Writers in West Yorkshire get chance to ‘get in and get on’ in the screen industry

20 November 2024

Mayor Tracy Brabin and Screen Yorkshire have teamed up to catapult the careers of talented writers in West Yorkshire with the launch of a free training initiative.

‘The Mayor’s Script Diversity Programme’ will support budding scriptwriters into film and television opportunities through mentorship and a range of specialist masterclasses with commissioners and industry experts.

With a focus on breaking down the barriers for underrepresented groups, the three-month, part-time programme will give participants the skills and insight they need to get in and get on in the screen industry.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“Our region’s screen industries are booming, with more and more productions being set and produced in our iconic villages, towns and cities. 

“This programme will open doors for talented writers in West Yorkshire, no matter their personal circumstances - just like our Screen Diversity Programme has for creatives working in production. 

“Our new support will provide the launchpad for local stories to be told on screen for the world to see, boosting our economy as we create a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.”

Caroline Cooper Charles, Chief Executive of Screen Yorkshire, said:

“Screen Yorkshire is so excited to be delivering the Script Diversity Programme, supporting writers from all genres in their transition to screenwriting through learning from top industry professionals and expanding their networks.

“The support from the Mayor of West Yorkshire is invaluable, allowing us to deepen our impact across West Yorkshire to ensure that our exceptional talent can grow and authentic regional stories can reach audiences across the globe”

Run by Screen Yorkshire, the brand-new initiative is funded by the West Yorkshire Mayor as part of her £2.3 million ‘You Can Make It Here’ programme, designed to support and grow the region’s creative industries.

It follows the success of the partnership’s existing initiative, ‘Beyond Brontës: The Mayor’s Screen Diversity Programme’ which has helped over 300 local participants from underrepresented groups access specialist training and go on to secure roles in TV and film production since 2019.

The latest cohort included 63.3% women and 9.2% people identifying as non-binary, 29.1% people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and 66.7% people managing a disability.

Beginning in January 2025, ‘The Mayor’s Script Diversity Programme’ is now open to people from underrepresented backgrounds with a track-record of writing for any genre, who live or work in West Yorkshire.

To find out more and apply, visit: https://www.screenyorkshire.co.uk/the-mayors-script-diversity-programme/