Organizer Information
The TV Foundation is the charitable arm of the Edinburgh TV Festival, one of the most prestigious events in the global television calendar. The Foundation is dedicated to identifying and nurturing the next generation of talent, with a core mission to promote diversity, social equality, and accessibility within the screen industries. By partnering with All3Media—a leading international television production and distribution group—the Foundation provides emerging creatives with direct pathways into the commercial TV sector, leveraging a network of world-class production labels and industry executives.
Title & Description
New Writers Collective 2026
The New Writers Collective is a career-accelerator program designed to support 10 distinctive, uncredited writers as they seek their first professional breakthrough. Now in its fourth year, the program aims to bridge the gap between aspiring writers and the professional television industry. The initiative focuses on demystifying the TV landscape, providing high-level industry guidance from All3Media executives, and fostering a supportive community where writers can develop their craft and confidence. The collective is specifically structured to help participants secure representation and their first paid writing opportunities.
Categories
The call is focused on Scripted Television Writing, encompassing:
- TV Drama (Original Series, Miniseries)
- Comedy (Sitcoms, Dramedy)
- Genre-Specific Scriptwriting (Thriller, Sci-Fi, Period Drama, etc.)
Eligibility
- Professional Status: Open to "uncredited" writers—specifically those who have not yet had a script produced for television or received a professional writing credit on a broadcast series.
- Career Stage: Aspiring writers who do not currently have professional representation (agents) or those looking for their first paid TV writing experience.
- Commitment: Applicants must be able to engage with a year-long program of events and be available to attend the festival in person.
- Location: While the festival is in Scotland, the call is generally aimed at UK-based emerging talent (see full T&Cs for residency specifics).
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected writers receive an extensive package of professional support valued at thousands of pounds:
- Festival Access: A free pass and accommodation for the 2026 Edinburgh TV Festival.
- Future Access: A complimentary pass to the 2027 Edinburgh TV Festival.
- Year-Round Support: Free access to all TV Foundation events for one year and priority access to the "First Draft" screenwriting event in March 2026.
- Mentorship: Direct industry guidance and feedback from executives at All3Media and its various production labels.
- Networking: Integration into an elite alumni network and a peer community of fellow writers.
- Visibility: All3Media retains an exclusive first right of refusal on the submitted project, potentially leading to professional development.
Application Fee
The entry fee is £24.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a digital application including:
- Original Script: A sample of writing (typically a pilot script or a specific length as defined in the technical guidelines).
- Personal Statement: Detailing your background, your writing voice, and why you want to join the Collective.
- Project Pitch: A summary of the project you are submitting.
- Agreement to T&Cs: Recognition of the first-look rights granted to the partner, All3Media.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 8 January 2026
- First Draft Event: March 2026
- Edinburgh TV Festival: August 2026 (specific dates to be confirmed).
- Program Duration: The collective runs throughout the 2026/2027 cycle.
Location
Edinburgh, Scotland
Additional Details
Applicants should be aware that All3Media holds a "first right of refusal" on the submitted script. This means that if a production company wants to option the script during the residency period, All3Media must be given the first opportunity to develop it. This is a standard industry practice for high-level fellowships and serves as a direct pipeline for the writer to a major global distributor.