconomic groups.

This is a unique opportunity to gain the skills needed to forge a successful writing career, and tell stories which reflect the diversity and creativity of the place where you live. Over 9 months, you will receive support to complete a spec script and will benefit from expert industry training and insights, mentoring and introductions to scripted drama production companies. You will be expected to attend 2 training days in person (travel will be required) approximately every other month. A designated commissioning contact from the Channel 4 Drama team will be assigned to you and will read your script at the end of the course.

This development programme is targeted at emerging writers from the UK’s Nations & Regions, with applications welcomed from writers living near one of our Channel 4 Hubs: Bristol, Glasgow and Leeds. This year, we are also accepting applications from writers based in Northern Ireland. There will be a cohort of writers selected from each location and you will build your skills, knowledge and networks to develop and write scripts reflecting your regional identity, with a particular focus on diverse perspectives.

The scheme is open to all new writers who are not represented by an agent. Please note that we cannot accept applications from writers with representation or a writing credit for television. You will be able to demonstrate a burning desire to write television drama. You may have had experience in writing for theatre, radio or made short films though this is not essential. Submissions will be your original work. Submissions will be assessed on the strength of the writing and the originality of the pitch. You must be able to commit to attending in-person training days (around every 8 weeks), alongside regular virtual masterclass sessions, and meetings with your mentor and script editor. Please be aware that participation in this scheme requires a significant commitment. To achieve your writing goals on the New Writers Scheme, you will need to commit to a minimum of 10 hours of writing per week.

The scheme will cover fundamental elements of writing drama for TV including masterclasses from some of the best producers, directors and writers in the industry on subjects such as:

• TV Format and genre.
• Story and structure: Essential elements that go into creating a dynamic and compelling story.
• Character and dialogue: How to create memorable and original characters.
• Pitching.
• How to write outlines and treatments.
• Navigating the industry and finding & working with an agent.

Applications for the scheme will be open from Wednesday 28th May to Wednesday 25th June 2025. Please submit your application by 18:00 on Wednesday 25th June. We will be hosting a one hour online Q&A webinar for applicants on Thursday 12th June. The interviews will be held virtually in September 2025 (Dates TBC). The scheme will begin in October 2025. If you are selected you must be able to travel to a series of training days and events between October 2025 and July 2026. In-person sessions will take place every 6 to 8 weeks and could take place across our regional C4 hubs: Leeds, Manchester, Bristol and Glasgow.

The scheme will launch in October with three days of onboarding and training at the Channel 4 Leeds HQ (Tuesday 21st - Thursday 23rd October). Future training dates are currently TBC, but will be shared with successful writers before the scheme begins. C4 can provide financial support for travel related costs (i.e. trains, flights and overnight accommodation) for travel to/from training sessions that are part of the programme. As this is a free training programme, it is unpaid and sessions are scheduled to ensure most people can attend them around a full-time job.

At the top of your application, please state your name(s) and the location where you live clearly. Create front pages for your original script and your pitch document with the following information:

• Title: give your original script and pitch working titles even if you think you may want to change them later.
• Written by: your name(s).
• Contact details
• Format: e.g. 6 x 60 serialised drama, 6 x 30 romantic comedy.
• Genre: e.g. supernatural horror.
• Logline: a very short (approx. 50 words) summary of the concept which conveys the essence of your show.

One-page pitch: this should be able to stand alone to pitch your show. Think of it as an extended logline, like a flyer for your show. It summarises, in four or five paragraphs, all the key elements that will make your show compelling. Please use a clear, readable font, such as Courier, Verdana, Calibri or Arial and use the same font throughout.

If you have any questions regarding the application process or require any adjustments please email us at 4Skills@channel4.co.uk.

Adaptations will not be accepted. Submissions must be your own original work and may not be based wholly or in part, on the work of another person, whether known, published, produced or not. Adaptation of third-party materials, novels, short stories, poems and short films (under 30 minutes in duration) are ineligible unless it is your original work. Submissions should not be, or ever have been, in development with any third party. Applicants must be unrepresented, and we cannot accept applications from writers with agent representation. No feedback can be given on unsuccessful submissions. This scheme is an unpaid opportunity, but financial assistance with travel and expenses may be available for those who need support. Applicants must only apply once, and this should be to the regional hub closest to where you are based. Additional applications will not be accepted. The deadline to apply is 18:00 on Wednesday 25th June. Please note we are unable to accept any applications after this date.

PART ONE: Please submit the following documents as one merged PDF file:

• A CV, highlighting any credits or relevant experience if applicable.
• The first eight pages of an original script idea for a new Channel 4 TV drama series.
• A separate drama series pitch document for a different idea for a series no longer than one side of A4.

PART TWO: Please also answer the following questions and upload as a PDF file:

• Please tell us why you would like a place on this scheme and how would you benefit from participating? (150-200 words max)
• Channel 4 is committed to amplifying underrepresented voices in TV Drama, please tell us more about your script and how you hope to bring your unique perspective to your writing? (150-200 words max)
• What steps have you taken to advance your writing and experience so far? For example this may be training, voluntary work or theatre experience. (250-300 words max)

N/A Applications Close Date Equal Opportunities Channel 4’s purpose is to create change through entertainment; by representing unheard voices, challenging with purpose and delivering content which reflects the diversity of different communities across the UK. We are only able to deliver on this remit by having a workforce rich in diversity of thought, background and lived experience. As an employer we encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on disability, age, gender reassignment, gender expression, criminal history, length of time spent unemployed, marriage or civil partnership status, national origin, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Channel 4 is a member of the Business Disability Forum (BDF) and has also maintained the highest level of the Department of Work and Pension's Disability Confident scheme - Level 3: Leader. Under the Disability Confident Scheme, we aim to offer an interview to all candidates who have a neurodiverse condition, impairment or long-term condition and who meet the essential criteria for an advertised job. If you wish your application to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, please select yes when completing the application questions. For more information, please visit the Disability Confident Campaign website.

Channel 4 is a Care Leaver Friendly Employer. By signing the Care Leaver Friendly Employer Charter and adopting its principles, we are supporting an immensely talented yet often under-served and under-represented community of young people/adults. We commit to offering an interview (and constructive feedback) to applicants who identify as care experienced and meet the essential criteria for the role as outlined on the job description. Applicants should indicate if they wish to apply under our Care Leaver Scheme by selecting the option on the application form.

We are committed to providing disabled applicants a level playing field when applying for a job and support whilst employed to perform to the best of their ability and develop their careers. If you have a neurodiverse condition, impairment or long-term condition and require any adjustments, additional support or alternative arrangements during the recruitment and wish to discuss this confidentially, please let us know via the following e-mail recruitment@channel4.co.uk.