BBC Writers Open Call
Programme · 2026Prestige 72/100
The BBC's free flagship route for UK writers: drama or comedy-drama scripts assessed for development.
Deadlines & fees
- Submissions close (window opens 3 November)Next deadline1 Dec 2026Europe/LondonFree
Dates and fees checked against the official site 14 Jul 2026.
Key facts
- Formats
- Feature, TV Pilot
- Genres
- Comedy, Drama
- Eligibility
- UK residents18+
- Open to
- United Kingdom
- Required materials
- One full script (minimum 30 pages) via the BBC E-Submissions portal · Eligibility confirmation before submission
UK residents only, 18 or over. Minimum 30 pages (excluding title and character pages). No ideas, outlines or extracts; no scripts for existing or produced shows; no previously submitted Open Call scripts. One script per window.
Prizes
No cash prize. Development, mentorship and potential routes to BBC commissioning for selected writers.
Judging
BBC script readers assess and shortlist; shortlisted writers are offered development opportunities. Not scored as a public competition, and there is no cash prize.
The PreList verdict
For UK and Irish writers this is the single most important free door in the industry. The Open Call is not a competition: it is the BBC's talent sift, and shortlisted writers join BBC Writers development groups with a genuine route into radio, TV and continuing drama. It costs nothing, and it accepts scripts of almost any kind.
The honest part: the volume is enormous, only the first ten pages are read in the first sift, decisions can take up to six months, and there is no feedback for the vast majority. Treat it as a free lottery ticket with a career behind it, not as a development service. Late entries are not accepted under any circumstances, and the window is short.
The next window runs from 3 November to 12 noon on 1 December 2026. If you are eligible, the preparation is simple: make your first ten pages undeniable. And keep an eye on the wider BBC Writers opportunities page between windows; targeted schemes with nearer deadlines appear there through the year.
Dylian Salvatore, Founder of The PreList · Updated 14 Jul 2026
Frequently asked questions
When is the next BBC Open Call?
The window runs from 3 November until 12 noon on 1 December 2026, via the BBC E-submissions system. Late entries are not accepted under any circumstances.
Who can enter and what does it cost?
It is free, open to writers aged 18 or over resident in the UK or Republic of Ireland. Scripts for film, TV, radio and stage are accepted.
What happens if I am shortlisted?
Shortlisted writers join BBC Writers development groups rather than winning a prize. Only the first ten pages are read at the first sift, and decisions can take up to six months.
Is your script right for BBC Writers Open Call?
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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