an event for writers
First Draft is an event aimed at writers, no matter your experience. Whether you’ve finished your very first script that nobody else has seen, or you’re already in the early stages of your career, at First Draft you’ll connect with the writing community, build connections and develop your understanding of the TV industry. Speakers will come together to create a programme of talks and masterclasses designed to help inspire writers to create their next great project.
First Draft is where you can also meet 2026’s New Writers Collective supported by All3Media, our longstanding partner in uncovering and championing new voices.
First Draft returns on Wednesday 25th March to Soho Theatre!
EVENT DETAILS
Location: Soho Theatre Dean Street, London, W1D 3NE
Date: Wednesday 25th March 2026
Timings: 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Tickets: Tickets are now sold out for First Draft but there is a waitlist in operation. We will release any tickets that become available to our waitlist. Please register your interest using the button below.
Bursaries: The cost of tickets to First Draft are already subsidised by The TV Foundation but we recognise that even that is challenging for some who may wish to attend. Therefore we are offering a limited number of bursaries for writers in receipt of financial support. You can apply for a bursary using this form here. Our deadline for bursary applications is Wednesday 04 March.
first draft agenda
10:00 - 10:05
Speaker:
Campbell Glennie, Edinburgh TV Festival and TV Foundation CEO
WELCOME
10:05 - 11:00
Speaker:
John Yorke, Author, Producer, Screenwriter
JOHN YORKE
John Yorke will take you on a tour of the origins of narrative structure and share how you can apply it to tell powerful stories.
John Yorke is a world-leading expert in narrative and a winner of multiple awards, including BAFTAs and a Golden Globe. Formerly Controller of BBC Drama Production, Head of Channel 4 Drama, and Managing Director of Company Pictures, he has overseen some of the most successful and critically acclaimed television drama of recent decades, from Shameless to Wolf Hall.
11:00 - 12:00
Speakers Include:
Bradley Down, Head of Development, BBC Drama
Daniel Lawrence Taylor, Actor, Writer and Creator of TV show Boarders
Janice Okoh, Playwright, Author and Creator of TV show Just Act Normal
Jess Hill, Senior Development Producer, BBC Studios
Chaired by:
Cassie Metcalf-Slovo, Head of Literary Acquisitions, All3Media
PITCHING AND SELLING IDEAS: THE BUSINESS OF WRITING
Success as a writer depends on your ability to communicate yourself and your ideas—in meetings, over email, and in person.
Daniel Lawrence Taylor, Writer and Creator of Boarders, and Janice Okoh, Writer and Creator of Just Act Normal, will share insights on the business of writing, alongside Bradley Down, Head of Development at BBC Drama, and Jess Hill, Development Producer at BBC Studios.
12:00 - 12:05
Speakers Include:
Anouk Berendsen, Head of Talent, All3Media
Gemma Bradshaw, Impact Director, TV Foundation
INTRODUCING THE NEW WRITERS COLLECTIVE 2026
We introduce and celebrate 2026’s New Writers Collective supported by All3Media, our longstanding partner in uncovering and championing new voices.
12:05: COFFE BREAK
12:30 - 13:30
Speakers Include:
Carly Peters, Agent, United Agents
Cynthia Okoye, Agent, Curtis Brown
Gina Andrews, Agent, The Agency
Chaired by:
Hannah Griffiths, Head of Adaptations, Banijay UK
THE WRITER AGENT RELATIONSHIP
The writer-agent relationship thrives on mutual trust and a shared instinct about your work. Learn how agents can bring different approaches—some will offer extensive editorial input, others focus more on strategy—tailoring their support to what each writer needs to succeed.
13:30: LUNCH BREAK
14:30 - 15:30
Speakers include:
Polly Hill, Director of ITV Drama
Chaired by:
Campbell Glennie, Edinburgh TV Festival and TV Foundation CEO
MASTERCLASS: POLLY HILL
15:30: BREAK
15:45 - 16:45
Speakers include:
Tony Schumacher, Writer, Creator of multi award winning and BAFTA nominated TV show The Responder
Chaired by:
Barrington Paul Robinson, Producer
MASTERCLASS: TONY SCHUMACHER
Multi award winning and BAFTA nominated writer and creator of The Responder, Tony Schumacher, will join us at First Draft. Schumacher is an expert at crafting human stories in high stakes drama. Hear honest insights and guidance from a master storyteller.
