ITV’s ‘Original Voices’ returns to Emmerdale

ITV first launched Original Voices in 2013, to tap into and connect with local BAME writing talent. The aim of the initiative is to find interesting writers from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and offer selected candidates training opportunities within ITV Continuing Drama.

ITV has run the scheme three times so far with writers joining the story and writing teams of both Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

Original Voices – Emmerdale is seeking submissions from talented writers with a view to offering four applicants the opportunity to spend six weeks in the Emmerdale story department. Whilst there the successful applicants will develop their skills at creating gripping stories, weaving multiple story strands and writing credible long running story arcs.

At the end of the attachment the selected writers will get the chance to write a trial script for the show to be read by the show’s producers. Constructive notes and feedback will be offered on this script with an opportunity for the writer to write a second draft, a vital part of the soap scripting process. Writing a trial script is the standard path for writers attempting to secure one of the highly coveted writer roles on ITV’s soaps. It will provide invaluable scripting experience to the schemes selected writers, experience which can be put to good use on other drama opportunities.

ITV’s Managing Director of Continuing Drama, John Whiston, says: “I’ve seen the impact our Original Voice scheme has previously had at both Emmerdale and Coronation Street.  The talent involved have helped make both programmes’ story offices and writing teams more reflective of the world our drama lives in and so more exciting and more relevant to our audience.  So I’m pleased that, with the help of Creative Skillset, we are able to extend the initiative once again”.

Applicants can apply by sending the below to originalvoices@itv.com:

• One sample script of 30-90 minutes (television, film, theatre, radio or similar)
• Short script synopsis
• Biography/CV, stating your permanent residence in the North.
• All submissions should be received by 1st December 2017.