Arvon Screenwriting Programme 2027: A Free Two-Year Opportunity for Emerging Screenwriters

Emerging screenwriters from working-class and lower socio-economic backgrounds can apply for a new two-year development programme designed to help them build their careers in television.

The Arvon Screenwriting Programme, supported by Prime Video Pathway, will select five emerging screenwriters for an intensive programme of residential courses, mentoring, industry sessions and script development. The programme is free to take part in, with Arvon also covering travel costs and providing a small fund towards additional expenses associated with attending the residential courses.

Applications are open until 5pm BST on Wednesday 30 September 2026.

What does the programme offer?

Over two years, selected writers will work towards developing a strong TV spec script while gaining practical insight into the television industry and building a network of fellow writers and industry professionals.

The programme begins with a five-day residential writing course from 12–17 April 2027 at Arvon's writing house, The Hurst, in Shropshire. The course will combine group workshops, one-to-one tutorials, guest-speaker Q&As and dedicated writing time.

A second five-day residential tutored retreat will take place at Totleigh Barton in Devon from 31 January–5 February 2028, offering participants detailed feedback on their scripts alongside uninterrupted time to write.

Participants will also take part in a further residential course featuring an actors' workshop, five online masterclasses with industry professionals, two online writing days and three industry advice sessions covering areas such as casting, representation and working with producers.

Mentoring from experienced screenwriters

A key part of the programme is one-to-one mentoring. During the first year, each participant will be paired with an established screenwriter, with mentors including Suhayla El-Bushra, David Eldridge, Lisa Holdsworth, Courttia Newland and Alice Nutter.

In the second year, writers will work with a script editor to receive more detailed feedback as they continue developing their project.

By the end of the programme, participants are expected to have developed a strong spec script, established a peer support network and gained greater confidence as screenwriters.

Who can apply?

The programme is aimed at emerging screenwriters aged 18 or over who live in the UK and intend to remain in the UK until at least November 2028.

Applicants must come from working-class or lower socio-economic backgrounds. Arvon recognises that there is no single definition of working-class experience and lists a range of circumstances that may be relevant, including growing up in social housing, attending state schools with high levels of socio-economic disadvantage, being the first person in a family to attend university, having significant caring responsibilities or having limited family networks within the creative industries.

Applicants should have a strong voice, potential and ambition, as well as a clear passion for writing for television. They can apply with a new project or one that is already in the early stages of development.

There are also several eligibility restrictions. Applicants cannot have a television writing broadcast credit or theatrical feature-film writing credit, although writers with a short film of 20 minutes or less may still apply. Applicants with a TV or film agent, an active paid contract for a screen project, or who are undertaking certain other writing or development programmes during the relevant period are also excluded.

How to apply

Applicants must submit three pieces of material:

• A 300-word synopsis of the TV project they would like to develop during the programme.

• A one-page personal statement explaining their background, writing journey and why this opportunity would make a difference to their career.

• The first 10 pages of a screenplay demonstrating their writing ability. This does not have to be the same project they propose to develop through the programme.

Applications are anonymised and assessed by a panel of industry experts. Shortlisted writers will be invited to an informal online interview, with interviews expected to take place during the week of 23 November 2026. All applicants will be notified of the outcome by 11 December 2026.

The Arvon Screenwriting Programme is free to attend, making it an opportunity for emerging writers who may otherwise face financial barriers to accessing long-term professional development.

Applications close at 5pm BST on 30 September 2026.