4Screenwriting
Programme · 2027Prestige 78/100
Channel 4's free development course: 12 writers new to TV drama, paid to develop an original one-hour pilot.
Deadlines & fees
Opens soon
Channel 4 has confirmed that entries for the 2027 course open in September 2026. The last window ran 22 September to 6 October, closing at 5pm.
Dates and fees checked against the official site 14 Jul 2026.
Key facts
- Formats
- TV Pilot
- Genres
- Drama
- Page limit
- 130 pages
- Eligibility
- UK residentsEmerging writersNo prior staffing18+
- Open to
- United Kingdom, Ireland
- Required materials
- CV · One complete original writing sample as a PDF, 20 to 130 pages (screenplay, TV script, stage play or radio play); not written for an existing series
For writers new to TV drama, resident in the UK or Republic of Ireland and aged 18 or over. Only writers without a broadcast credit as a television writer or a released theatrical feature may apply (produced short films of 20 minutes or less are exempt). The same script cannot be resubmitted from a previous year, except writers who identify as disabled may resubmit once.
Prizes
A free development course for 12 writers: industry lectures, an assigned script editor, two London workshop weekends with actors, and an agent networking evening. Writers are paid for taking part and for two drafts of an original one-hour pilot, with first option to Shelley Productions for Channel 4.
Judging
Applications are submitted via course director Philip Shelley's site and judged on the strength of one complete original writing sample. Twelve writers are selected each year, announced the following summer. Alumni have written for Hollyoaks, Ackley Bridge and Screw.
The PreList verdict
Ask UK television writers which scheme actually launches careers and 4Screenwriting comes up more than anything else. Twelve writers a year get what is effectively a paid apprenticeship in TV drama: a free course taught by working writers and producers, an assigned script editor, actors reading your scenes at London workshop weekends, and payment for two drafts of an original one-hour pilot that Channel 4 options. The alumni list runs through British TV drama.
The honest part: roughly two thousand writers chase those twelve places, the eligibility genuinely means new (no broadcast TV credit, no released feature), and the selection turns entirely on one writing sample. There is no feedback for the unsuccessful, and the window is short: the last one ran two weeks.
Apply if you are UK or Ireland based and serious about television: this is the strongest free development opportunity on this list after the BBC schemes, and arguably ahead of them for pure craft development. Entries for the 2027 course open in September 2026. Spend the time until then making one sample undeniable; that is the whole application.
Dylian Salvatore, Founder of The PreList · Updated 14 Jul 2026
Frequently asked questions
When can I apply for 4Screenwriting 2027?
Channel 4 has confirmed entries open in September 2026. The last window ran 22 September to 6 October, closing at 5pm, so prepare your sample before September.
Who can apply?
Writers new to TV drama, resident in the UK or Republic of Ireland, aged 18 or over, without a broadcast credit as a television writer or a released theatrical feature. Produced shorts of 20 minutes or less are fine.
What do the twelve selected writers get?
A free development course with industry lectures, an assigned script editor, two London workshop weekends with actor readings and an agent networking evening. Writers are paid for taking part and for writing two drafts of an original one-hour pilot, optioned to Shelley Productions for Channel 4.
Is your script right for 4Screenwriting?
Upload your screenplay and The PreList scores how well it fits this programme: genre, format, eligibility and readiness, before you spend anything.
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