ScreenSkills Supports Fflur Dafydd And Alan Harris

ScreenSkills has announced it is support Fflur Dafydd and Alan Harris with a bursary as part of a new initiative that aims to find and encourage the development of writing talent from Wales.

Hartswood West, ScreenSkills and BBC Writersroom Wales have joined forces to find two up-and-coming TV writers with a strong connection to Wales. Part-funded by the ScreenSkills High-end TV Fund, the two winning writers will receive a six-month bursary to develop original drama ideas. Following this, they will be given the opportunity to present their work to the BBC. Additionally, they will benefit from expert advice and guidance from established Welsh screenwriters Russell T Davies (A Very English Scandal, Doctor Who) and Cath Tregenna (Torchwood, Law & Order) as part of the programme.

The writers were chosen following a rigorous selection process, during which they had to pitch their submitted idea to a judging panel, which included Ben Irving (Drama Commissioning Editor for Wales, BBC) and Brian Minchin (Executive Producer, Hartswood West).

Fflur Dafydd said: "Having long admired the work of Hartswood Films, it's fantastic to finally get an opportunity to work alongside them to develop a really exciting pitch. I am very passionate about Welsh representation on screen, and am always eager to divert from the easy stereotypes to show the rest of the world how funny and quirky and diverse Welsh people are. I entered this programme because I’m invested in creating a really engaging Welsh story which will connect with audiences across the UK, and it’s wonderful to have someone as experienced as Russell T Davies overseeing the creative process."

Alan Harris said: "I sent in a series idea that has characters that I love and want to see succeed at the heart of it. I know not all of them will succeed but I can’t wait to go on a journey with them and the team at Hartswood West. It’s a privilege to have the chance to explore this world and, hopefully, produce something I’d like to see on the television."

The writer scheme is an initiative that works towards improving diversity in the screen industries by giving talent from the nations and regions exposure and a chance to bring their work into the spotlight.

Kaye Elliott, Director of high-end TV for ScreenSkills said: "ScreenSkills is dedicated to developing talent and crew across the whole of the UK. We are very pleased to support this new scheme with the High-end TV Skills Fund, enabling talent to grow in Wales. We look forward to seeing how Fflur and Alan develop their work in the next six months."