The programme supports writers in the North of England to turn their ideas for short films into completed scripts in a collaborative, inspiring environment.

Applications for Script Lab close at 5pm on Monday, 5 September.

The 2022 edition is running in collaboration with Aesthetica Short Film Festival. We will select 20 writers to take part in a 2 day residential at the festival taking part in a series of industry talks and development sessions, after which 10 writers will be selected to move onto the development programme which will take place between November 2022 – February 2023. To take part in the programme you must be available to participate in the Script Lab incubator lab which will take place at Aesthetica Short Film Festival on the 2 and 3 November 2022 – more details on the Lab and how to apply are below.

Script Lab is open to Northern writers from any creative discipline with an initial idea for a short film script under 15 minutes in length. Participants will develop their understanding of short film screenwriting through an intensive two day residential at ASFF followed by monthly workshops led by our BFI NETWORK Talent Development Team and expert industry mentors.

By the end of the programme, 10 writers will have a completed script and an understanding of how to progress their screen work further. The Lab will culminate in an Industry Mixer event where we’ll showcase the finished scripts and introduce participants to potential collaborators who can take their projects forward.

Before you apply for Script Lab, take a look at the Programme Overview. This document provides more detail about the Lab, who can apply, and the time commitment involved. 

We’re also hosting a drop-in session for creatives who want to find out more about Script Lab and if it’s right for them. Sign up now.

After you’ve read the Programme Overview, you can submit your Script Lab application by completing the online form linked below.

The 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.”