New Writer Focus: FAQs & Resources

New Writer Focus: FAQs & Resources

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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.

We’ve collated an applicant support guide with details on eligibility, submission requirements, formatting rules, and expert tools to support your screenwriting journey. Scroll below for everything you need to know before you apply.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can apply?
  New Writer Focus is open to Northern Ireland residents who are new to feature films —meaning no previous feature film writing credits.
• How many projects can I submit?
  Only one project per applicant. Choose your best idea.
• What should my application include?
  • A properly formatted script (Courier 12pt, professional format).
  • A single document containing:
    • A logline (1-2 sentences).
    • A 1-paragraph synopsis.
    • A 1-page story outline in Courier 12pt.
  • What are the script formatting rules?
    • Typeface: Courier 12pt (or New Courier).
    • Margins: Left (4 cm), Right (1.3 cm), Top/Bottom (2.5 cm).
    • Dialogue: Start 6.5 cm from the left, with a width of 7.5 to 9 cm.
    • Character Names: Place at 9.5 cm above the dialogue.
    • Page Numbers: In the upper-right corner.
  • What are the supporting documents?
    • Logline: A 1-2 sentence pitch for your story.
    • Synopsis: A short summary of your story, focusing on character, conflict, and stakes.
    • Outline: A detailed, 1-page breakdown of your story’s key beats.
  • What should I include on my title page?
    • The project title, your full name, address, email, and phone number.
  • How should I name my files?
    Save files as [Project Title] _[Your Full Name].
  • When is the deadline?
    Applications close at midnight on Monday 30^th June 2025.
  • When will I know if I’ve been selected?
    Notifications will be sent by the end of end of August 2025.

 

Formatting Guidelines

Submit Only One Application

• Each applicant may submit only one project.
• Make sure it’s your strongest, most polished work before submitting.

The Script: Industry Standard Format

• Submit the first draft of the script you wish to develop.
• Use Courier 12pt font—this is the industry-standard script format.
• Follow these standard formatting rules:
  • Margins: Proper spacing for dialogue, action, and character names.
  • Scene Headings: Use consistent formatting (e.g., INT. LIVING ROOM – DAY).
  • Clean Layout: Ensure correct spacing and readability throughout the script.

Supporting Document: Tell Us About Your Story

Include a single document (saved as one file) with the following:

• Logline: One or two sentences summarising your story. Keep it clear, compelling, and intriguing.
• 1 Paragraph Synopsis: Provide a concise overview of your story, highlighting the main character, conflict, and stakes.
• 1 Page Story Outline: Write a detailed breakdown of your story’s key beats, formatted in Courier 12pt font for consistency.

Title Page: Essential Information

Make sure your script’s title page includes:

• Project Title
• Your Full Name
• Address, Email, and Phone Number
• Save and name all application files using the format: [Project Title] _[Your Full Name].

Typeface

• Use Courier 12pt font (or New Courier).
• This is a fixed-width font, standard for all professional scripts.

Margins

• Left Margin: 4 cm
• Right Margin: 1.3 cm
• Top and Bottom Margins: 2.5 cm each

Dialogue Formatting

• Position: Start 6.5 cm from the left.
• Width: Dialogue should be 7.5 to 9 cm wide.
• Maximum Length: Dialogue should not extend more than 15 cm from the left.
• Never Centre: Do not centre dialogue or character names—always align them correctly.

Character Names

• Place character names at 9.5 cm, directly above the dialogue they’re speaking.

Page Numbers

• Page numbers should appear in the upper-right corner. Double-space below the page number before continuing the text.

 

Useful Resources for Screenwriters

Online Assistance

Explore these websites for advice, opportunities, and tools to enhance your screenwriting journey:

1. Writing Advice
   • screenwriting.info – Tips and techniques for scriptwriting.
   • filmscriptwriting.com – Examples and advice on script format and technique.
2. Screenplays Online
   • simplyscripts.com – Access a library of screenplays for study and inspiration.
3. Training Opportunities
   • screentrainingireland.ie – Training programmes and workshops.
   • scriptfactory.co.uk – Learn the art of scriptwriting.
   • tapsnet.org – More training opportunities for aspiring screenwriters.
4. Writing Opportunities
   • bbc.co.uk/writersroom – Submission windows and writing opportunities.
   • http://4talent.channel4.com – Resources and opportunities from Channel 4.
5. Advice for Screenwriters (Hollywood Focus)
   • wordplayer.com – Insights and resources tailored to writing for Hollywood.
6. Screenwriting Competitions and Festivals
   • withoutabox.com – A comprehensive list of competitions and festivals, plus an option to submit scripts directly.
7. Screenwriting Software
   • finaldraft.com – Download a trial version of this popular script-formatting software.
   • Other Tools: Celtx, MovieMagic Screenwriter, Movie Outline, or Microsoft Word screenplay templates. Research online for options that fit your needs.

Books & Reading Recommendations

Here are some must-read books to deepen your screenwriting knowledge and skills:

1. The Art of Dramatic Writing – Lajos Egri
   A classic exploration of storytelling principles.
2. Story – Robert McKee
   Substance, structure, and principles of screenwriting in an academic yet valuable format.
3. Writing the Character-Centred Screenplay – Andrew Horton
   A deep dive into character-driven storytelling.
4. The 21st Century Screenplay – Linda Aronson
   An accessible guide to the three-act structure and non-linear storytelling.
5. The Foundations of Screenwriting – Syd Field
   A practical step-by-step guide from concept to script.
6. Save the Cat – Blake Snyder
   Fantastic advice on creating high-concept, commercial stories.
7. On Directing Film – David Mamet
   A slim yet essential volume for cinematic storytelling, great for both directors and writers.
8. The Writer’s Journey – Christopher Vogler
   Explores mythic structure and its application to heroic quests.
9. Story – Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting – Robert McKee
   A dense reference guide for key storytelling concepts like inciting incidents and controlling ideas.

 

Further information visit our top tips. 

Apply here.