ADAPT 2026
ADAPT is a development programme for writers interested in adapting their work for the screen. Now in its third year, the ADAPT programme is specifically designed to support writers from any creative background (eg playwrights, novelists, poets, stand-ups) to adapt their own work and develop their screenwriting skills.
Four writers will be selected and supported with 1-2-1 script development support. They will also have the opportunity to take part in workshops on the fundamentals of screenwriting, story and adaptation, have their work read through with actors at an industry feedback session and be supported towards next steps in progressing their screenwriting career.
Writers living in the North East (County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, and Sunderland) are invited to submit an idea that has the potential to become a television series or feature film and will be supported to work that idea up to a point where it is primed to present to producers/industry. This might take the form of a treatment, pitch deck and/or script pages.
ADAPT is aimed at writers who are relatively new to screenwriting but have a track record in other forms of writing.
This project is funded by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
Application guidance
- All ideas submitted must be your own original work and all rights to the ideas submitted must be entirely owned by the applicant. IP will remain with the writer.
- Applicants must be over 18 years of age by 15 June 2026.
- Applicants must be based in either County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, or Sunderland. You may be required to provide proof of residence as part of the application process.
- Writers selected will receive a £1,000 bursary to support their time writing as well as receiving free training and script development support.
Timeline
July: ADAPT Workshops x 3 will take place in Newcastle in July. These workshops will cover the fundamentals of writing for television including visual storytelling, structure, character, and the adaptation process.
August – October: Development will take the form of 3-4 online 1-2-1 meetings with NWN and a script mentor. After each meeting you will submit a redraft of your work.
November: Script in hand reading (by actors) to an industry panel and audience followed by career planning surgery and next steps with NWN.
If you require any further information on the programme please email [email protected].
