Introducing the Writer's Prize #seanocarolan.com #writing #competitions #contests #Drama #scriptwriting

Last year three Radio Dramas were selected for commission: Rock Me Amadeus by Simon Topping and Bang Upby Sarah Hehir. Sarah’s drama Bang Up was first broadcast on Radio 4 in August 2013 and Simon’s script recently launched Radio 4’s Original British Dramatists in May 2014. The third script, A Thing Inside A Thing Inside A Thing by Iain Ross will also be going out on Radio 4 later in the year. The judges Roy Williams, Jeremy Howe and Kate Rowland were really impressed by the range and calibre of the drama scripts. As Kate Rowland observed, “We were confronted by complex storytelling, boldness and an emotional engagement that comes from writers passionate about their subject.”

The Writer’s Prize wants to commission the best ideas across the Radio 3 and 4 networks. We are looking for bold, original new stories with characters that will engage, challenge and entertain the audience.

The award will be judged by Jeremy Howe (Commissioning Editor, BBC Radio 4 Drama), Kate Rowland (BBC Creative Director, New Writing) and award-winning writer Katie Hims.


What makes this prize different?


The Writers Prize is open to a range of ideas and approaches from any writer, anywhere in the UK. It could be a 45-75 minute drama for Radio 3 or 4. We are looking for original, surprising multi-character narrative scripts for Radio. We are not looking for monologues or adaptations.

The award is the opportunity for a Radio 3 or Radio 4 Drama commission. Please be aware that the majority of opportunities are for the Radio 4 Afternoon Drama slot (45mins).

This talent search is open to any writer as long as the work submitted is not currently in development and has not previously been produced by any broadcaster or production company.


Submission details

Opening Date for Submissions: Monday 15th September 2014

Closing Date for Submissions: 5pm on Monday 29th September 2014

Selected Writers Notified: December 2014

Submit your script via our new online submission system.

Please note that all scripts must be submitted in PDF format.

Read the FAQ’s for the new online submission system

Before entering, please read the full Terms and Conditions

If you are unable to submit your script online for any reason, please refer to clauses 4 & 5 of the Terms & Conditions.


Tips and advice


Explore a collection of interviews, blogs and scripts from the BBC Writersroom on writing for Radio

Watch an interview with previous winner, Simon Topping

Read the script for Rock Me Amadeus

Read a blog by previous winner, Sarah Hehir

Read the script for Bang Up

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