Five Belfast-based writers celebrate graduating from Channel 4 Scheme for emerging screenwriting talent, as first Northern Irish cohort

Five emerging screenwriters from Belfast are celebrating graduating from Channel 4’s New Writers Scheme, after nine months of training to build their skills and work towards writing an original script for TV.

Claire Handley, Jonathan M. Daley, Katie Bridget Murphy, Ross McClure and Ross Morrison, were part of the first Northern Irish cohort on the scheme, which aims to develop new regional screenwriting talent and help build stronger creative pipelines across the UK's Nations & Regions.

As part of the scheme, the writers heard from the creator and writer of Derry Girls, Lisa McGee, who gave a masterclass on screenwriting advice. Other bespoke masterclasses featured talks from Russell T Davies (Doctor Who, It’s A Sin, Tip Toe) and training delivered by renowned screenwriter John Yorke.

Throughout the scheme, the writers worked alongside script editors and indie mentors to develop their writing and industry knowledge, including Northern Irish indies Fabel Productions and Two Cities. Northern Ireland Screen helped support and facilitate the scheme, which is led and funded by Channel 4’s training and development arm, 4Skills.

The course culminated with the writers submitting their original scripts for feedback from the Channel 4 Drama team.

Graduate Jonathan M. Daley said: “This scheme is the most invaluable experience in learning how to write for TV. It has given me the confidence and drive to pursue a career of TV writing, whilst also providing valuable insight and access to a daunting industry.”

Another graduate, Ross Morrison, added: “The Channel 4 New Writers Scheme sharpened my skills as a writer, but just as valuable was the chance to spend nine months with some of the finest people I've worked with. The calibre of mentors, script editors, masterclass guests and industry specialists they pull in is what makes the scheme work.”

Charlotte Michael, Senior Portfolio Lead, Nations & Regions at Channel 4, said: “Championing emerging writing talent is at the heart of Channel 4, and we’re incredibly proud to celebrate the graduation of this year’s New Writers Scheme cohort. Building on Channel 4’s track record of telling Northern Irish stories such as Derry Girls and Trespasses, we are thrilled to have supported these five talented writers and to grow the next generation of talent to write these stories."