Carnival scheme to foster writing talent

Carnival Films, the UK production company behind Downton Abbey, has launched an initiative to cultivate the next generation of TV series creators.

Joanna Strevens

Collective is a sequence of comprehensive training sessions that will provide guidance for emerging writers tailored to specific broadcaster-led briefs. Much like the writers’ room concept, it will also help scribes work on ideas in a collaborative environment.

The scheme will be spearheaded by head of development Jo Strevens, development producer Tara Cook and development executive Claire Daxter from NBCUniversal International Studios-owned Carnival. Collective will include burgeoning talent such as Grace Ofori-Attah (In the Long Run), Ben Lewis (Psychobitches) and Roanne Bardsley (Hollyoaks).

“We are always seeking to expand our horizons in terms of the best writing talent and take our responsibility to nurture talent very seriously,” said Gareth Neame, executive chairman at Carnival. “Collective is a great way of doing just that and we’re delighted to be working with some of the most exciting, emerging creative voices coming out of the UK today.”

“Writing can be a very solitary occupation. Having the opportunity to sit down and discuss your ideas with a group of talented writers, as well as experienced development executives, in an open, safe and supportive environment is invaluable,” said Ofori-Attah. “The scheme will challenge me to step outside my comfort zone and give me the confidence to really run riot with my ideas.”

Carnival aims to use the initiative to create a development slate focused on the demands of broadcasters.