SCOTLAND SCRIPTED 2027
I’m delighted to be running a new screenwriting initiative for Scotland-based screenwriters with Glasgow production company FREEDOM SCRIPTED in 2027.
This is an initiative to work with, showcase and provide a pathway into the commercial world of scripted TV, for the best new screenwriting talent in Scotland. The course is majority funded by Screen Scotland with further support from the ScreenSkills High-end TV Skills Fund.
We will be inviting submissions from November 30th 2026 to January 15th 2027 and will then hold interviews (in February) before selecting 6 writers to work with over a six-month period in 2027. A team of script editors and shadow script editors will also be part of the course.
As with the Greenlight course in Ireland and the Channel 4 screenwriting course, the course will consist of two weekends of talks, readings, etc, in March and September in Glasgow, between which the 6 writers will work on a pilot TV script with their assigned script editors. The second weekend will be followed by a networking evening in which we introduce the writers and their course scripts to literary agents and potential employers.
The course aims to identify emerging Scotland-based screenwriters from diverse backgrounds (including underrepresented regions and communities). It also, crucially, aims to demystify the workings of industry – and ultimately, by doing so, catapult the selected writers to the attention of the people in charge of which scripted TV shows get made in the UK.
From the press release:
Philip Shelley: ‘I am delighted to have been asked by Freedom Scripted to run this new initiative to help scout, work with and then introduce to the TV and film industry, the pick of new Scotland-based screenwriting talent. We hope this will identify and unleash a wave of Scottish creativity that will be of immense benefit to the industry in Scotland and further afield.’
Mike Ellen, MD / Creative director, Freedom Scripted : ‘We’re really excited at Freedom to launch this new scheme which will complement 4Screenwriting, and Greenlight Screenwriting Lab in Ireland. Our aim is to find the very best new Scottish-based talent and with the help of industry partners, provide mentoring and development for a career in television screenwriting.’
Kieran Hannigan, Head of Scripted at Screen Scotland said: “”There’s no shortage of talented writers in Scotland with brilliant original stories to tell, and we want to see more of their work making it onto our screens. Supporting initiatives like Scotland Scripted to widen the writing pool in Scotland will bring through more diverse voices, enabling more people to see themselves and their experiences reflected in the projects being made here.”
Hannah Green, Head of High-end TV Fund, ScreenSkills: ‘Scotland has a thriving community of creative talent, and we’re delighted to work alongside Freedom Scripted, Philip Shelley and Screen Scotland to help nurture the next generation of screenwriters. Through the ScreenSkills High-end TV Skills Fund, we’re proud to support an initiative that will help emerging writers develop their skills, forge valuable industry connections and take the next steps in their careers in scripted television.’
Having had the privilege of being exposed to the riches of Irish dramatic writing in the last few years, I’m equally excited to meeting and working with some of the best of Scottish writing talent.
NB You can find all the information about the course on the dedicated page on my website – https://script-consultant.co.uk/scotland-screenwriting-course/
The script submission period is November 30th 2026 – January 15th 2027.
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Last chance to book! –
ONE DAY SCREENWRITING COURSE LONDON Saturday November 14th
A one day course with BAFTA-winning, 4screenwriting alumni guest speaker screenwriters CAT MOULTON (Code Of Silence) and ARCHIE MADDOCKS (Crongton).
A packed day that will give you an insight into the craft and career of screenwriting from three practitioners who have worked inside the industry for a long time. Followed by a relaxed networking evening in a nearby pub for myself and the course delegates.
https://script-consultant.co.uk/one-day-screenwriting-course/
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The next newsletter will be with you on Friday November 20th,
Best wishes
Phil
PHILIP SHELLEY
Friday November 6th 2026