In just two months, the once daunting process of refining our scripts and getting them out to the right places had been completely demystified and we were left feeling like it’s no longer just a dream.
In 2022 we launched the first Write Across programme, a development scheme run in partnership with local organisations, in which each iteration focusses on a specific area of the UK.
The Write Across development programme runs for eight-weeks and is specifically designed to support emerging writers and creatives who are at the early stages of their writing careers. Through a series of engaging workshops, expert-led sessions and networking opportunities, we explore the art of crafting compelling stories for television, empowering participants to develop their own new original series idea.
Selected writers take part in a range of craft and industry sessions designed to grow their professional skills, cover the foundations of storytelling for the screen, and demystify the process of writing for television. They learn how to generate exciting ideas for television by analysing recent shows that have resonated with audiences and exploring techniques that spark creativity. Writers hear from industry guests such as screenwriters, producers, and commissioners, as well as connecting and developing working relationships with peers amongst the group.
During their time on the programme all participants will define and develop an original idea for a television drama or comedy drama series, laying the groundwork for a one-page pitch document. Writers will work collaboratively with support from the 91Èȱ¬ Writers team, industry experts and with their peers in the group to develop this idea, receiving editorial feedback and creative support along the way. It is hoped that the pitch will function as a creative springboard for the writer to develop further.
Latest News - Write Across Birmingham & the Black Country (2024)
Write Across returned for its second iteration during 2024 with the focus on Birmingham and the Black Country. The scheme was launched with two public events at Birmingham Rep and the Arena Theatre Wolverhampton.
Read about the launch event at Birmingham Rep, featuring a Q&A with Sir Lenny Henry
Write Across Birmingham and the Black Country is led by 91Èȱ¬ Writers in collaboration with Create Central and our programme partner organisations; Birmingham Rep; Script Sirens; Dudley Creates; Creative Black Country; and Black Country Touring.
Applications for Write Across Birmingham and the Black Country were open from 1st February to 5th March 2024 at noon. Ten writers were selected to take part in the group from over 250 submissions.
The group has now concluded their eight-week development programme, which ran from July to September 2024. This culminated with an event at 91Èȱ¬ Birmingham's Mailbox with guest speakers including Sir Lenny Henry. The writers have now moved on to working with their mentors while they write their scripts.
We asked two of the writers from Write Across Birmingham and the Black Country to write up their experience for the blog.
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My Write Across Birmingham and the Black Country Experience Read the blog post
Write Across Liverpool (2022)
For the first Write Across, we worked closely with various partners in the Liverpool city region - Liverpool Film Office, Liverpool Everyman, Liverpool Royal Court, Unity Theatre, Writing on the Wall, 20 Stories High and Dada - to identify fresh talent and create accessible entry points to the 91Èȱ¬ for new writers in the area.
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Hear from one of the Write Across Liverpool participants Julie Skeat sums up the experience, over on our blog
Contact us
If you have any questions about Write Across please do not hesitate to contact us via email: