Join commissioners, producers, agents and development executives for a packed, industry-focused day of talks, panel sessions and workshops exploring the rewards and challenges of writing drama and comedy for UK television today. Be inspired by hearing award-winning screenwriter Ed McCardie talk about his television writing journey. Come together with like-minded writers from a range of backgrounds and start to make those all-important connections.

There will be an opportunity to quiz industry practitioners in the panel sessions as we look at the changing landscape of television drama and comedy as new channels and online platforms come on stream. What are commissioners and producers looking for? Where are the entry points and the opportunities for the new writer? How do you build up your professional writing credits and get noticed? What’s the best way to approach producers and get an agent? Pitch your calling card script? And keep honing your craft? What’s involved in writing for a long-running drama like River City and how can you make the jump to landing your first original commission? Why is it important to network? These are just some of the questions being asked.

You will also be able to take part in a choice of workshops covering: breaking into writing for television, writing books vs. writing telly, the calling card script, writing for a long-running drama series, writing for children’s television, and comedy writing.

Our line-up includes:

Commissioners and development executives: Claire Bell, Script Editor for Drama, BBC Scotland; Sarah Brown, Head of Drama, STV Productions; Robbie Allen, Senior Screen Executive, Creative Scotland

Producers: Rab Christie, MD, The Comedy Unit; Eric Coulter, producer;Eileen Gallagher, Shed Media Group; Stuart Hepburn, Story Producer, BBC Scotland Drama/screenwriter; Michael Hines, director and producer

Literary Agent: Peter MacFarlane, founder of MacFarlaneChard Literary & Talent Agents

Screenwriters: Sergio Casci, Tony Cooke, Chris Lindsay, Fergus Mitchell and Kirstie Swain, plus In Conversation with award-winning screenwriter Ed McCardie