The sixth edition of The C21 Drama Series Script Competition (#C21scriptcomp) is now open for entries, aiming to uncover contemporary dramas imagined for a post-2020 audience and marketplace.
The competition is produced in association with Studio21, WritersRoom and Script Angel.
We are looking for six outstanding pilot episode scripts (for an internationally compelling drama series) to compete for an unrivalled prize presented during Content London in December (virtually or in person!).
And this year we are looking for ‘post 2020 dramas,’ with submission guidelines designed to uncover projects that will break through in the coming years.
So what does that mean? Platforms, channels and producers are looking for shows that meet a new audience appetite post-2020. This means subject and tone is more specific, and it is important that the shows are ‘makeable’ under future production guidelines.
Yes, but what does that mean? It means post COVID-19 pandemic, post #BlackLivesMatter, post popularism, post just about everything that came to a head in 2020.
We don’t want to be over-prescriptive, so do submit any drama you think would appeal to audiences in the new normal world, but bear in mind that the most attractive shows will most likely be unifying, escapist and positive. They will also most likely use fewer locations, with a relatively small cast and crew, and no big crowd scenes.
Please bear all these things in mind.
From the pool of submissions, made between 1 July 2020 and 30 September 2020, a shortlist of 21 scripts will be selected and from these six finalists will be chosen to present their script to the global drama business at Content London 2020, or through the Content London digital initiative, whichever the world allows!
This audience includes key commissioners from digital platforms including Amazon, Netflix and Hulu, to broadcasters from ABC, BBC and C4 to YLE, and ZDF, attending Content London.
Shortlisted entries will be announcedon 19 October 2020 and the six finalists will be announced on 30 October 2020.
The winning writer will receive £10,000 from one of the world’s most prolific fresh talent incubators, Studio21 to option the project and acquire the script. Studio21 will further develop the project in association with the writer to take out internationally. To find out more about Studio21 CLICK HERE.
Each finalist will also receive a free consultancy session from Script Angel.
There is a £40 fee to enter, which is used to pay a team of professional script readers.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get your script in front of the world’s drama community! We are looking for original drama series with global appeal. Be part of the story.
WHAT WRITERS SAY ABOUT THE C21 DRAMA SERIES SCRIPT COMPETITION AND STUDIO21
“Pitching my series to an audience of industry professionals at the Content London Summit was a privilege. Performing a live pitch is challenging, but the critique of the judges probed me to delve deeper into my story and identify the moments that surprise, intrigue and subvert expectations. The experience boosted my confidence as a writer and prepared me for impromptu elevator-pitches invited by attending producers and commissioners. I evolved as a writer by watching the other talented finalists, who became supportive allies, championing each other’s stories and sharing advice. C21 are exceptionally good at giving visibility to emerging writers and amplifying new voices. Winning the competition was a shock and has changed the course of my career. I am immensely grateful to David and Hayley at Studio 21 for the development opportunities I have since been afforded. I can’t recommend this competition enough for any writer keen to take the next steps into the industry.”
Grace Link, Creator, Crack of Dawn
“Studio21 truly understand the journey of a project; from the early genesis of the idea within the writer’s brain, to the complex and often challenging approach of taking that idea out into the market. At each stage, and with each decision, they remain loyal protectors of the original vision of their writers, whilst at the same time their feedback and development notes are testing, considered, and intelligent. I have found working with Studio21 on my project a real pleasure, both personally and professionally. I consider myself part of the team, and that kind of connection and trust is hard to find, and even harder not to celebrate. If you come across an opportunity to work with them, fight for it!”
Samuel Jefferson, Creator, Renegade
“Since winning the C21 Drama Series Script Competition the Studio21 team have really helped me tighten my script, to focus on what it’s really about. My new leaner, meaner script is now attracting the attention of highly respected producers. I’ve also had other projects optioned too – the win has definitely made me more visible in the industry. At Content London there was so much to see and do, and it was a fantastic networking opportunity. The Writers Room was a blast. A pretty full-on, intense, seat-of-the-pants stuff – but such a valuable learning experience and the best fun I’ve had in ages. I can’t recommend it highly enough.”
Jan Smith, Creator, Parasomnia
“Making the final of the C21 script competition is a hugely significant opportunity. Not only the potential subsequent relationships formed with C21 but also the unique chance to pitch at Content London – an intimidating prospect which turned out to be immensely confidence-boosting. On top of that, seeing and hearing about so many sides of the industry over the course of the conference and talking to delegates was fascinating and eye-opening.I felt I learnt more in two days in the writer’s room masterclass than in a year’s worth of figuring things out alone, due both to the incredible showrunners leading the groups and the other super-talented writers taking part.We received full support and encouragement throughout the whole process – something that has continued to be the case now that my project is in development with Studio21. I can’t recommend entering enough!”
Alice Burden, Creator, On Solstice Hill
Media Partners
The competition is now closed for entries.