The ITV Academy is today announcing the return of ITV’s successful writing initiative ‘Original Voices’. The long-standing scheme gives all applicants from under-represented groups the chance to work on Britain’s biggest soap operas. The initiative particularly welcomes applications from People of Colour, Deaf Disabled and Neurodivergent people.
Having previously alternated between the UK’s best-loved soaps, this year the initiative will be offered concurrently across both Coronation Street and Emmerdale, creating more opportunities for emerging writers to get their first television drama experience.
Working in parallel with ITV’s most experienced scriptwriters, candidates will gain a complete understanding of the story-to-script process of two of the busiest programmes on TV as the scheme will house two placements at each soap, running alongside each other for a 12-week paid placement.
Successful candidates will be at the heart of ITV Studios’ Continuing Drama production as mentored by one of the show’s current writers they will get the chance to write a shadow script (commissioned at the same time as the current writer’s script) with a following 12 months of mentoring post the initiative closing.
David Proud who went on to secure a permanent role on Coronation Street after successfully completing the initiative, said:
David: "For a writer ‘Original Voices’ is the best career opportunity you could ever apply for. It gives people hands-on experience at the heart of Continuing Drama and you become a fully valued part of the writing team. It changed my life and now I try to honour that original voice in the episodes I write. If you have something unique to say then apply, as you might end up getting to say it in our writer's room!"
John Whiston, Managing Director of Continuing Drama, said: “Original Voices has opened up doors and given invaluable real-time experience to aspiring writers, some of whom go on to become regular writers on ITV’s most iconic soaps, Coronation Street and Emmerdale. This initiative gives fantastic opportunities to new diverse talent so they can sit at the table, have a voice in the room and be a part of key creative conversations.”
Applicants from under-represented backgrounds, particularly People of Colour, Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent people are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications are now open and will close on 24th September 2023, with placements to begin in February 2024. Candidates can apply here.
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Notes to Editors
The ITV Academy
Formed in 2023, The ITV Academy brings together new and existing initiatives across ITV making it easier for existing production staff and those looking to join ITV to access training and development.
Original Voices now falls under the Academy which sets out to create and develop a pipeline of diverse talent. Additionally, the scheme reflects ITV’s wider commitment to improve diversity and career progression in TV production outlined in ITV’s Diversity, Equality and Inclusion strategy.
Original Voices
Originally launched in 2012, ITV has run the Original Voices initiative five times so far, alternating between Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Other initiatives that have fallen under the umbrella of the ITV Academy since its launch include the ITV News Traineeship and the ITV Studios Continuing Drama Training Scheme. Through ITV Academy schemes, trainee make-up artists, runners, production secretaries and grips have been hired for Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
About Coronation Street
First broadcast in 1960, Coronation Street is the longest-running continuing drama in the world and the most-watched soap in Britain.
About Emmerdale
First broadcast in 1972 Emmerdale. Originally a twice-weekly daytime soap, the show has grown to be on air five times a week in peak time and gained affection in the nation’s hearts whilst securing its rightful place as one of Britain’s longest-running, highest-rated and most well-loved continuing dramas.
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