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Sky Writes

Sky Writes is a talent development programme from Sky Studios and New Writing North, which ran in 2021. The programme sought to identify and nurture television writers from under-represented groups and under-served geographical areas in the North of England.

The project took place in Blackpool, Gateshead and Rotherham and had a particular aim to support people of colour and those from LGBTQ+, disabled and lower socio-economic backgrounds.

At a glance

First steps

Are you interested in writing for TV? Feel like you have a story to tell, but don’t know where to start?

Local groups

Sky Writes took place in Blackpool, Gateshead and Rotherham from April-October 2021.

Inclusive spaces

Working with professional television writers, participants learned the essentials of writing for television in a friendly, inclusive setting.

About Sky Writes

We’re on the look-out for people who are at the very beginning of their journey in writing for television. You may already have a brilliant idea for a new series or started working on a script, or you may have no previous writing experience. The programme will support you to begin to find an outlet for your ideas and guide you as you take your next steps.

Sky Writes is a development programme for new writers. It is free to take part in and is designed to support access to writing for the television industry by those from under-represented groups.

The programme is based in Rotherham, Gateshead and Blackpool – areas that are currently under-served in the television industry. It has a particular aim to support people of colour, LGBTQ+ and disabled people and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Who are we?

Sky Writes is produced by New Writing North and Sky Studios.

New Writing North is the writing development agency for the North of England. We are based in Newcastle and work across the North of England with writers at all levels of experience and at all stages of their careers.

Sky Studios develops, produces and funds original drama, comedy and documentary for Sky, including Sky Originals such as Emmy-nominated Chernobyl, Bafta-winning Patrick Melrose and international hits Babylon Berlin and Riviera.

How you can take part

There are two parts to the programme.

In April 2021 we ran free Starting to Write for TV workshops, via Zoom, for people living in or near Blackpool, Gateshead and Rotherham. Each session was led by an experienced television writer and supported by a programme producer.

Following these introductory sessions, we invited anyone interested in developing their writing to apply for our free Sky Writes course, which took place during the summer and autumn of 2021.

Find out more and sign up here:

Sky Writes: Blackpool

Sky Writes: Gateshead

Sky Writes: Rotherham

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