Screenplay First is an exciting new screenwriting award brought to you by BBC Films and BBC Writersroom 

BBC Films is committed to finding and developing new talent, collaborating with some of the foremost writers and directors in the industry. To celebrate 25 extraordinary years of British films, we are launching the Screenplay First Award. We are looking for screenplays from writers who are passionate about the stories they want to tell, and who have something to offer audiences across the length and breadth of the UK.

On receiving the BAFTA for Outstanding British Contribution to Films, Christine Langan, Head of BBC Films, said

“Our aim is to have the most diverse, eclectic, interesting and compelling slate imaginable”. 

What unites Billy Elliot, Truly Madly Deeply, Philomena, In the Loop, Dirty Pretty Things, Mrs Brown, Fish Tank, An Education, My Summer of Love, Iris, Made in Dagenham, to name but a few, is that they were all made by BBC Films, they each offer a unique perspective on British life and they each come from a distinctive voice.

With that in mind, we are looking for bold, original feature film ideas from UK writers with previous credits in theatre, TV or radio but who have yet to have a feature film commissioned. In addition to an Award of £10,000 the winner will receive assistance with development from BBC Films.

The judging panel will include Christine Langan (Head of BBC Films); Anne Edyvean (Head of BBC Writersroom); and experienced industry professionals. 

For more information and to get involved