Sir Lenny Henry Backing Program for Aspiring Scriptwriters

BBC and Sir Lenny Henry’s Create Central have launched Write Across Birmingham and the Black Country, a new scheme aiming to support aspiring scriptwriters.

The eight-week program, running from June to September 2024, provides 12 aspiring writers with insight into writing for TV through workshops, networking opportunities and more.

A number of creative organizations in the West Midlands have also joined to support.

Applications are now open and set to close on March 5. Writers applying for the scheme should be over the age of 18 and currently living full-time in Birmingham or the Black Country.

Jessica Loveland, head of new writing for BBC Writers and BBC Drama Commissioning, commented: “We know there are many brilliant writers in this region who have exciting, entertaining and urgent stories to tell. The aim of Write Across is to give writers the tools and the knowledge to share those stories more widely. And with some creativity, hard work and a sprinkle of magic, hopefully, in time, they’ll bring their writing to the screen.

“We want to work with a range of new voices who represent the diversity of this incredible region. We’re looking for writers who absolutely love TV, who watch lots of shows, read all the scripts and are really excited to explore writing for the medium.”

“This is a very good time to be in the Midlands,” said Henry. “The next few years are all about development. It’s going to be a cultural hotspot again. The BBC is here, Create Central is here, BBC Writers is here. I want to be involved in that and Steven Knight wants to be involved in that. Good things are coming.

“I want to do more things set in the Midlands, my production company are hopefully going to create more here because why wouldn’t you? There are so many talented people here, so many great places. I want to say ‘this is a place you haven’t seen before—Dudley, Wall Heath, Tipton, Smethwick. I want to make a drama in Tipton, in Smethwick. I want to write about the North Street riots. I want to do a story about black American soldiers meeting people in Wolverhampton and asking what pork scratchings are.”