The Red Planet Prize initially launched in 2007 in order to nurture aspiring writers and find a new writing talent – something very close to Tony Jordan’s heart. Over the years, the competition has boasted stellar judging panels – including Stephen Fry, Mark Gatiss, Julie Gardner and Anne Mensah. This year’s includes Polly Hill (Head of Drama, England Indies at the BBC), KUDOS’ Creative Director, Jane Featherstone, and Channel 4’s Head of Development, Ben Stoll.

The Prize has already acted as a catalyst for the career of 2007’s winner, Joanna Leigh. Her winning script, Sam J, went into development for the BBC and she wrote an episode Red Planet’s recent production ‘Crash’. Last year’s winner, Mark Wilkinson is working on a series for Red Planet and another finalist, Robert Thorogood, is developing an international co-production for a UK broadcast network.

 

THE RED PLANET PRIZE in partnership with

 

Each year the Prize is slightly different, to provide a fresh challenge for those who enter – and to reflect the difficulties faced by professional script writers. 

This year’s competition is for an original 60 minute television script, either a single play or a pilot for a new series. You are initially required to submit the first ten pages along with a short synopsis.  The full script should be available on request, you may be required to submit this within a month of the final closing date.

As before, the winner will receive £5000, a script commission and the option of representation if required.
Red Planet and Kudos will also mentor finalists for the Prize.The competition is open to anyone within the UK. The RED PLANET PRIZE will close to new entrants at midnight on 31st July.

Click here to enter