The Red Planet Prize was launched in 2007 in order to nurture aspiring writers and find a new writing talent to join Red Planet Pictures’ already impressive stable; something that Jordan himself is very passionate about. This year’s judging panel included Jordan and his Red Planet team along with BBC Head of Drama Scotland, Anne Mensah.

The Red Planet Prize has already acted as a catalyst for the career of 2007’s winner, Joanna Leigh, as her winning script, Sam J, is in development for the BBC. Joanna is now writing an episode of Red Planet’s most recent commission ‘Crash’. Another of last year’s finalists, Robert Thorogood, is also developing a series with Red Planet Pictures for a UK broadcast network.

We’re delighted to announce that Mark Wilkinson, a video tape technician, is the 2008 winner of The Red Planet Prize. His script, The Ropes, is a piece inspired by the time writer, Wilkinson, was left housebound by a broken leg for four months.

Wilkinson commented; “I'm extremely proud to have won the Red Planet Prize. It’s absolutely unique; there really is nothing else out there like it. I can't wait to start working with Tony and the Red Planet team.’’

Tony Jordan, commented today "I’m thrilled not only for Mark and his rather wonderful script, but also at the standard of writing of the entries this year.”

Details of the 2009 Red Planet Prize will be announced shortly.  

The annual Red Planet Prize 2008 is now closed.