A COMPETITION to develop TV writing talent in Scotland has issued a call for entries, with step on of the process being a chance to quiz the judges in a fortnight’s time.
Scots actor, Douglas Henshall, is among the judges on the Frank Deasy Award, being co-organised by BBC Scotland and also involving Creative Scotland.
He will be joined by, among others, Edinburgh playwright and director, Zinnie Harris, BBC Scotland head of drama, Christopher Aird.
Says a BBC Scotland statement: “Designed to inspire, develop and celebrate writing talent in Scotland, the Frank Deasy Award was named in honour of the Emmy-award winning writer whose credits include Prime Suspect – The Final Act, Looking After Jo-Jo, Real Men and The Passion. Deasy died in 2009.”
The statement continues: “The Frank Deasy Award 2012-13 is open to Scottish writers or writers living in Scotland who have at least one professional commission or engagement in TV, theatre, radio or film.
“Would-be screenwriters are invited to submit an original script for either TV, theatre, radio or film; an outline for an original TV drama series of no more than two pages; and a brief biography of work to date. Dates of submission are from 30 November 2012 – 22 February 2013 with winners expected to be announced in April 2013.
“Up to two award winners will be offered the position of Writer in Residence at BBC Scotland for a period of six months with a remit to develop original ideas for BBC One. The aim will be to have one of their drama pieces commissioned as a script on the BBC Scotland Drama development slate.”
The chance to quiz the competition’s judges is taking place at Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre on Thursday the 29th. Tickets are available from here, allocated on a first come, first served basis.
