BBC Writers' Academy - apply now for 07 intake

The BBC has opened applications for the Writers' Academy, a training scheme designed to find the next generation of scribes for the corporation's ongoing drama series [i.e. soaps]. Each year more than 500 people apply, from which eight are chosen for fast-tracking. Below are some extracts from the official announcement:

The BBC Writers' Academy is inviting applications for a place on its unique training programme which offers writers the chance to hone their skills alongside the very best in British industry talent. The Academy's role is to discover the next generation of writers for BBC One' s flagship drama series and then develop them to work across the entire range of BBC's drama output.

Successful applicants will enjoy guest lectures from leading British writers such as: Tony Jordan, Jed Mercurio and Dominic Minghella, alongside presentations from leading directors Bharat Nalluri and Dearbhla Walsh. There will also be workshops in all aspects of television production. The initial course will last for 13-weeks, during which each writer will be commissioned to write an episode of Doctors. If their Doctors episode is green-lit for broadcast, each writer will rotate across EastEnders, Casualty and Holby City until the end of the 15-month period.

Applicants must have had their work previously broadcast on television or radio, or performed professionally at the theatre. For more information and to apply, applicants should visit bbc.co.uk/jobs. The closing date is 14 May 2007.

If you're still interested [and qualify to apply], it's worth reading Danny Stack's experience of trying out for the academy in 2005.