Emerging writers scheme
Emerging writers
scheme
Emerging
writers scheme
The Little Chick Emerging Writers Scheme is an exciting opportunity for writers based in the UK and Ireland, in the early stages of their career, to develop their TV screenwriting with BAFTA & Emmy award winning writer Abi Morgan and Sue Gibbs, Head of Development at Heyday Television UK. The course includes a five day residential retreat and three script meetings over the following months. The selected writers will work towards developing a TV pilot episode.
The Little Chick Emerging Writers Scheme is an exciting opportunity for writers based in the UK and Ireland, in the early stages of their career, to develop their TV screenwriting with BAFTA & Emmy award winning writer Abi Morgan and Sue Gibbs, Head of Development at Heyday Television UK. The course includes a five day residential retreat and three script meetings over the following months. The selected writers will work towards developing a TV pilot episode.
A television drama writing programme for emerging writers at the early stages of their career, based in the UK and Ireland.
Including a five day residential retreat and three script meetings over the following months.
Supported by Little Chick, Arvon and WDM Entertainment.
If you require accessibility support with your application please contact our producing team at: applications@littlechickltd.com
A television drama writing programme for emerging writers at the early stages of their career, based in the
UK and Ireland.
Including a five day residential retreat and three script meetings over the following months.
Supported by Little Chick, Arvon and WDM Entertainment.
If you require accessibility support with your application please contact our producing team at: applications@littlechickltd.com
faqs
faqs
FAQS
faqs
How do I apply?
Applications will open on the 22nd January 2026 and close on the 20th February 2026 at 1pm. If you require accessibility support with your application please contact our team at: applications@littlechickltd.com
What can I expect from the application process?
Applications opened at 10am on 22nd January 2026 via this website and close on 20th February 2026 at 1pm. If you wish to be considered for our 2026 Emerging Writers Scheme please complete the typeform on this website, making sure you fill in all of your contact details correctly. We will be reaching out to a shortlist of applicants for further information and a writing sample in March 2026. Please keep an eye out for an email from us in your inbox! All unsuccessful applicants will be notified. All submissions will be deleted no later than 31st December 2026.
When is the retreat week?
Our retreat dates are locked for the w/c 1st June 2026. Please make sure you are available for all of these dates before applying.
What do you mean by early stages of a career?
An emerging writer who has evidence of writing a professionally produced tv, film or play script, or are in the early stages of development with a film, television or theatre company.
What is the time commitment for this course?
Five day in-person residential course in early June 2026. The follow up programme contains some meetings in person/on zoom. Potential for in person London based event.
Will it cost me anything?
No - all costs are covered including the retreat accommodation, travel and food.
I’ve never written anything, can I still apply?
Unfortunately not for this course. This is only open to writers who have evidence of writing a professionally produced tv, film or play script, or are in the early stages of development with a film, television or theatre company.
Do you have access information?
The retreat house is fully accessible and we will accommodate any access requirements during the follow up programme.
How do I apply?
Applications opened on the 22nd January 2026 and close on the 20th February 2026 at 1pm. If you require accessibility support with your application please contact our team at: applications@littlechickltd.com
What can I expect from the application process?
Applications opened at 10am on 22nd January 2026 via this website and close on 20th February 2026 at 1pm. If you wish to be considered for our 2026 Emerging Writers Scheme please complete the typeform on this website, making sure you fill in all of your contact details correctly. We will be reaching out to a shortlist of applicants for further information and a writing sample in March 2026. Please keep an eye out for an email from us in your inbox! All unsuccessful applicants will be notified. All submissions will be deleted no later than 31st December 2026.
When is the retreat week?
Our retreat dates are locked for the w/c 1st June 2026. Please make sure you are available for all of these dates before applying. The retreat house is fully accessible, and we will ensure we accommodate any access needs during the follow up programme.
What do you mean by early stages of a career?
An emerging writer who has evidence of writing a professionally produced tv, film or play script, or are in the early stages of development with a film, television or theatre company.
What is the time commitment for this course?
Five day in-person residential course in early June 2026. The follow up programme contains some meetings in person/on zoom. Potential for in person London based event.
Will it cost me anything?
No - all costs are covered including the retreat accommodation, travel and food.
I’ve never written anything, can I still apply?
Unfortunately not for this course. This is only open to writers who have evidence of writing a professionally produced tv, film or play script, or are in the early stages of development with a film, television or theatre company. If you are not eligible, you can find other courses and useful information on our Resources page.
Do you have access information?
The retreat house is fully accessible and we will accommodate any access requirements during the follow up programme.
When can I apply?
Applications will open on the 22nd January 2026 and close on the 20th February 2026 at 1pm. If you require accessibility support with your application please contact our team at: applications@littlechickltd.com
What can I expect from the application process?
Applications opened at 10am on 22nd January 2026 via this website and close on 20th February 2026 at 1pm. If you wish to be considered for our 2026 Emerging Writers Scheme please complete the typeform on this website, making sure you fill in all of your contact details correctly. We will be reaching out to a shortlist of applicants for further information and a writing sample in March 2026. Please keep an eye out for an email from us in your inbox! All unsuccessful applicants will be notified. All submissions will be deleted no later than 31st December 2026.
When is the retreat week?
Our retreat dates are locked for the w/c 1st June 2026. Please make sure you are available for all of these dates before applying.
What do you mean by early stages of a career?
An emerging writer who has evidence of writing a professionally produced tv, film or play script, or are in the early stages of development with a film, television or theatre company.
What is the time commitment for this course?
Five day in-person residential course in early June 2026. The follow up programme contains some meetings in person/on zoom. Potential for in person London based event.
Will it cost me anything?
No - all costs are covered including the retreat accommodation, travel and food.
I’ve never written anything, can I still apply?
Unfortunately not for this course. This is only open to writers who have evidence of writing a professionally produced tv, film or play script, or are in the early stages of development with a film, television or theatre company.
Do you have access information?
The retreat house is fully accessible and we will accommodate any access requirements during the follow up programme.
How do I apply?
Applications will open on the 22nd January 2026 and close on the 20th February 2026 at 1pm. If you require accessibility support with your application please contact our team at: applications@littlechickltd.com
What can I expect from the application process?
Applications opened at 10am on 22nd January 2026 via this website and close on 20th February 2026 at 1pm. If you wish to be considered for our 2026 Emerging Writers Scheme please complete the typeform on this website, making sure you fill in all of your contact details correctly. We will be reaching out to a shortlist of applicants for further information and a writing sample in March 2026. Please keep an eye out for an email from us in your inbox! All unsuccessful applicants will be notified. All submissions will be deleted no later than 31st December 2026.
When is the retreat week?
Our retreat dates are locked for the w/c 1st June 2026. Please make sure you are available for all of these dates before applying.
What do you mean by early stages of a career?
An emerging writer who has evidence of writing a professionally produced tv, film or play script, or are in the early stages of development with a film, television or theatre company.
What is the time commitment for this course?
Five day in-person residential course in early June 2026. The follow up programme contains some meetings in person/on zoom. Potential for in person London based event.
Will it cost me anything?
No - all costs are covered including the retreat accommodation, travel and food.
I’ve never written anything, can I still apply?
Unfortunately not for this course. This is only open to writers who have evidence of writing a professionally produced tv, film or play script, or are in the early stages of development with a film, television or theatre company.
Do you have access information?
The retreat house is fully accessible and we will accommodate any access requirements during the follow up programme.
How do I apply?
Applications will open on the 22nd January 2026 and close on the 20th February 2026 at 1pm. If you require accessibility support with your application please contact our team at: applications@littlechickltd.com
What can I expect from the application process?
Applications opened at 10am on 22nd January 2026 via this website and close on 20th February 2026 at 1pm. If you wish to be considered for our 2026 Emerging Writers Scheme please complete the typeform on this website, making sure you fill in all of your contact details correctly. We will be reaching out to a shortlist of applicants for further information and a writing sample in March 2026. Please keep an eye out for an email from us in your inbox! All unsuccessful applicants will be notified. All submissions will be deleted no later than 31st December 2026.
When is the retreat week?
Our retreat dates are locked for the w/c 1st June 2026. Please make sure you are available for all of these dates before applying.
What do you mean by early stages of a career?
An emerging writer who has evidence of writing a professionally produced tv, film or play script, or are in the early stages of development with a film, television or theatre company.
What is the time commitment for this course?
Five day in-person residential course in early June 2026. The follow up programme contains some meetings in person/on zoom. Potential for in person London based event.
Will it cost me anything?
No - all costs are covered including the retreat accommodation, travel and food.
I’ve never written anything, can I still apply?
Unfortunately not for this course. This is only open to writers who have evidence of writing a professionally produced tv, film or play script, or are in the early stages of development with a film, television or theatre company.
Do you have access information?
The retreat house is fully accessible and we will accommodate any access requirements during the follow up programme.