When reading new writers scripts – I can often just glance through the first few pages – and with a sense check of how the script looks ON THE PAGE – yes, without reading anything – I can tell, pretty accurately – if the script will work or not, and if the writer has any idea of what they’re actually doing.
The first rule of scriptwriting is SHOW – DON’T TELL. And most new scriptwriters think they understand that rule but do not.
In the UK there is really only one place you can send a script (that will actually read it) and that’s the BBC Writers OPEN CALL – a competition (open once a year) which invites writers to send in scripts – so that the BBC can develop the writer (develop means put to work on existing shows in most cases – the only real recognised career path for scriptwriters in the UK – lucky winners of the BBC OPEN CALL usually end up writing episodes of existing BBC shows – most commonly EastEnders or Casualty.
Here’s the 2026 – scriptwriting and directing showreel. For work enquiries – scriptwriting or directing – contact Mat on – matcoop23@yahoo.co.uk ABOUT MATTHEW COOPER – […]
Hey as a script writer for hire and UK script consultant with 25+ years’ experience in the business I get asked a lot of questions about scriptwriting.
Scriptwriting careers in UK TV and Film work in a particular way and its key to your success that you understand how it works – and accept the reality of the industry.
As the busiest script consultant in the UK – I work with new writers to help them find their voice – and sometimes (when my work is heavily in demand) script reports and script coverage are picked up by other professional scriptwriters that I have worked (and respect) with over my long career in film and TV. One such writer is my good friend Cardy O’Donnell.
As the busiest UK script consultant in UK film and TV – I try really hard to keep my website up to date with fresh blogposts as often as I can – a portion of my work involves helping and encouraging new scriptwriters with my hugely popular script report service and a lot of my online content is aimed at helping new writers get their work into shape – and advising them on the business aspects of scriptwriting as a career (especially in the UK).
That’s the secret to getting a scriptwriting agent
MARGIN NOTES / SCRIPT EDIT is now available and it costs £199 (and is only currently available to writers who have already taken up my services via a script report.
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