Welcome to the latest edition of the Write Room newsletter, sharing our pick of events and opportunities that are available this week for writers across the UK.
There are plenty of events on at the moment, helped by greater access to the great and the good during various versions of lockdown, as well as some interesting opportunities for writers.
Here’s hoping you find this week’s selection of interest…
Broadcasting in Crisis Event
The RTS and The Media Society are running two online events next month as part of the Steve Hewlett Scholarship Fund events programme. These two sessions are on the theme of British Broadcasting in Crisis, and take place on December 7 and 8 from 5.30-6.30pm. The first session covers public service broadcasting, and the second focuses in on the UK commercial channels and the rise of the SVODs. Further information about the event and details about booking can be found here.
Screenwriting
The Screenwriter Showcase @Pinewood Studios has a call out for scripts from screenwriters for its next event as part of the Lift-Off Network, which includes the Lift-Off Film Festivals and Showcases. Scripts should be submitted before the final deadline of December 7 in order to be considered for the next event on January 29. You can find out more here.
Masterclass on Pitching
London Lit Lab is running a two-hour masterclass on How to ‘Pitch’ your Writing this Thursday (November 12) between 11am-1pm. Literary agent, Ben Dunn, will give crucial tips about how to shape your proposal and profile, as well as how to pitch your non-fiction or fiction book. Further information is available here.
Midlands-based Playwrights
A Midlands-based theatre initiative is seeking a local writer to work part-time on the research and development phase of a project that will tell the story of the impact of the closure of the mines on the Staffordshire town of Rugeley. You can find out more about the Writer role here. There is also a call for a Producer role for the same project.
Script Readers
The BFI is seeking diverse and experienced freelance Script Readers for the BFI Film Fund, to assess the Film Fund’s Production and Development applications and supporting materials. The freelance assessors should have an in-depth knowledge of screenwriting for feature film, with a minimum of three years’ experience in a similar role. The closing date is Friday (November 13) further details are on its website.
Admin Role for Writing Initiative
The Writing Squad is seeking a new administrator to work part-time (and remotely) to help support its work providing workshops, 1-1 support, and projects for writers and literature activists aged 16-20 who live, work or study in the North of England. The deadline for applications is Sunday (November 15). Further information is available here.
Playwright Needed to Deliver Writers’ Groups
Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre is seeking a Young Company Writer to plan and deliver its weekly sessions for its Writers group (16 to 21-year-olds), working collaboratively with its team to ensure a cohesive programme for the coming year. Sessions will take place both online and in person at the Royal Exchange Theatre and provisions will be made for both contingencies. The post-holder will also write a play for the Young Company’s summer production 2021. The deadline for applications is Monday (November 16) at 10am. Find out more here.
Still available…
Freelancing in TV
ScreenSkills is hosting Journalist and Producer Alan Clements for a Q & A about ‘Making TV in the Nations and Regions’ later today (Tuesday, November 10), between 1pm-2pm. Information about this free session can be found here.
Writing Shorts
Scriptwriters & Co’s next ‘Scratch Night’ is looking for original 5-10 minute scripts featuring at least one each of the following: a location, a character and a prop – from a choice of three in each category. The next virtual event is next Tuesday (November 17) at 7pm. Find out more here.
Writing Fellowships
The Black List and Google are looking to support five writers in the development and execution of new original feature film scripts or TV pilots that tell contemporary stories from the perspective of historically underrepresented communities. The 2020-2021 Black List and Google Assistant Storytelling Fellowship will award $20,000 to each selected writer and includes support for 6 months to work on the project, as well as a screenwriting mentor. Applications are open until January 15. More information is available here.
Playwrighting
Hampstead Theatre is currently looking for full-length plays for its newly opened ‘Open Script Submissions’ window. Playwrights are asked to submit original plays that speak to a modern audience. Find out more here.
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And until next week: Happy Writing!