Writers will participate in the inaugural Bisha K. Ali Talent program.
Cécile Frot-Coutaz, Sky Studios CEO:
“The stories we tell shape our collective understanding of the world, so it’s essential to open up the closed sphere of screenwriting to as many voices as possible, allowing us to tell untold stories to a global audience. Inspired by Bisha’s vision, we’re proud to help break down barriers and support these six new writers at this early stage in their careers.
Today, Bisha K. Ali, Netflix and Sky unveiled the cohort of six outstanding screenwriters chosen to be part of their first screenwriting talent programme.
The one-year fellowship, which is now halfway through, is led by screenwriter Bisha K. Ali, who is part of the writing team for the first series of Sex educationMarvel Studios head writer Ms. Marvel and consulting producer for Sky Original The baby.
The scholarship aims to give the UK’s brightest new voices the opportunity to join a Netflix or Sky writers room and receive their first TV credit.
ANe Mensah, Vice President of Netflix Original Series:
“At Netflix, we want to create shows that reflect the world we live in and develop a more inclusive pipeline of creatives across the UK. True diversity is knowing which voices are heard and which stories and perspectives are told. Netflix is proud to play a role in nurturing these up-and-coming writers and designing a program that not only attempts to remove some of the barriers to entry into our industry, but also provides the space, time, and financial security needed to help writers develop their craft. .”
Applicants had to be dedicated writers with an authentic and original voice and submit a full screenplay to be considered for the Screenwriters Fellowship, which received nearly 2,000 applications.
Winners include Asad Ullah, screenwriter and theater performer, from Manchester, Daniel T. David, award-winning copywriter, Kayla Hendy, 23-year-old writer from Slough, Kim Taylor, former teacher and freelance writer for stage and screen, Lewis Wren, a 29-year-old playwright and screenwriter based in the North West of England, and Robyn Ahern, a writer who has also worked in film development and academia.
Fellows were assigned industry mentors and participated in workshops and fireside chats with industry luminaries such as Charlie Brooker, Charlie Covell, Kate Herron, Chandni Lakhani and Laurie Nunn.
The Screenwriters Fellowship is part of Netflix and Sky’s wider commitment to improving representation and spreading opportunities across the UK.
Bisha K. Ali:
“I am so proud to see the creative growth of the talented and driven writers selected for our Screenwriting Fellowship. The world of screenwriting has historically been difficult to break into, made even more difficult by the systemic issues within our industry. Our Fellowship does not claim to have all the answers, but we aspire to be part of the movement towards a more inclusive industry. I know that our spectacular inaugural Fellows have long creative careers ahead of them and will continue to be essential storytellers across multiple genres and Remember their names – I’m sure you’ll see them in the credits of your favorite new shows!”