Well, we're back! The Red Planet Prize, that is. If you don't already know, I helped create and set-up this fantastic opportunity for new writers. It really is a screenwriting competition like no other; no strings, no fuss, no entry fee, all you need is good writing to apply.
We've been running the comp since 2007, with a little bit of a break last year. It's all made possible thanks to the huge generosity and passion of Tony Jordan, and his team at Red Planet Pictures (big up to Simon Winstone, his trusty right hand man).
The deadline for this year's prize is 31st July, 2010 so get polishing those first ten pages of your hot script. Below is the press release with more info but all the details you need are at the website. Interested? Of course you are - go for it!
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Tony Jordan’s Red Planet Pictures has launched its third annual search for new writing talent – this year in partnership with Kudos Film and Television.
The competition is open to budding writers, with a £5,000 cash prize, a script commission and agent representation for the winner.
In addition, the winner and a number of runners up will be mentored by executives from Red Planet and Kudos to help them develop their craft.
The competition is open to anyone in the UK. Entrants must upload the first ten pages of an original 60-minute script for TV along with a short synopsis; this can be a single play or a pilot for a series. Should entrants then proceed through to the second phase, they will be asked to submit the full script.
Rules for the Red Planet Prize in Partnership with Kudos Film and TV
* All scripts must be in English and in screenwriting format;
* Scripts must be original and the sole property of the applicants;
* For the first round, only the first ten pages of the script, a one page outline about the series (please note, sending complete screenplays for the first round will result in disqualification)
* Entries are to be submitted on the competition’s website and the deadline is 31 July 2010.
The outright winner will be announced later in the year, but other stand-out finalists will be invited to spend the day with Jordan and a team from both Red Planet Pictures and Kudos at the end of the year to talk through their work and receive guidance on their writing.
Jordan will oversee this year’s entries with Kudos executive producers Karen Wilson and Alison Jackson and Simon Winstone for Red Planet Pictures.
The judges include influential names from the TV industry. Tony Jordan will be joined by Kudos creative director Jane Featherstone; BBC head of drama, England indies, Polly Hill; and Channel 4’s head of drama development, Ben Stoll.
The competition has already seen success with its winners. Joanna Leigh wrote for Red Planet Pictures’ series Crash for BBC1 Wales and is currently developing a new series with the production company.
Mark Wilkinson who is now developing his winning script, The Ropes, a contemporary drama set in the world of boxing.
Runners up are also working on developing scripts with Jordan and his team at Red Planet Pictures, including a drama series set in the Caribbean being lined up as a co-production with French Television.
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