BBC Writers Academy

Now in its fourth year, the BBC Writers Academy is a major initiative aimed at discovering and training the next generation of writers for BBC One’s flagship Drama Series - EastEnders, Casualty, Holby City and Doctors. Eight writers are selected out of hundreds of applicants, to undergo an intensive fifteen month programme designed to equip them with all the skills necessary to write successfully for BBC Drama. The course entails classroom training, lectures from the country's best television writers, instruction in all aspects of television production and direct writing experience on the four Continuing Drama shows. The course was started and is currently taught by John Yorke, Controller, In-House Drama.

"You can't teach writing. What you can teach is structure, and if writers master that, it allows them access to their voice - and it is those voices that will keep the industry thriving."- John Yorke

History

Previous course graduates have gone on to become core writers on Casualty, Holby City and EastEnders. 90% of graduate are still in constant work with the department.

Content

1) Introduction to Writing for Continuing Drama Series

13 weeks training made up of:- Classroom lectures accompanied by intensive writing exercises, analysis and individual tutorials, led by John Yorke.- Guest Lectures from leading British TV writers including: Jimmy McGovern, Tony Jordan, Tony McHale, Alan Plater, Sarah Phelps, Ashley Pharoah.- Presentations from leading British Directors: Bharat Nalluri and Dearbhla Walsh.- Workshops in all aspects of television production including scheduling, design, production management, casting, editing etc, led by members of the department.

During this period each writer will also be commissioned to write an episode of DOCTORS.

"You have a need to tell stories. I had that, but not the skills necessary to do so for television."- Abi Bown (2006 graduate)

2) Writing for Broadcast

At the end of the 13 weeks, if their individual Doctors episode is green lit for broadcast, each writer will be commissioned to write EastEnders, Casualty and Holby. During this time, they will be mentored by the Lead Writer on the show.

At the end of the 15 months, each writer will have written for each of the four shows.The BBC also has an option at this time to guarantee further commissions on the shows.

“Writing for television can feel like running across a muddy field at night being pursued by man eating pigs...the Academy gives you a torch.”-Ian Kershaw (Writers Academy graduate)

Entry Requirements

The next course will be advertised in the April 2009 on the BBC website and in the national press. You are eligible to apply if you have had your work broadcast on television or radio, or performed professionally at the theatre.

For further information see the links below.

External links

* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/ BBC Writersroom Website]
* [https://jobs.bbc.co.uk/fe/tpl_bbc01.asp BBC Jobs Website]
* [http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2007/apr/16/mondaymediasection13 Guardian article]