ITV Studios: Disabled Writers in Development Scheme

ITV Studios Disabled Writers in Development is an opportunity for four Deaf, Disabled and/or Neurodivergent individual writers to develop a treatment and pilot script. This programme was developed in 2023 through ITV’s Diversity Development Fund aiming to expand and elevate the talent pool of Deaf, Disabled and/or Neurodivergent writers within the industry. Over the course of 12 months each successful writer will be placed with one of the four participating ITV Studios labels/indies, Big Talk Studios, Hartswood Films, Quay Street Productions and Silverprint Pictures.

Writers will be supported by each label/indies’s editorial teams to write their treatment and script, developing their own original idea through to script, which will be shared with the ITV Drama Commissioning team upon completion. During the programme, writers will also benefit from the support of the programme lead - ITV’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator- and have the opportunity to work with ITV Studios in-house Access & Inclusion Coordinator.

Participants will be invited to masterclasses with industry specialists to create opportunities to network and further develop an understanding of writing, development and commissioning processes. The programme will combine remote work, virtual meetings and in-person networking sessions.

Eligibility Criteria

• You are a legal resident in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
• You identify as Deaf, Disabled and/or Neurodivergent (DDN) and are at least 18 (eighteen) years old on the date of applying to the programme.
• Have at least two professional writing credits (this could be writing for television, theatre, short film or radio which you have been paid for, although television experience is preferred).
• Submit an original sample script (television, film, theatre, radio or similar) accompanied by a biography (this could be an audio/video recording or in written format) or CV. Scripts must be your own and original to you, 10 - 100 pages, in a standard format and submitted as a PDF or Word document.
• We will accept adaptations as writing samples (based on underlying works such as a book, for example); however, please note that successful applicants will be developing an original idea, not an adaptation. We cannot accept submissions or sample scripts that are co-written, written as part of a team, or generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of character, story and structure as well as the ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Ability to receive, discuss and action feedback/notes in a positive and constructive manner.
• Ability to work to deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
• Enthusiasm for and ability to collaborate.

For more information and to apply visit this link