Script competition

This was the brief sent out to scriptwriters on 'Scripts' mailing list.

We wanted to keep it vague to ensure a variety of scripts and ideas. We also weren't sure exactly what genre or style we wanted so were very open to any ideas and suggestions:

Happy New Year from Script in a very snowy Brum.

We are about to launch an exciting programme of events over the coming months in partnership with Screen WM. This will include workshops and masterclasses on:

Genre

Writing for Animation

Writing Sitcom

Developing Ideas for TV Drama

Watch this space for further details.

In the meantime, there is an exciting opportunity for emerging screenwriters in the West Midlands. In particular, if you have attended any of Script's Introduction to Screenwriting courses over the last few years, this is a chance to progress to the next stage and see your screenplays produced. I'll hand over to Muckyduckmedia:

Muckyduckmedia is a fledgling independent television company based in Birmingham and is made up of five very enthusiastic and hard working third year media students from Birmingham City University. Meeting through our degree and building a strong working relationship we are now working on our final project. We have decided to produce a short film of around 10 - 15 minutes long and need a script writer to work with to produce an original and unique piece.

We want to collaborate with a West Midlands based script writer with the aim of working together to create a drama that will encapsulate modern society and the essence of Birmingham through locations, themes and characters. Birmingham is a great place and brilliant location and we're looking for a story that will really capture and celebrate this city, of which is largely under represented in the television industry.

In terms of the actual story and style that's up to you! What we're looking for is simply a great story with detailed and interesting characters that we can really develop and bring to life on screen. We would love the chance to explore the parts of Birmingham that aren't often seen which could be inspiration for your work, for example the canals, high rises, railways, industrial areas and beautiful architecture. We want a story that can really explore human kind in way that either reveals a part of society not yet explored or tells us more about relationships and people that the audience can relate to. These are just guidelines however and we're very open to any ideas you may have and relish a challenge so feel free to be experimental with you're ideas and themes if you wish.

This project will not only provide a chance to see your idea realised but also has at least two screening events in Birmingham. We are working with a new PR company in Birmingham who are relaunching an online hub for people either trying to break into the media industry or who want to actively produce their own work by working with others in collaborations. This short film will be screened at the event as an example of the kind of work that could be produced through this on line hub. The film will also be screened at our end of year show. Both these events will have professionals in the region attending, providing a great opportunity to network and a chance to discuss your work.

We very much look forward to hearing your ideas!

To enter: Please send the following to Script, 107 The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham, B9 4AA:

an outline of your idea (no longer than 1 side of A4)

up to five pages from the screenplay

cover sheet with your name, address, telephone number, email address, date of birth

writers' CV

The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Friday 29th January 2010

Up to 6 writers will be invited to a Writer's Lab to be held on Saturday 6th February to workshop ideas and to make the final selection.