...from the makers of Killing Eve

Aspiring female comedy writers could get a career-boosting trip to the Edinburgh TV Festival under a new initiative launched today.

The project is backed by Sid Gentle Films – which makes Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Killing Eve (pictured) – and aims to tackle the shortfall in female writers.

Only 11 per cent of primetime TV comedy is written by women, and only 14 per cent of drama.

Shortlisted scripts will be judged by a panel of industry experts, and writers I’m both comedy and drama will be introduced to the industry at the festival in Augus. The prize package includes delegate passes, accommodation and travel to the festival.  

The scheme has been launched on International Women’s Day by  Thousand Films, which will also make offers to option shortlisted scripts and will support the writers with training and mentoring, after which Sid Gentle Films will develop the ideas further.  

Founder Sally Woodward Gentle, said: ‘The television industry is rightly setting a course to correct the under representation of women writers. Sid Gentle wants to take action in addressing this and our mission is to not only kick-start the careers of talented writers, but to add fresh voices to the industry at large. We hope this competition helps to unearth the incredible talent that we know is out there.’

 To enter the competition, visit https://thousandfilms.co.uk 

Published: 8 Mar 2019