Script Lab returns for 2026, offering 10 new writers guidance and support to turn a short film idea into a ready-to-shoot script.
Script Lab is our annual programme for new writers which sees their idea develop into a short script that’s production ready. Writers work in groups, accompanied by a BFI Talent Executive and expert script editor, to take their project from idea to shooting script.
Script Lab kicks off with an in-person day in Sheffield covering the fundamentals of screenwriting and an introductory session with your mentor to explore all the different facets of your idea. The second, third and fourth sessions are online – taking your idea to treatment, through to a first draft, and then a discussion of your second draft in the final session. The programme culminates at Aesthetica in November where you can connect with other filmmakers including our
In Development: Producer Lab cohort.
As well as input from mentors, Script Lab relies on peer support so everyone can feed in their thoughts to help guide your project. We aim to foster a supportive and creative environment in which participants are encouraged to engage meaningfully with their peers’ work within the group. You’ll come out of Script Lab with not only a strong script and new skills, but a community of writers that will support you through the process.
Who is it for?
The programme is open to writers – from any creative discipline and experience – with an initial idea for a short film under 15 minutes in length. You don’t need to have made a film before or even worked in the medium: this course is suitable for artists working in different mediums who want to make the move into screenwriting.
Ideas must be original to the writer, and not an adaptation of third-party existing material. We will consider applications from co-writing teams as well as individuals. Applicants must be over 18, not in full time education and be based in the North (
as defined by the BFI).
Your idea should be distinctive, different, have a strong perspective and potential for a clear plot, character arc and creative approach. Applicants will ideally have a dedication to working as a writer in creative arts.
Programme Overview
Applicants must be able to commit to the online development sessions and industry workshops detailed below, as well as completing work in between sessions.
- Monday 6 April – applications open
- Monday 11 May 17:00 – applications close
- Wednesday 27 - Thursday 28 May – online group interviews (date subject to change)
- Monday 1 June – confirmations sent
Course Dates
- Friday 3 July – Session 1 in-person in Sheffield
- Friday 31 July – Session 2 online
- Friday 28 August / Friday 4 September – Session 3 online
- Friday 25 September – Session 4 online
- 4-8 November – in-person at Aesthetica in York (exact date TBC)
The first session will be a day-long programme with subsequent sessions taking place 10:00 - 13:00.
We will cover the cost of travel to the first in person session and Aesthetica, plus a day pass for Aesthetica in York. If you have access costs in order to take part in any part in Script Lab, we also have a budget for costs.
As this programme is for creatives based in the North we can only cover travel to these events from destinations based in the North of England.
How to apply
Our application form will ask for details about your creative experience and your short film idea. You’ll also be asked to provide a sample of your previous work. If you’d like to prepare offline before completing the application form, we’ve put together a
downloadable list of the questions asked for reference.
If you have any issues with the online form, require application support or would like to apply in another way, please email
bfinetwork@filmhubnorth.org.uk using the subject line 'Script Lab Application'.
*Applications close Monday 11 May at 17:00*
Script Lab is a development programme for early-stage short film script ideas. If you have a more developed idea with an existing script, you might want to consider applying for BFI NETWORK Short Film Funding.
Through our programmes we aim to support early career filmmakers in developing their craft and building industry networks both regionally and nationally. While we aim to offer continued support to graduates of our programmes, this does not guarantee success in receiving BFI NETWORK Short Film Funding.
