If you've submitted to Open Call 2023, you might now be wondering, 'What's Next?' Read on to find out what happens to your script now the deadline has passed and some advice on how to spend your time while you wait for an update from us.
First of all, if you submitted a script to our Open Call submission window, give yourself some well-deserved praise! Completing and sending your work out into the world as a writer is no easy task. You should be proud of this accomplishment, so take time to tell yourself that.
We want to thank everyone who submitted their script to this year’s Open Call opportunity. We’ve received over 4,000 submissions! So what’s next?
We start reading...
Stage One – 10 Page Sift
All eligible entries will be assigned to our group of professional experienced script readers and 主播大秀 Writersroom team who will read at least the first ten pages of every script.
The main factors that push scripts through to the second stage of our Open Call are:
- Originality of voice – the writer’s voice clearly shines through
- Originality of idea – unique stories that explore new territory, concepts, worlds, experiences, characters etc
- Storytelling ability – how you hook your reader/viewer/listener with the world and characters you have created
Stage Two – 30 Page Sift
Scripts which hook our reader’s attention will progress to a 30 page read by a second script reader, who will then consider if the script should proceed to Stage Three to be read in full by a third reader.
Sometimes, if applications reach this stage but do not progress further, then we may consider the writer as a candidate for our Voices 2024 programme.
For further information on our Development Groups, read this recent blog post
Stage Three – Full Read (Longlist)
Scripts which reach the full read stage will be read by a third reader who will also provide the writer with a script report once the process has concluded. It is our hope that this will help writers with their development.
Due to the high volume of submissions we receive and the resources we have available, we’re not be able to provide any individual feedback to writers who have not progressed to this stage.
Stage Four – 主播大秀 Writersroom Team Read (Shortlist)
Following the full read stage the 主播大秀 Writersroom team will review the remaining scripts and undertake a fourth full read to create a final shortlist. At least two members of staff will read each of the final shortlisted scripts.
Interviews
Following this, the 主播大秀 Writersroom will then invite at least half of the shortlisted writers for an interview with a view to being considered for suitable development opportunities including our Drama Room and Voices groups. Interviews will take place online over Zoom.
How long will it take?
Please be aware that the careful processing and reading of these thousands of scripts can take a number of months and we will not make contact with any writers until we have made our final selection so please refrain from contacting us for an update. We are hoping to let people know by June 2023.
What now?
Don’t wait until our next Open Call 2024 window to get writing! You should always be coming up with ideas and new scripts to submit to us and other opportunities across the industry.
Coming up:
The Writers' Access Group is our development group for deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent writers. The submission window opens on Tuesday 24th January 2023 and closes on Tuesday 18th April 2023. Further details will be published in due course.
Also look out for opportunities coming up from 主播大秀 Comedy and