New Writing North | Vertical Drama Lab
Deadline: Friday 2nd October 2026
The Vertical Drama Lab is a 3 day training and development lab supported by Channel 4 Skills. This is an opportunity for 10 screenwriters from the North of England to develop an original vertical concept and understand how to master vertical storytelling.
The global vertical drama market is booming with the market predicted to be worth $14bn by 2027. In the UK, broadcasters, production companies and app start-ups are starting to capitalise on this momentum and need writers who know how to write for this format.
A cohort of 10 screenwriters will be selected for the Vertical Drama Lab where there will be a focus on both Skills and Idea Development over the course of three full days at Channel 4 HQ in Leeds.
How to apply
- Applicants must be over 18 years of age by 2nd October 2026.
- Applicants must currently live full-time in the North of England. The North of England is defined as the areas covered by Arts Council England in Yorkshire, North East and North West. We regret we are unable to accept submissions from outside these areas due to the conditions of our funding. Undergraduate and postgraduate students may enter if they are permanently based in the North of England.
- Writers selected will receive a £125 per day training bursary plus travel, lunch and refreshments will be covered.
- You must be available to attend all 3 days of the lab. The lab dates are 27 October, 11 November, 12 November.
The Deadline for applications is 2nd October.
This is a non-BBC scheme
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