Disabled Writers in Development scheme for ITV

ITV Studios launches new programme for disabled writers to develop scripts.

ITV Studios is today launching its Disabled Writers in Development programme, aiming to elevate the talent pool of disabled writers to prepare them to be commissioned by ITV and the wider industry. The Disabled Writers in Development programme will be paid for through the £500k Diversity Development Fund which was also created to develop new ideas and talent.

Sam Tatlow, Creative Diversity Partner at ITV:

“At ITV, we’re continuing to ensure that we are representative of our audience all year round. A programme like this will create unique opportunities for Disabled editorial talent and encourage those who hadn’t considered a career in production to pursue it. As well as, creating a platform to bring their ideas to life.”

The new programme, supported by Patrick Spence’s scripted Studio and Tall Story Pictures, will run over a 12-month period. Four writers will develop an ITV-focussed idea and write a pilot script. They will then have the opportunity to pitch in a meeting with ITV’s Head of Drama Polly Hill and the drama commissioning team.

A Development Executive from each label will work with two writers, supporting and developing their individual projects.

Disabled from the neck down, Noel Crane became a disability storyline advisor on Crossroads – leading to a real-life care charity being formed.

In addition to this, one Trainee Script Editor will be placed at Patrick Spence’s scripted Studio and one within Tall Story Pictures as part of the ITV Studios Production Training Scheme. These trainee placements have been ring-fenced for d/Deaf, disabled and neurodiverse people who will work alongside each label’s Development Executive to assist the writers in development.

To apply, writers must submit a sample script. Applications are open to disabled people only and writers should have at least one professional writing credit (for television, theatre, short film or radio which they have been paid for).

Applications are open now and will close on Friday 9th September.

According to the Creative Diversity Network’s Diamond data, Disabled people remain underrepresented in the industry and particularly in off-screen roles with the Fifth Cut report showing that 4.5% of off-screen roles at ITV were filled by people who identified as disabled. ITV supports the CDN’s Doubling Disability initiative and has been working collaboratively with the industry to address this. The Disabled Writers in Development programme is one example of how ITV is addressing this underrepresentation.

In 1972 ITV soap Crossroads engaged with disabled viewer Noel Crane to create storylines to reflect the lives of everyday disabled people. One story led to the fictional Caring for Carers plot, which later spawned the real-life Crossroads Care/Carers Trust charity, which continues to run today.