Are you sick of staring at yet another screenwriting competition or scheme, wondering if it’s actually worth the entry fee (or the endless application questions)? Well join the club, buddy.

Do these programs really help emerging writers break into the industry, or are they just a giant lottery?

Join Tray, Martin and Ben as we share our blunt, honest thoughts on competitions, fellowships, schemes and retreats. We’ll chat about which ones actually seem to make a difference, whether they’re the best use of your time, and how to improve your chances if you do decide to apply. We'll also talk about our red flags, when to know you're looking at a scam, and whether anyone can ever *really* teach you how to write a screenplay.

If you’re unsure whether to throw your script into the ring or focus your energy elsewhere, this one’s for you.

💬 In This Episode:

• Our first scripts and how we actually started writing
• Why film school wasn’t an option — and why that might’ve been a good thing
• The Shortflix scheme, Lincoln Center drama training, and Golden Egg Academy
• Breaking down BBC Writersroom, Channel 4, BAFTA Rocliffe, and more
• What a “seal of approval” really means in this industry
• Are paid workshops and script gurus worth it?
• Why most schemes don’t change your life — but a few just might
• What we learned from rejection (and each other)
• Bonus: Old man balls and the trauma of directing your first short film

🧰 Resources & Mentions:

• TV Foundation / New Writers Collective
• Shortflix
• BBC Writersroom
• Channel 4 Screenwriting Course
• BAFTA Rocliffe
• Save the Cat
• Golden Egg Academy
• Sweetpea on Sky

📬 Get In Touch:

Email us: [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram: @TheEmergingPod

Ben is @bmlrobins

Martin is @bananabreadfilm

Tray is @ByTrayepps

✨ Support the Show:

Laughed? Cried? Questioned your life choices along with us? Rate, review, and share the pod with a fellow emerging writer — we’re all in this together. Sort of.

Hosts: Tray Epps, Martin F Wong, Ben Robins

Editor: Ben Robins

Music by: Adrian Leung

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.