BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Competition
Contest · 2026Prestige 72/100Feedback included
BAFTA-backed new writing call. The 2026 strand is TV comedy, with three finalists showcased at BAFTA in London.
Deadlines & fees
Closed for this cycle
The 2026 competition closed at 11.55pm BST on 16 September 2026, after an early bird rate of £58 to 5 September and a standard rate of £65. Rocliffe does not accept late entries. Every entrant receives a written assessment by November 2026, and the three finalists are showcased at BAFTA in London on 30 November 2026. The next call has not been announced.
Dates and fees checked against the official site 23 Sept 2026.
Key facts
- Formats
- TV Pilot
- Genres
- Comedy
- Page limit
- 10 pages
- Eligibility
- UK residentsEmerging writers18+
- Open to
- United Kingdom
- Required materials
- Single anonymised PDF of up to 13 pages and 10MB, sections in fixed order · One-line synopsis (max 25 words) · Series treatment or overview (max 800 words) · Extract introduction (max 100 words) · Script extract of up to 10 pages in standard screenwriting format
Writers must be 18 or over by the final closing date, and at least one named writer must be a UK tax resident, currently living in the UK, or hold a UK passport (a UK postal address alone does not qualify). Writers who have created or originated a show broadcast on a major broadcaster or streamer are ineligible, though having written on an existing series, or making your own self-broadcast work, is fine. TV comedy only for 2026: sitcom, sketch, or comedy-drama that is more funny than drama.
Prizes
Three finalists receive a staged showcase at BAFTA in London during BAFTA's Screenwriting Month (November 2026), one year's complimentary BAFTA Connect access, a written Rocliffe Assessment, a Rocliffe Power Session and a copy of Rocliffe Notes for Screenwriters, with travel support. No cash prize.
Judging
Entries are read anonymously by paid Rocliffe readers, a panel selects a shortlist of roughly 10 to 12, and an industry jury picks three finalists. Criteria are originality, voice, character, storytelling, comic strength and potential as an ongoing series. Every eligible entry receives a written Rocliffe Assessment by November 2026, and readers are barred from using generative AI on submissions.
The PreList verdict
Rocliffe's pitch is the room: three finalists get their work performed by professional actors at BAFTA in London, in front of an industry audience, during BAFTA's Screenwriting Month. For an emerging UK comedy writer that showcase, plus a year of BAFTA Connect, is a genuinely career-shaped prize, and the competition's alumni record backs it up.
The honest part: there is no cash, the entry package is exacting (one anonymised PDF of no more than 13 pages, four sections in a fixed order, and payment that must arrive within 24 hours of submitting or the entry can be withdrawn), and the fee is £65 now that the £58 early bird has passed. This round's free bursary places have all been awarded. Rocliffe's own competitions page still describes them as available, but the dated terms and conditions say they closed on 26 August, so do not count on one.
Enter if you write TV comedy (sitcom, sketch, or comedy-drama that is more funny than drama) and at least one of you is a UK tax resident, lives in the UK or holds a UK passport. Every entry receives a written assessment, so unlike most contests you get something for the fee even without placing. The call closes at 11.55pm BST on 16 September 2026, so this is a decision about an extract you can finish this week, not one to plan around.
Dylian Salvatore, Founder of The PreList · Updated 5 Oct 2026
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2026 Rocliffe strand?
TV comedy: sitcom, sketch show, or comedy-drama that is more funny than drama. The competition rotates across TV comedy, TV drama, children's media and film in other years.
How much does it cost?
£65 at the standard rate, which applies until the call closes at 11.55pm BST on 16 September 2026. The £58 early bird ended on 5 September. Fees include VAT and are non-refundable, and payment must be received within 24 hours of submitting. This round's free bursary places closed on 26 August and have all been awarded.
What do finalists get?
Three finalists get a live showcase at BAFTA in London on 30 November 2026, a year of BAFTA Connect, a written Rocliffe Assessment, a copy of Rocliffe Notes for Screenwriters and a one-to-one Rocliffe Power Session. There is no cash prize, though BAFTA may be able to help with travel. Every entry receives a written assessment, expected in November.
Is your script right for BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Competition?
Find out free, before you spend anything. Upload your screenplay and The PreList checks whether its format can enter this contest, whether you meet the country rules and any regional limits, and scores the script. Pro adds a written read on how well it fits.
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