Writer in Residence Award
Finding and nurturing new talent is at the very core of what we do. We want to provide a space for the next generation to flourish, offer them a foothold in the industry, and a platform from which they can take their next steps. Which is why we’ve set up a Writer in Residence award.
Every year, UK literary agents are invited to send in material for new writers they represent who would like to be considered for the scheme. The writers submitted should have had at least one script produced in theatre, radio, TV or film, but no more than one in film or TV.
The selected writer is given a bursary, travel expenses (if based outside of London), and a desk in our West London office.
Throughout the year they receive regular feedback on their work, access to writers we're currently working with, invitations to industry events, and in-house development meetings. They also participate in writers' workshops we hold every two months, with established writers.
Plus, they help us in our ongoing collaboration with local schools, providing lectures and internships for sixth form students from less privileged backgrounds.
The scheme has selected a writer for 2024/5, but will return in 2026.
Our Current Writers in Residence
Rebecca Manley
Rebecca is from Yorkshire and now lives in Brighton. She has written extensively for young adults including Natonal Youth Theatre, York Theatre Royal, West Yorkshire Playhouse and the Bush. She was on the BBC Drama Writers Programme (2019), working with Kudos North to develop a drama about her work with young women in prison, care settings and whilst running the Young Women’s Programme at Clean Break.
She is writing with Peter Straughan on a thriller with Bad Wolf for Apple and with Bryony Kimmings on The Rapture with Mammoth Screen for BBC (both on shootng 2025). She has solo projects in development with VAL and Bonafide and is developing a feature with Origin Pictures. Rebecca was previously an actor with major roles in Shane Meadows’ This Is England and Clio Barnard’s The Selfish Giant. She has since worked with Barnard on other projects in script/story development.
Jonathan Neil
Jonathan is a previous winner of the Red Planet Prize for his breakthrough script DARBY & JOAN and he has also been selected for the BBC TV Drama Writers Programme and Broadcast Hot Shots. He has developed original projects with many of the UK’s leading producers including Firebird Pictures, Kudos, Red Planet, Left Bank, Hillbilly and BBC Studios. His first television credit was FATHER BROWN (BBC1) and his plays include JUDY, THE RIGHTEOUS (King’s Head/Trafalgar Studios), and TWITCHER (shortlisted for the Papatango Prize).
Previous Writers in Residence
Over the years, our Writer in Residence Award has helped many talented individuals further their careers and hone their craft. Each writer brings a unique voice and vision, contributing not only to their own development but to the creative community at large. Here are some of the exceptional talents we’ve had the privilege of working with:
2023 — Emma Sidi
2022 — Jodie Irvine
2021 — Dillon Mapletoft
2020 — Tristan Bernays
2019 — Georgia Christou
2018 — Lauren Sequeira
2017 — Caroline Bartleet