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4Stories, the new-talent initiative, designed to bring on and help establish the next generation of writers and directors, is back! 4Stories is the evolution of the Channel 4 talent initiative Coming Up, which most recently created the BAFTA and Broadcast award-winning film ELLEN. The first year of 4Stories resulted in ON THE EDGE, an anthology of films to be broadcast on Channel 4 this August. 4Stories is aimed at finding genuinely diverse voices, exploring contemporary stories of and by communities that are rarely seen on mainstream television. We encourage applications from talent currently under-represented in TV Drama – including women, disabled talent, BAME talent, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Initially we are looking for six writers, who will be tutored by and work with experienced drama producers at BlackLight Television to develop an original half hour idea as part of an ambitious anthology series to showcase their unique voice. Of those six, three will then be chosen for further development and production. We are also looking for three new exciting directors to direct the final scripts. The series will be broadcast on Channel 4. At the end of the process the three chosen writers will also have the opportunity to develop an original series, serial or single with BlackLight Television and Channel 4.

Directors will learn how to hone their skills and deliver their vision under the guidance of experienced drama professionals, kick-starting their careers directing drama for television. This is a unique opportunity for emerging writers and directors to make an authored TV drama with a guaranteed network broadcast. Commissioned by Channel 4 from BlackLight Television, the aim is to create an eye-catching, original and bold anthology.   We aim to start pre-production in the spring of 2019.

 Who can apply

We’re particularly interested in hearing from people who are currently under represented in TV drama, namely: women; people with a disability; BAME talent; and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This is in line with the positive action provision of the Equality Act 2010. We want to hear from emerging UK writing and directing talent who bring a distinct and alternative view of modern Britain.

Writers

We want to hear from you if you haven’t had an original single, serial or series broadcast on UK television. It’s fine if you’ve contributed to episodes on soaps, series or serials but you should have no more than two hours of broadcast credits. You’ll need to submit an original full script for TV, radio, film or stage.

Directors

Those without a TV drama credit on a single or series and no more than two hours of broadcast credits on soaps. You’ll need to submit a short or long-form film.

Applications are welcomed from any writer or director who meets the criteria set out above. Although all applications will be considered on their individual merits, in order to promote diversity and to increase participation of those who are currently under-represented in TV drama, use may be made of the positive action provisions in the Equality Act 2010 when deciding between two equally qualified and talented applicants. All applicants must be a resident of the United Kingdom.

Closing Date for writers: 10th September 2018

Closing Date for directors:  5th November 2018

Click HERE to apply.

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