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The next generation of TV writers are being sought by the ´óÏó´«Ã½ for its prestigious Drama Writers Academy, a unique course that equips writers with the skills to work on ´óÏó´«Ã½ flagship continuing drama programmes – EastEnders, Holby City, Casualty and Doctors.

The Academy is the only course in the world that guarantees writers the opportunity to work on prime-time television.

Students that secure a place will enjoy masterclasses from the best in the business: writers such as Richard Curtis (Notting Hill), Russell T Davies (Doctor Who), Tony Jordan (EastEnders, Life On Mars), Jimmy McGovern (The Street), Barbara Machin (Casualty, Waking The Dead), Peter Bowker (Occupation, Monroe) as well as leading directors such Dearbhla Walsh (Shameless, Little Dorrit, The Borgias).

Alongside training on all aspects of drama production from casting to scheduling, students will receive direct writing experience on continuing dramas, with commissions on the shows once they successfully complete the course.

Creativity, talent and a passion for telling stories are essential criteria for those applying. Applicants must have had at least one professional commission in either television, theatre, radio or film.

Since its inauguration six years ago, 35 out of 48 graduates have gone on to gain full-time work in writing for TV, with 14 of the graduates now established as core writers on continuing drama shows. These include Mark Catley, graduate of the 2005 course who is now Consultant Producer/Lead Writer on Casualty and Justin Young who was made Consultant Producer on Holby City this year.

In addition, 11 others have gone on to work on other shows including, Shameless, Waterloo Road, Wild And Heart, Coming Up and The Cut. Six are currently developing original projects with ´óÏó´«Ã½ Drama – two of which, 32 Brinkburn Street (Karen Laws) and The Accidental Farmer (Daisy Coulam) have been made.

John Yorke, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Controller of Drama Production and Course Tutor, says: "There is now a real career structure for writers coming into ´óÏó´«Ã½ Drama with the Academy launching successful writers' careers. It's fantastic that in the current climate the ´óÏó´«Ã½ is still able to make such a major investment in new talent."

Applications are open from Monday 11 April until Thursday 5 May. Details on how to apply can be found at .

More information is also available on the .

HT