Corporation launches third Writers Academy

Published Tuesday 17 April 2007 at 15:40 by Matthew Hemley

EastEnders’ lead scriptwriter Tony Jordan and Bodies creator Jed Mercurio will share their skills with up and coming talent as part of the BBC’s third Writers Academy.

The initiative offers writers the chance to gain the skills needed to pen television drama and aims to find a new generation to work across series on BBC, and eventually across the corporation’s entire drama output.

Eight applicants will win a place at this year’s academy and will each be tasked with penning an episode of Doctors in an initial 13-week course. Those whose episodes are green-lit will then spend 15 months working on productions like EastEnders, Casualty and Holby.

Successful applicants will have lectures from Jordan and Mercurio, alongside Robin Hood writer Dominic Minghella and Shameless director Dearbhla Walsh.

Controller of BBC drama production John Yorke said the scheme was a “major gateway” into the industry.

He said: “As a public service broadcaster, it is a unique service that only the BBC can provide and it is fantastic that they continue to support it.”

Applicants, who must have had their work previously performed on television and radio, have until May 14 to apply.