Writers helping writers

What does Scriptwriting East Midlands do?

We are a brand-new writer-led initiative. Our aim is to create informal learning and development opportunities for serious scriptwriters in the East Midlands, aged 18+. This will start as writer-only script reads, focused on providing professional peer support for each others' projects.

​

How do you define a "serious" writer?

You might have been paid to write before, but maybe not. If you are driven to see your writing performed on professional platforms, and dedicated to your own development, then that's good enough for us.​

​​

How do I book a place?

Sign up for free via our booking form. Sessions are currently limited to 20 people, due to the size of the Mezzanine Lounge at Broadway Cinema. You can only ever book for the next session.

​

How do I bring a script to be read?

Tick that box on the booking form. We will be in touch with what to do next. However, please note that your script might not necessarily be read in the next session, although we will always try to accommodate it as soon as possible.

​

How "ready" does my script have to be?

Please don't bring first drafts. If that's all you have, first get feedback from a close creative ally, then rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. Our sessions are for hearing a "good-ish" version of your script out loud, to get feedback from supportive and knowledgeable peers. Make the most of that. It helps if you have a particular question or niggle about your project, and have specific feedback in mind.

​

Can I bring another kind of creative writing? Eg. a poem?

No thank you. This group is only for scripts: for stage, TV, film or audio (podcast/radio). In addition, do not bring scripts for short films or short plays, or extracts from longer scripts. These sessions are to hear an entire piece aloud, with view to making it better.

​

I'm a professional-level writer, but don't have a script to share. Can I attend?

Yes! Please do! The idea of this group is that we are a community of writers supporting writers. That can only be sustainable if people come, even when they don't have a script to share. Your point of view, experience and presence are very much needed. Especially when it comes to reading a script aloud. We need lots of readers for that!

​

Do you accept writers who aren't based in the East Midlands?

Sorry, no. This is an initiative which is all about developing our regional network. If you are based anywhere else, even if you are originally from the East Midlands, then we'd suggest tapping into writer networks where you are based, or making your own. We define the East Midlands as Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire Northamptonshire and Rutland.

​

I'm not a writer, but I am a director/producer/actor/fan of new scripts. Can I attend?

Sorry, no. Our sessions are not auditions for our writers, nor for actors, nor any kind of performances at all. They are simply a bubble for us writers to feel protected from judgment, and supported by friendly peers who share our pain.

​

If you have any doubts or questions not answered above, please be in touch: scriptwritingeastmidlands@gmail.com

​​

​

Scriptwriting East Midlands is supported by funding through In Good Company