Competitions and Awards
Entering competitions and submitting work for awards is not just about recognition; it is about visibility, confidence and professional momentum. These opportunities can open doors to new networks, commissions and conversations, while helping creatives test their ideas in public-facing contexts. Whether shortlisted or awarded, the process itself builds profile, sharpens practice and places work within wider cultural and industry landscapes. This page brings together current competitions and awards to support our members in taking those positive steps, on their own terms, and at the right moment for their creative journey.
ScreenSkills Writing for Animation Lab
Applications are now open for the 2026 ScreenSkills Writing for Animation Lab, a new development programme designed to support early-career writers looking to build their skills in animated storytelling. Applications close on Monday 11th May 2026. The lab is open to writers aged 18 and over who are no longer in full-time education, have written at least one short-form (or longer) screenplay, and are either already working in animation or keen to develop original scripted animation projects.
Entry instructions and Ts&Cs are available here.
Selected participants will join a cohort of up to 12 writers and take part in a programme of masterclasses, guest talks, and script development sessions focused on structure, collaboration, and audience. Each writer will also be paired with a script editor to help develop a short animation idea ready to pitch to producers and collaborators. The lab will run from 29th June to 30th September 2026, taking place mostly online, with one in-person day at Aardman in Bristol, with reasonable travel expenses covered.
BBC Comedy Collective 2026
The programme offers a £5,000 development grant, paid shadowing opportunities worth up to £10,000 on a BBC Comedy production, and tailored mentoring and industry support to help participants develop their careers in scripted comedy. Find out more here.
The Climate Spring Digital-First Pitch at Sheffield DocFest 2026 invites UK-based creatives to pitch short-form climate stories for digital audiences. One winner will receive £10,000 in funding plus development support.
Pixel Pathway 2026
Pixel Pathway 2026 is a free, industry-led training programme from Residence Pictures designed to open doors into the UK’s post-production and VFX industries for people from underrepresented backgrounds. The programme offers six weeks of hands-on training followed by a seven-week paid placement on live projects, with pathways in VFX, colour grading, production, and design, giving participants real-world experience, mentorship, and a route into the screen industries. Find out more here: https://residence.pics/pixel-pathway/?utm_source=The+Film+and+TV+Charity_Master&utm_campaign=694987154a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_FEB+NEWSLETTER_2026__COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-8ee955dd53-315610665
Join Scotland’s Climate Stories Project
Researchers at the University of Glasgow are inviting people across Scotland to share their experiences of climate change through creative writing. Scotland’s Climate Stories Project is calling for short pieces of creative writing, up to 1,000 words, exploring thoughts and […]
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The Anne Brown Essay Prize: Applications Now Open
We are delighted to highlight the Anne Brown Essay Prize, a wonderful opportunity for writers connected with Scotland to celebrate outstanding literary non-fiction and creative thinking. The prize recognises exceptional essays by writers who are born in Scotland, resident in […]
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Wigtown Poetry Prizes 2026
The Wigtown Poetry Prizes are now open for entries, welcoming poets from across the world. Established in 2005, the prizes celebrate poetry in Scotland’s three indigenous languages: English, Scots and Scottish Gaelic. Winners are announced at the annual Wigtown Book […]
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