Summerwater indie pairs with script consultant Philip Shelley to find next generation of writing talent

Freedom Scripted has opened submissions for a screenwriting initiative for Scotland-based writers, which will be run by script consultant Philip Shelley.

The six-month course is majority-backed by Screen Scotland with additional support from the ScreenSkills High-End TV Fund. It is designed to work with, showcase and provide a pathway into the commercial world of scripted TV for new screenwriting talent in the nation.

The programme will consist of two compulsory in-person weekend events for the chosen six writers and their script editors: the first an introduction to the course, in which the writers are paired with their editorial team, before going off to write the first draft of their scripts. The second weekend will be a follow up, where the writers will get feedback on their scripts, along with live readings from said scripts by a cast of professional actors. Both weekends will also host a range of guest speakers from the industry.

The main part of the course will run between those two weekends when the writers will write a one hour or 30-minute TV pilot script. There will also be an industry networking event upon the course’s conclusion.

The course aims to identify emerging Scotland-based screenwriters from diverse backgrounds, as well as to demystify the workings of industry.

Submissions are invited from 30 November 2026 to 15 January 2027, with interviews then held to select the six writers.

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.”

Mike Ellen, founder and creative director of Freedom Scripted, added: “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.”

Shelley said: “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.”