Scriptwriting – Get your Script on TV

Scriptwriting is tough.  Producing a good Script suitable for TV broadcast is even tougher, and Seasoned Pro’s know that a good Script will not always be commissioned for Broadcast.

For many of you talented Amateur Script Writers, getting your work on the big screen seems like a distant dream.  Well, you maybe mistaken, because if your Script is good enough, it could be commissioned by the BBC.

Here is the key to getting your foot in the door…

Many Independent Production companies will not accept unsolicited Scripts, or Scripts from Writers who do not have Agents.  You can see their reasoning for doing so, due to the sheer number of Scripts they would receive.  But this seems to deter new and talented young people from breaking into the industry.

In the Media, it’s usually a case of ‘Who you know’, to give you the big break you have been waiting for.  Luckily, the BBC seem to adopt the ‘talent first’ strategy, particularly when it comes to Scriptwriting – welcome to the world of the BBC Writers Room.

The BBC Writers Room, in its own words is: “always on the lookout for fresh, new, talented writers for a changing Britain”.

To make it clear, the Writers Room is basically a service provided by the BBC which allows anyone to submit their Script and for it to be considered for Commission.  The Writers Room has found talent that has also wrote for the likes of Eastenders, Doctors, Two Pints of Larger, Walking Dead, BBC Films and More.

Yes, that all sounds so easy doesn’t it. In reality though, it is much more difficult, and your Script would go through a vigorous consultation process with both yourself and BBC controllers before it was given consideration about being commissioned.  Having said that, the Writers Room gives you the perfect opportunity to Present and Showcase your talents in a format your presumably love – Scripts.  It takes hard work and dedication on your part to be successful. After all, you didn’t think all you had to do was send a Script and they made it into a TV programme did you?

Tips to enhance your chance

One BIG tip I would give when submitting to the BBC Writers Room is to stick by their Terms and Conditions like glue.  If you don’t, your Script will be disregarded immediately and will probably not be read.  This will include how you present your Script, so ensure every aspect of your submission complies by these terms.

Think of this as your one and only chance of submitting your Script to TV bosses, and show them what you can do.  Make them want to read more, and force them to take your idea further by blowing them away with your writing.  Spend time and read your script over and over.  Get someone else to read it as well.  Make sure it’s grammatically correct and you have no spelling mistakes.

Although there is no opening and closing dates assigned to the BBC Writers Room and you can submit as many Scripts as you like, treat every submission as if you have only one chance.  This way, you will put all your effort into the Script, maximising your chances of them taking it further.

There is now only one thing left to say, good luck, and hopefully we will see your name in lights soon

Website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/