Channel 4 Writing for Television Awards 2026
Our Channel 4 Writing for TV Awards offer the unique chance to work closely with a TV production company through a long-term placement, a bursary of £3000 and mentoring support. Winners also take part in a structured programme of group mentoring led by TV professional Hannah Rose, which will include guest sessions with writers and producers. The Awards are generously supported by 4Skills at Channel 4.
The awards are for new and emerging writers based in the North of England who want to work in TV. We have placements with four production companies this year. You can apply to more than one, with either the same sample script or different scripts, but remember that each production company is distinct, and will be looking for different things.
Take a look at the shows the production companies have developed, and consider which might be the best fit for you and your writing:
FilmNation TV UK’s productions include Chris O’Dowd’s Small Town, Big Story, the award-winning HBO mini-series I Know This Much Is True, and the TV drama adaptation of Isabel Allende’s bestselling novel The House of the Spirits.
“We’re always on the lookout for bold new ideas and unique points of view, and we are drawn to characters who open a window into new worlds or settings, while connecting with the broadest possible audience.”
Hat Trick’s productions include BAFTA award-winning comedy series Derry Girls and Middlesbrough native Phil Dunning’s Smoggie Queens.
“Hat Trick is an independent production company with offices in London and Belfast, established with the principle of putting writers first. We’re very keen to hear from the next generation of writing talent with a clear comedic voice and distinctive tone.”
Merman’s productions include Catastrophe, This Way Up, Motherland, Amandaland and Bad Sisters. Merman’s work stretches across comedy and drama but always with bold, character-led storytelling at its heart.
“Merman makes bold character-led work across both comedy and drama. The work we love is distinctive and authored, balancing sharp humour with emotional truth. We’re drawn to stories which are rooted in perspectives that don’t always get the limelight but speak to things we all relate to: family, friendship and the everyday struggle of trying to keep your life together. We’re excited by writers with distinctive voices who want to make funny, truthful work by bringing their strong point of view, unusual characters and unexpected humour.”
Warp Films’ productions include recent hit and cultural talking point Adolescence, Sky Atlantic mini-series Little Birds, and critically acclaimed four-part drama This is England ’90.
“At Warp, we are always keen to find and explore more regional stories and particularly support writers from working-class and underrepresented backgrounds. We love ambitious ideas, character-led dramas and authored voices but don’t have a specific remit for the scheme – send us the idea you are most passionate about!”
Who can apply?
You must be living in the North of England at the time of entering and planning to remain here for at least another 12 months, and you must be willing to commit to the programme of support. We welcome entries by people who are new to writing, as well as those with more experience of writing but who feel they would benefit from this opportunity.
You can apply if you have previously submitted to the Channel 4 Writing for TV Awards, and you can reapply with the same script you have submitted in previous years. You can also apply if you have submitted to any other of our Northern Writers’ Awards this year.
What do I need to submit?
Writers should submit an outline of an original TV storyline (up to 400 words), a sample script of no more than ten pages, and answer the application questions.
The outline for an original storyline can either be for a single episode of a longer drama series, or for a stand-alone drama. If you are submitting an outline of an episode of a longer series, please give some context about the full series. The outline does not need to be in any specific format. We recommend you aim to describe your storyline as clearly as possible within the word count.
The writing sample does not need to relate to the outline you have provided. It can either be one scene of up to ten pages, or multiple scenes that add up to ten pages. It does not need to be the opening scene. It can be a different type of script, such as stage play, short film, or radio drama. You don’t need to include a title page.
If you are selected for the shortlist, you will be invited for an online interview with the production company.
The copyright of your work stays with you at all times and New Writing North does not exert or ask for any rights over your work at any point in the process.
What is the New Writing North development slate?
Applicants may also be considered to be part of our television development slate. This is an opportunity to further develop your outline with support from New Writing North, script editors and a bursary of £1000. If successful, you will then be supported to pitch your project to indies with a view to further development. You can opt in to be considered for the slate by checking the box in your application.
Key dates
The deadline for all entries is noon, 26 June 2026. Entries are accepted through Submittable.
All applicants will hear back from us by 30 September 2026.
