Writers are the lifeblood of our industry and ITV and Red Planet, two giants of popular drama will join forces again to champion talent and diversity in their search for bold new serial and series ideas. The winner will get a script commission, and development and the runners up development opportunities.
“ITV is the home of mainstream drama. Our shows need to be noisy, unmissable and appeal to a wide audience, which means reflecting and celebrating the diverse makeup of the UK today.
We are looking for brilliant storytellers and particularly encourage writers from underrepresented communities. ITV is for everyone, across background, race, disability, sexuality, gender identity and expression.” Chloe Tucker, ITV Drama Commissioner
ITV has always played a vital part in the landscape of British drama and shows such as Cracker, Scott and Bailey, to the more recent Cheat, The Bay, A Confession and Manhunt have had an impact on audiences, whilst also promoting emerging talent at a key 9.00pm slot.
Red Planet Pictures is the home of popular drama, from Sanditon and Dickensian, to the much loved Death in Paradise a previous Prize winner, now in its ninth series.
We are looking for writer’s who can create unforgettable contemporary drama, characters that make you sit up, and demand you watch them and share the moment. We want to see authentic voices and stories that serve all our audiences.
Writers will be asked to think big, think how they can make their idea stand out in a competitive marketplace.
This year the focus is on:
Unmissable 4 part thriller - could be psychological, conspiracy, relationship, crime, or political and
Returning procedural series - including crime, medical and legal, where the authenticity and diversity of the world, the characters and their relationships hook you in week after week
Writer’s will be asked to submit:
an existing original spec script, full length and for any medium TV, film, radio, theatre
a one/two page pitch and logline for an original TV serial or series idea for ITV
a short CV highlighting any writing credits (these are not essential to enter)
Screenwriters must be based in the UK and Eire. The idea should not be in development with another broadcaster or independent company. For this particular competition period drama ideas will not be considered
ITV is the largest commercial broadcaster in the UK and reaches millions on a daily basis. To continue to attract and appeal to the breadth of audiences of the UK the judges for the ITV Red Planet Prize will be looking for the best drama ideas that come from writers from all communities that characterise modern Britain.
Up to ten shortlisted writers will be invited to a one day pitching master-class with Tony Jordan and ITV Drama Execs, and they will then have 3 weeks to write up their pitch and series outline. Judges include Rashan Stone (Actor/Writer) Kate Rowland (Creative Producer) Chloe Tucker (ITV Drama Commissioner) Belinda Campbell (Managing Director Red Planet Pictures)