Script Essentials 2026: Free Webinars From BBC Writers

Watch our Script Essentials webinar sessions aimed at deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent writers through the recordings below...

Are you a deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent writer wanting to apply for our Open Call and Writers' Access Group opportunities?

Script Essentials is a series of drop in sessions that BBC Writers ran every Thursday from 21st May - 25th June. However, do not worry, recordings and wrap-up notes for all of the sessions can be found down below! Please do make sure to make the most of these amazing resources before the 1st November.

While these sessions were aimed at deaf, disabled, and/or neurodivergent writers - if you do not identify as deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent please do still make the most of these wonderful resources!

All webinar recordings have BSL interpreters and there are wrap-up notes for each session linked below each recording.

Each session covers a different topic including developing characters, story and structure, writing a good spec' script, and being a working writer.

The aim of the sessions is to help writers prepare for our Open Call and Writers Access Group submission windows (Open Call applications open in November 2026 and Writers Access Group in 2027).

Watch Our Script Essentials Webinar Recordings Below:

Webinar 1 Recording: Writers Voice and Ideas for Screen

Join writer and creator of Reunion (BBC One) Billy Mager and Gwen Gorst (Warp Films) as they talk about finding your voice as a writer and what makes an idea really work for screen

Script Essentials 2026 Summary Notes - Session 1: Writers Voice & Ideas For ScreenOur wrap up notes for the first session in our 2026 Script Essentials Webinar series can be read here

Webinar 2 Recording: Character

What makes a great character for TV? Hear from writer Andrew Burrell about how to create compelling and complicated characters that audiences and readers want to follow.

Script Essentials 2026 Summary Notes - Session 2: CharacterOur wrap up notes for the second session in our 2026 Script Essentials Webinar series can be read here

Webinar 3 Recording: Story and Structure

BBC Writers Development Executive Simon Nelson talks through how to crack story and structure for TV and screen writing.

Script Essentials 2026 Summary Notes - Session 3: Story and StructureOur wrap up notes for the third session in our 2026 Script Essentials Webinar series can be read here

Webinar 4 Recording: How I Write & The Writing Life

What does a day in the life of a writer look like? Get an insight into Nk'iru. Njoku and Benjamin Bee's writing process and how they deal deadlines and organise their days as neurodivergent writers. Hosted by Writers Access Group alumn Karen Featherstone.

Script Essentials 2026 Summary Notes - Session 4: How I Write and The Writing LifeOur wrap up notes for the fourth session in our 2026 Script Essentials Webinar series can be read here

Webinar 5 Recording: What Makes a Great Spec Script?

How do you make your script stand out? Hear from two of our BBC Writers reading team who will talk through what they look for when considering a script for one of our programmes and what industry professionals are looking for when they're reading new writing.

Script Essentials 2026 Summary Notes - Session 5: What Makes A Great Spec?Our wrap up notes for the fifth session in our 2026 Script Essentials Webinar series can be read here

Webinar 6 Recording: Finding a Writing Community

Our panel of representatives from Graeae, DANC/Triple C and BFI Network discuss developing your creative network and where to find writing opportunities. This session will be hosted by BBC Writers' Michelle Matherson.