NFTS Diverse Writers Development Programme Nears Completion
The National Film and Television School (NFTS) and Left Bank Pictures, the production company behind the acclaimed series The Crown, is nearing the conclusion of its unique 10-week Diverse Writers Development Programme, backed by Sony Pictures Television. Designed to amplify the voices of six promising writers from across the UK, the participants were selected from a record number of applications and chosen for their exceptional potential to bring fresh and diverse perspectives to the UK’s television industry.
The writers began the programme in March 2024, with a number of sessions held at the London offices of Sony Pictures Television. Each participant led a writers room for the first time, engaging with character development, plot structure and dialogue to generate commercially viable television drama concepts. Under the expert guidance of tutors David Chikwe and Brian Ward, the writers also benefitted from numerous industry guests providing their unrivalled advice and expertise.
As the programme approaches its conclusion, the six writers are now preparing to pitch their original ideas to Left Bank Pictures executives Florence Haddon-Cave, Head of Development, and John Phillips, Executive Producer. This final stage is designed to simulate the professional pitching process, providing the participants with valuable experience in selling their scripts and ideas within the competitive television landscape.
The NFTS, Sony Pictures Television and Left Bank Pictures are proud to showcase the considerable talent and diversity of these screenwriters and look forward to seeing them progress in their careers, potentially leading to new and innovative projects for the UK's film and television industry!
As our six writers embark on the next stage of their careers, find out more about this year’s cohort and how to connect with them: