In celebration of its 10th anniversary in 2025, Bad Wolf is launching the Blaidd Writers Programme, a new annually rolling six-month paid development and training initiative to find and nurture the next generation of Welsh based drama writers, in association with us at Screen Alliance Wales.
The scheme will see three writers develop with Bad Wolf an original, contemporary Welsh set returning drama. They will be mentored by screenwriters Jack Thorne (His Dark Materials, National Treasure), Russell T Davies (Doctor Who, It’s A Sin) and Marnie Dickens (Gold Digger, Wilderness); and will take part in masterclasses with industry professionals, including the co-creators of HBO and BBC’s hit drama Industry, Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, and BAFTA award-winning screenwriter and In My Skin creator Kayleigh Llewellyn.
Writers will start their placements in January 2025 at Bad Wolf’s Cardiff HQ, Wolf Studios Wales, where they will begin work with Bad Wolf on the development of an idea from pitch to broadcast ready script. They will be allocated individual script editors and producers to help support through the development process and will also receive regular guidance and feedback from Bad Wolf CEO Jane Tranter, and Director of Content Dan McCulloch. They will have the opportunity to shadow any ongoing productions at the studios and will be able to gain insight into the wider development and production process intended to equip them with the skills and experience required to help them advance to the next stage of their career. The course will end with a networking graduation drinks reception in London in July and advice as to how to take forwards the scripts they have worked on during the scheme.
Each writer will be paid a bursary of £18,000 to develop their script and a treatment, with travel, accommodation and other expenses covered by Bad Wolf.
Applications for the scheme open at 9am on Monday 16th September and close on at 5pm Friday 4th October. To apply, candidates will need to submit a 10-page extract from an original pilot script, a supporting 2-page pitch document and a 500 word statement on why they would benefit from the scheme via screenalliancewales.com. If shortlisted, writers will be required to submit the full pilot script for consideration. Only writers based in Wales who have a maximum of one broadcast credit as a television writer or feature film writer may apply.
Bad Wolf is committed to diversity and actively encourages writers from underrepresented backgrounds to apply to the scheme.
