The winners of the Channel 4 Writing for TV Awards were unveiled at Leeds Playhouse last night, marking a significant milestone for emerging talent in the television industry.
The Channel 4 Writing for TV Awards, a key component of the Northern Writers’ Awards by New Writing North, aim to identify and support new writers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. The awards provide a comprehensive support package, including a nine-month placement, mentoring, and a £3,000 bursary to each winner.
Rebecca Glendenning-Laycock of Newcastle Upon Tyne will embark on her placement with Red Productions. Glendenning-Laycock, who has previously had her work commissioned and performed at venues such as Live Theatre, Freedom Studios, and Newcastle’s Alphabetti Theatre, expressed her excitement: “I feel so excited and privileged to have won the Channel 4 Writing for Television Award with Red Productions. The opportunity to work and collaborate with Red Productions and develop myself and my work is truly incredible. I can’t wait to see where it takes me.”
Emily Low, based in Tyne Valley, has been selected to work with Rollem Productions. A performer, writer, and storyteller, Low’s first commission was staged at the Alphabetti Theatre earlier this year, and she was chosen to join the Live Playwriting community. She shared her astonishment and excitement: “It means so much to me that New Writing North read my script and saw its potential as an original comedy drama. Before I won this award, I would watch brilliant shows on TV and daydream about what story I would tell if I ever got the chance. I feel very astonished and excited that I now have the opportunity to develop my own script with the wonderful Rollem Productions.”
The third recipient, Nana-Kofi Kufuor from Stockport, will join Bonafide Films. Kufuor, a British-Ghanaian playwright and screenwriter, has had his work featured at renowned venues such as Leeds Playhouse and the Edinburgh Fringe. His writing credits include popular shows like Hollyoaks and Waterloo Road, and he has been commissioned by major broadcasters such as Sky and the BBC. Kufuor remarked on the significance of this opportunity: “Being able to work with Bonafide and Channel 4 will push my career to new heights. Having people there to help me focus and improve my craft is priceless. I am unbelievably grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to get started.”
Kevin Blacoe, Head of Partnerships and Skills at Channel 4, highlighted the importance of these awards in nurturing local talent. He stated, “4Skills is proud to fund the awards and support new local talent. The placements and mentoring opportunities the winners have earned will undoubtedly open doors to set them on an exciting path in the world of television writing.”
The Channel 4 Writing for TV Awards serve as a vital platform for emerging writers, offering them unprecedented opportunities to develop their craft and advance their careers in the competitive world of television.