BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Competition

Seven faces in different boxes on a zoom screen.

Want the chance to have your work performed, and get feedback from industry experts? Then the BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Competition could be for you.

A platform for aspiring screenwriters that runs twice a year Rocliffe is part of BAFTA’s charitable commitment to supporting the next generation of film, games and TV talent. Calling for entries for Film, Television Drama, Children, Family & YA Media, and Television Comedy scripts on a rotational basis there is plenty of opportunity to get involved no matter what your specialism.

In 2024 we were accepting entries for the Television Comedy and Film categories. And in 2025 it will be the turn of Children, Family and Young Adult Media, and TV Drama.

How does the competition work?

If you are an aspiring screenwriter you are invited to submit an original script idea for a series, a feature or short film to the competition.

Submissions will be blind reviewed, and three lucky finalists will have their script extracts performed by a professional cast  to an audience of BAFTA members and industry professionals.

Why apply?

The competition, which has been running since 2000, provides a unique platform for emerging writing talent from across the country. It’s a chance to hear your work read by professional actors, take part in a development-focused discussion generated by the readings of your work, and get feedback and advice.

FAQs

During the applications open window you can apply in the following way:
- Go to apply.bafta.org/entrant.
- Register a new account, or login if you have previously used BAFTA’s application portal.
- Once you have registered or logged in, go to the ‘Create Application’ tab.
- Find ‘BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Competition – Select relevant form’.
- Select ‘Create a new application’ and this will take you to the application form.
Yes:
- Writers must be 18 or over and hold a UK passport or have resided in the UK for two years
- Writers must not have series creator credits on major platforms and broadcasters
- Previous finalists are not eligible
- Script title
- A 25 word synopsis and 300 word overview of the film
- A 10 page extract from the script and scene setting intro to the extract (100 words)
- Character breakdowns for characters featured in the submitted extract (50 words max each)
We have a limited number of free entries to our competitions. If you can’t afford the fee apply for the bursary.

Note: entry closes 10 days before the closing date. You have 24 hours to accept and must submit your materials.
There is a dedicated Rocliffe website where you can find out more details.