BBC Writers: Pilot 2027/28
ProgrammePrestige 76/100
BBC pilot commission scheme. The 2027/28 round is exclusively for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent writers.
Deadlines & fees
- Application deadline (12 noon)Next deadline4 Aug 2026Europe/LondonFree
Dates and fees checked against the official site 14 Jul 2026.
Key facts
- Formats
- TV Pilot
- Genres
- Drama
- Eligibility
- UK residentsDisabled writersEmerging writers18+
- Open to
- United Kingdom, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey
- Required materials
- Original drama or comedy drama spec TV script: minimum 50 full pages and a complete episode (no extracts), anonymised, PDF up to 10MB · Evidence of a professional credit and/or agent representation · Statement on why the programme would benefit you now (max 500 words) · Writing history paragraph (max 500 words)
Exclusively for emerging writers who identify as deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent, aged 18 or over, permanently resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Republic of Ireland with the right to work in the UK. Applicants need a literary agent and/or one professionally produced narrative credit of at least 30 minutes (TV, film, audio drama or professional theatre), or to have completed the BBC Writers Access Group. Writing duos of up to two may apply; only one partner needs to identify as deaf, disabled or neurodivergent. Ineligible if your own original series has been greenlit by any broadcaster or streamer.
Prizes
Up to eight writers are partnered with independent production companies for 12 to 18 months, attend masterclasses and workshops, and are commissioned to write at least two treatment drafts and three script drafts, paid a minimum WGGB/PMA favoured nations script fee (currently £14,040 for 60 minutes). If BBC Drama selects the script it moves to a standard BBC television commission. Free to enter.
Judging
Anonymous four-stage process: a ten-page sift by professional readers (a pool including deaf, disabled and neurodivergent readers), a second full read, a BBC Writers team read with at least two producers per script, then video interviews planned for October 2026, with production company meetings in November and December. Generative AI anywhere in an application leads to disqualification; assistive AI use is permitted.
The PreList verdict
This is the biggest live opportunity in UK television writing right now, and it is free. Pilot is the BBC's route to a first original series commission: up to eight writers are partnered with independent production companies for over a year, developed by working producers, and paid at least the union minimum script fee of £14,040. The 2027/28 round is exclusively for writers who identify as deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent, and the scheme's alumni include the International Emmy winner Lost Boys and Fairies.
The honest part: the bar is professional entry-level, not beginner. You need an agent or one produced 30-minute credit (or the BBC Writers Access Group behind you), a complete original spec of at least 50 pages, and the discipline to survive an anonymous four-stage read that starts with just ten pages. Adaptations, sitcoms and scripts for existing shows are out.
If you are eligible, drop everything else on this list and apply: the deadline is 12 noon on 4 August 2026, applications cannot be edited after submission, and the BBC will discuss access requirements up to 48 hours before the deadline. If you are not, the biennial cycle means a differently-focused round in two years.
Dylian Salvatore, Founder of The PreList · Updated 14 Jul 2026
Frequently asked questions
When does BBC Writers Pilot 2027/28 close?
At 12 noon on Tuesday 4 August 2026, via the BBC E-submissions system. Applications cannot be edited after submission, and late entries are not accepted.
Who is eligible?
Emerging writers who identify as deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent, aged 18 or over, permanently resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Republic of Ireland, with an agent and/or one professionally produced narrative credit of at least 30 minutes, or completion of the BBC Writers Access Group. Duos may apply if one partner qualifies.
What do selected writers get?
A 12 to 18 month partnership with an independent production company, masterclasses, and paid commissioned development (at least £14,040 for a 60-minute script), with the strongest projects taken into development by BBC Drama. It is free to enter.
Is your script right for BBC Writers: Pilot 2027/28?
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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