Partnership to support North TV writers renewed
New Writing North and Channel Four will continue to work together to develop screenwriting from the region
A partnership designed to find and nurture writing talent from the region will continue to fuel opportunities in the screen industry.
The new three-year commitment agreed between Channel Four’s 4Skills and New Writing North was announced at the latter’s sold out Screenwriting Weekender, which debuted in Newcastle today (Friday) with a keynote speech from BAFTA and Golden Globe* winning Gateshead writer, Peter Straughan.
*He might add another BAFTA and an Oscar to that list in the next few weeks thanks to his adapted screenplay, Conclave
Aimed at supporting the development of new and emerging writers, and those that may want to crossover into screenwriting from other art forms, the partnership includes bursaries, bespoke programmes of talent development, screen industry insight and expertise, networking, mentoring and peer-support.
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It is hoped it will continue to increase access and opportunities for writers from a wide range of backgrounds to combat the stark statistic that only 9% of people who work in the screen industry would consider themselves working class.
Anna Disley, executive director (Programme and Impact), New Writing North, said: “Our long-established partnership with Channel 4, and now 4Skills, has enabled us to discover and develop some of the most exciting, diverse, and talented writers in the UK.
“Stories by writers such as Sharma Angel-Walfall are appearing on our TV screens week in, week out. However, the industry is still very London-centric, and this is often reflected in the stories we see on TV.”

The announcement comes during a period of expansion for the screen industry in the region, with the North East seeing an 89% increase in film and TV production over the past two years as well as significant Government funding being secured for the £450m Crown Works studio development in Sunderland.
It also cements and builds on New Writing North’s increased support for screenwriters in recent years including The Channel 4 Writing for Television Awards (which will continue), the creation of an in-house screen development producer role created in 2023 and partnerships with the likes of North East Screen, Film4, BBC, Red Productions and Bonafide Films.
Anna continued: “At a time of opportunity and investment in screen in the North our partnership with 4Skills will enable us to do more to find talent from all corners of the North and help it find a place on national and international screens.”
Sinead Rocks, Channel 4’s managing director, Nations and Regions, said: “The partnership between 4Skills and New Writing North will help identify talent from regions like the North East, voices which otherwise might go unheard just because of where or who they are.
“We are determined to address that imbalance and create opportunities for a new generation of writers which is why this partnership is so important and exciting.”