Automatic reply: Submissions open for BBC script-writing open call NOVEMBER 2025

[BBC Writers]

Thank you for contacting BBC Writers. You can find answers to the most frequently asked questions below or on our website bbc.co.uk/writers. We will not respond further to your email if your query is answered below.

 

We aim to answer any queries that are not covered within this email within 48 hours. The BBC Writers team works weekdays within office hours.  Please bear in mind that responses may take longer over holiday periods. 

 

Top BBC Writers Enquiries and Emails   

 

Open Call, our annual submission window for all writers aged 18 and over and permanently resident in the UK or Republic of Ireland, will open from 12 noon on Tuesday 4th November until 12 noon on Tuesday 2nd December 2025.

  

The next Writers’ Access Group application window will be announced in Autumn/Winter 2025. 

 

The next Write Across location will be announced in Autumn 2025.

 

To find out more about our other opportunities and development groups, please visit our website for all of the latest details.

 

Here is a script/pitch/story idea for your consideration…

 

BBC Writers does not accept unsolicited scripts, script ideas or samples submitted via email. We also do not accept short stories, novels, unpublished prose manuscripts or poetry.  For information on how to submit and when to submit a script to BBC Writers, please visit our website.

 

Do you accept scripts from overseas?  

 

No. You may be a non-British-born writer, but you must be resident in the UK or Republic of Ireland to enter our schemes.  

 

I've got a great idea for a programme - where can I send it?  

 

BBC Writers only considers full scripts for drama and comedy-drama and doesn't accept ideas or pitches for programmes, particularly Factual content. For information on submitting ideas to the BBC, please visit the BBC Commissioning website.   

 

I have a story idea for an existing BBC show… 

 

BBC Writers considers original drama and comedy-drama scripts. We do not act as the script or production department for any individual show so are unable to help you with your enquiry.     

 

I have a project I want to be produced/commissioned…   

 

BBC Writers does not produce content - we work on writer career development and help the best scriptwriting talent build a career within the BBC.  There is currently no process by which BBC Content takes unsolicited ideas from the public. You may wish to consider researching and contacting independent production companies with your idea in the first instance.   

 

PLEASE NOTE: 

 

If your enquiry is about the BBC Comedy Collective opportunity you can find full details on the BBC Comedy Commissioning website https://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/comedy/comedy-collective-bursary/ . For any questions please email comedyco...@bbc.co.uk

 

If your enquiry is about BBC Studios TalentWorks training and development opportunities (Writers’ Studio: Soap, Writers’ Studio: Cosy Crime or The Writer Spotlight) this is not run by BBC Writers. You should email talen...@bbc.com

 

For more writing schemes, you may also wish to consider looking at our Opportunities pages which has details on what's available from across the industry.

Best wishes,  

BBC Writers Team