New Writer Focus 2025-26
Northern Ireland Screen is now seeking feature film scripts to develop for its New Writer Focus scheme 2025-26.
New Writer Focus is Northern Ireland Screen’s flagship script development scheme, dedicated to discovering and nurturing emerging screenwriting talent.
Since its launch in 2015, the programme has issued an annual call for scripts, helping to bring bold new voices to the screen. Notable successes include Land of Saints and Sinners by Mark McNally, and The Last Rifleman by Kevin Fitzpatrick starring Pierce Brosnan.
The scheme is only open to Northern Ireland resident writers new to feature film. We are not taking applications for TV drama or comedy, this is for feature film scripts only.
For the avoidance of doubt “writers new to feature film” in this context means a writer without a writing credit on a produced feature film.
This is a script development call, therefore a producer and director are not essential at this stage.
What are we looking for?
- Compelling stories with a unique or fresh perspective.
- Ambitious authored voices.
- Stories with strong character journeys.
- A range of art-house and commercial stories.
- Feature film projects only.
- Projects need not be limited by budget or genre.
What will the scheme involve?
New Writer Focus will have 3 major components to the development scheme:
- Writers Room, with monthly meetings.
- Individual project and writer development.
- Development seminars and networking opportunities.
How many projects will be selected?
Up to 4 scripts will be chosen for development between September 2025 – April 2026.
What do you need to submit to apply?
- At least a first draft completed script of the project you wish to develop through the scheme.
- A one-page synopsis of your story.
- Name, project title, and contact information on your script and one-pager.
- Projects saved by project title and writer name.
Who can apply?
- NI resident writers who not have not yet had a produced feature film.
- Writing teams of up to 2 writers can submit a joint application.
- Writers who have not already completed NWF.
Can you submit more than one project for consideration?
- Writers can only make one project application.
The selected writers will be eligible to apply for an individual writer award.
The closing date for receipt of applications is midnight, Monday 30th June 2025.
Please note- Assessment will be completed and applicants will be notified by end of August 2025.
How to apply & Helpful Resources for Your Application
Explore FAQs, formatting guidelines, useful resources, and recommended tools to assist with your application here.
The application link can be found here.
Deadline is Monday 30th June 2025.
Top Tips
10 ways to make your script stand out. Check out top tips and advice from our Script Development team.
For further support with your application, refer to our guidance notes.
Screenwriting seminar
To help writers prepare their application, we will run an on-line screenwriting seminar.
Before the seminar commences we will discuss the scheme and give an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the scheme.
Script and Synopsis Masterclass with Kate Leys
Join an online seminar designed to help writers prepare strong applications for the New Writer Focus scheme. This focused session will be led by leading script editor Kate Leys, who will guide attendees through the craft of writing compelling scripts and synopses.
- Thursday 29th May
- 12pm – 3pm
- Online via Zoom
Secure your place and RSVP to [email protected]
KATE LEYS is a script and story editor. She has worked for many years on feature films and TV series all over the world. She works on projects at all stages of development and has also worked on documentaries, animation, short films, audio and occasionally theatre. She works often with global indigenous filmmakers, and in one day during lockdown she worked with filmmakers in Vienna, Beirut, Tblisi and Maputo.
Recent films include TORNADO (Glasgow Film Festival 2025); DREAMERS (Berlin Film Festival 2025); WORKMATES (in post, Curtis Vowell); MR K (Toronto 2024); SKY PEALS (Venice 2023); THE UNBORN BIRO (Sundance 2023); JE’VIDA (Tribeca 2023); feature doc FADIA’S TREE (London 22); HARKA (Cannes 22); MILLIE LIES LOW (Berlin and SXSW 2022); DO NOT HESITATE (Tribeca 2021); DREAM HORSE (Sundance 2020); AMERICAN ANIMALS (Sundance 2018)
She speaks at film organisations, film schools and festivals all over the world.
