New Writing North | ADAPT

ADAPT is a development programme for writers interested in adapting their work for the screen. Now in its third year, the ADAPT programme is specifically designed to support writers from any creative background (eg playwrights, novelists, poets, stand-ups) to adapt their own work and develop their screenwriting skills.  

Four writers will be selected and supported with 1-2-1 script development support. They will also have the opportunity to take part in workshops on the fundamentals of screenwriting, story and adaptation, have their work read through with actors at an industry feedback session and be supported towards next steps in progressing their screenwriting career. 

Writers living in the North East (County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, and Sunderland) are invited to submit an idea that has the potential to become a television series or feature film and will be supported to work that idea up to a point where it is primed to present to producers/industry. This might take the form of a treatment, pitch deck and/or script pages.   

ADAPT is aimed at writers who are relatively new to screenwriting but have a track record in other forms of writing. 

Application guidance

• All ideas submitted must be your own original work and all rights to the ideas submitted must be entirely owned by the applicant. IP will remain with the writer.  

• Applicants must be over 18 years of age by 15 June 2026. 

• Applicants must be based in either County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, or Sunderland. You may be required to provide proof of residence as part of the application process.  

• Writers selected will receive a £1,000 bursary to support their time writing as well as receiving free training and script development support. 

For more information and to apply visit the website