Screenwriting Resources for Film and TV Writers
This is a curated list of the resources I recommend most often to writers I work with — script databases, competitions, funding schemes, software and books. I’ve used or consulted all of these myself and update the list regularly. If you’re looking for professional feedback on your script, visit the Script Consultancy Services page or take a look at how script coverage works.
Writing for TV and film
BBC Writers Room — bbc.co.uk/writers The central hub for screenwriters at the BBC. As well as the script library, it includes submission guidelines, advice on writing for BBC drama, and information on current opportunities. Essential reading if you’re targeting UK television. Visit BBC Writers Room
BBC Scripts Library — bbc.co.uk/writers/scripts A free archive of BBC scripts across drama, comedy and radio. Reading these alongside the finished programmes is one of the best ways to understand how professional scripts translate to screen — and how much changes between page and production. Browse BBC Scripts
Drew’s Script-O-Rama — script-o-rama.com A long-running US-based library of film and TV scripts. The site is not the most elegant but the archive is extensive and freely accessible. Good for reading American feature films and US pilots. Visit Script-O-Rama
Simply Scripts — simplyscripts.com Another large database of film, TV and stage scripts. Useful for tracking down scripts that aren’t available elsewhere. Visit Simply Scripts
Screenwriting competitions
Competitions are a useful way to get your work read, benchmark it against other writers, and — if you place — add a credible credit to your writing CV. These are the ones most worth entering for UK-based writers.
Script Angel Competition List — scriptangel.com A well-maintained list of screenwriting contests with deadlines and entry fees. A useful starting point for finding competitions suited to your project and budget. View the list
US PAGE International Screenwriting Awards — pageawards.com One of the most respected US competitions for international writers. Placing in the PAGE Awards carries genuine industry recognition, particularly for feature films. Visit PAGE Awards
BBC Writers Room Open Calls The BBC periodically opens submission windows for new drama and comedy writers. These are highly competitive but worth tracking — check the BBC Writers Room site for current opportunities. BBC Writers Room
Short Film Funding
Short films remain one of the most important calling cards for emerging screenwriters. These organisations fund and support short film development and production in the UK.
BAFTA Rocliffe — rocliffe.com BAFTA Rocliffe runs competitions and events specifically designed to connect emerging writers with industry professionals. Their new writing forums are a genuine route into the industry. Visit Rocliffe
Genera Films — generafilms.com A UK-based short film fund supporting emerging filmmakers and writers. Worth checking for current funding rounds. Visit Genera Films
Creative England — wearecreative.uk Creative England supports film and TV talent across the English regions, with funding schemes for short films and early-stage development. Particularly useful if you’re based outside London. Visit Creative England
Development funding
If you’re working on a feature film or TV drama at an early stage, these are the main UK funding routes for script development.
BFI Network — bfi.org.uk BFI Network is the primary route for emerging UK filmmakers and writers to access development funding for short films and early-stage features. It operates through a network of talent executives based across the UK. Visit BFI Network
BFI Feature Development Funding For writers and producers working on feature films at a more advanced stage of development. Funding is available for script development, attachments and packaging. BFI Feature Development
Free Screenwriting Software
Professional screenwriters use dedicated software to format their scripts correctly. These are the best free options.
Free Screenwriting Software Options A useful comparison of the main free screenwriting tools currently available, including browser-based options and downloadable software. The industry standard is Final Draft, but several free alternatives produce correctly formatted scripts. Compare free options
The most widely used free option is Celtx, which is browser-based and straightforward to use. WriterDuet also has a free tier and is useful for collaborative writing. If budget allows, Final Draft remains the industry standard and is worth the investment once you’re writing regularly.
Essential Reading - Books on Screenwriting
These are the books I recommend most consistently to writers I mentor and work with in script development. Each one has genuinely influenced how I think about story and structure.
Screenwriting: The Craft and The Career — Philip Shelley Philip Shelley ran Channel 4’s 4Screenwriting scheme for many years — one of the most respected new writer development programmes in British television. This book is rooted in the realities of the UK industry rather than the Hollywood model, which makes it particularly valuable for writers targeting British broadcasters. Highly recommended. Find on Amazon
Into the Woods: How Stories Work and Why We Tell Them — John Yorke John Yorke spent decades as a senior drama executive at the BBC and Channel 4. His book is the most rigorous and intellectually serious account of story structure I’ve come across — grounded in theory but always returning to practical application. Essential reading for any writer who wants to understand why stories work, not just how to structure them. Find on Amazon
Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting — Syd Field The book that defined the three-act structure as the dominant model for Hollywood screenwriting. Some of its prescriptions feel dated now, but understanding Field’s framework is useful — if only so you know when and why to depart from it. Find on Amazon
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft — Stephen King Not a screenwriting book, but one of the best books about writing in any form. The section on the craft of fiction is as applicable to screen as it is to prose. King’s instincts about story, character and dialogue are sharp, and the book is a pleasure to read. Find on Amazon
Adventures in the Screen Trade — William Goldman Goldman wrote Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men, among many others. This memoir of his Hollywood career is funny, honest and full of practical insight. His famous observation that “nobody knows anything” remains the most useful thing anyone has ever said about the film industry. Find on Amazon
Work With Me
If you’re developing a script and want professional feedback, I offer script coverage, story development and one-to-one mentoring for film and TV writers at every stage of the process.
- Script Consultancy Services — full details of what I offer
- What is Script Coverage? — how the process works
- Screenwriting Mentor UK — ongoing mentoring packages
- Rates — transparent pricing
- Contact — get in touch