CBBC New Voices Initiative

CBBC is setting up an intensive, skills-based programme designed to give emerging writers valuable insights into writing for an ongoing children’s TV series, covering all stages of the scripting process with input from experienced writers, producers, script editors and executive producers. The aim is to find and support writers so they kickstart an ongoing relationship with the CBBC drama team.

The project lasts around six months. Up to 15 writers will be invited to attend a ‘Writing Children’s Television’ workshop at MediaCityUK next February. Travel, accommodation and hospitality will be provided and writers will be paid a workshop attendance fee. From this group, between 3-6 writers will be selected to follow the scripting process of a CBBC show as well as completing writing exercises. The emphasis at all times is on developing the practical craft of the participating writers, it is not to generate ideas for any particular show. It is imagined that there will be up to four days of face to face training during this period, alongside contact via email.

Writers wishing to apply need to demonstrate a level of professional experience in writing narrative drama but this need not be for children’s television. It can include stage, radio, gaming and online as well as film and TV. Applicants, however, should not have written more than two hours of broadcast television. Writing will be considered from all stylistic genres, comedy and more serious drama.

CBBC recognises that diversity is vital for innovation and to reflect the modern audience. The department encourages, particularly, applicants from areas that are currently under-represented at CBBC – female writers and/or writers from a diverse background including BAME writers, writers with a disability, and LGBT writers.

To apply, writers should send:

1. A recent sample script – this does not need to be a children’s television script, it can be any medium or genre but it must be at least 20 pages of standard screenplay format and must be complete, not a section from a longer work. Please add to the front title page your name and a synopsis of the work of 150 words maximum.

2. A covering letter giving: i) contact details; ii) a short biography of your career to date; and iii) an indication of why you are applying to the scheme, what you would bring to it and what you would hope to achieve by attending. Please make clear why you would like to write for children’s television.

3. An equal opportunities monitoring form. This is optional and completely anonymous. You may have been sent this form already; if not we will send one when we process your application. It will be separated from the application, but we encourage you to complete it as it helps us gain a better understanding of whom we are attracting to our schemes.

These materials are to be sent to [email protected] by Monday 12 January 2015

Please format the subject line of your email: CBBCNVI – your name – your script title.

Writers may have a literary agent but it is not a requirement. Applications should in all cases come directly from the writer.