Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

ITV's Original Voices' returns to Coronation Street

01/10/2019

Published: Tue 01 Oct 2019

ITV's Original Voices' returns to Coronation Street

Aspiring drama writers from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic [BAME] backgrounds are being offered an opportunity to work on Britain's biggest soap opera as ITV today announces its successful writing initiative, Original Voices, is to return.

The initiative aims to provide workplace training opportunities in ITV Continuing Drama, to develop the writing skills of applicants from BAME backgrounds, while also creatively connecting ITV with diverse talent that is currently under represented on mainstream channels.

First launched in 2013, ITV has run the Original Voices scheme four times so far with writers gaining the opportunity to join the Story teams and even the Writing teams of both Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

For the current intake, Original Voices, which now returns to Coronation Street, is seeking submissions from talented writers with a view to offering the four considered best-suited to working on Continuing Drama an opportunity to spend a month in the Coronation Street story office. There they can develop their skills at creating gripping story, weaving multiple story strands and writing credible long running story arcs. They would then spend four weeks in the Script Department with the Script Producer and Script Editors, following an episode through the script process. They would be mentored in this part of the process by the writer whose episode they were following.

The successful candidates would then be given the opportunity to write a shadow script, which is commissioned at the same time as the script by the current writer, following that process in parallel, to complete the learning of the whole story to script process.

Original Voices offers invaluable story lining and writing experience which can be put to good use on other drama opportunities. Successful candidates will be paid a fee on a fixed term contract.

John Whiston, Managing Director, MD Continuing Drama & Head of ITV in the North, ITV Studios, said:

The twin engines of any long running series are the Story Office and the Script Department. They are also a great stepping stone onto a show's writing team. This scheme, aimed at writers from BAME backgrounds, gives the four successful applicants a unique opportunity to spend time in both those areas, understanding what makes a continuing drama tick and contributing to its creative and editorial process. All in all, it's a perfect grounding in soap.

From ITV's perspective, we need our shows not just to look diverse on screen but to feel diverse in their heart. And that comes from having a diverse editorial team making them.

This scheme opens us up to brand new diverse talent and introduces us to people who will be story lining, script editing, writing and one day hopefully producing ITV's two most important shows, Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

Ade Rawcliffe, Head of Diversity, ITV Commissioning, said:

We are delighted to support Original Voices and are committed to creating opportunities for ITV to broaden the range of writers we work with. Diversity of voices is the lifeblood of creativity and it is essential that ITV works towards representing the diversity of modern Britain, both on and off screen.

[Editors Notes]

Application Information

Applicants interested in this unique scheme can apply by sending in one sample script (television, film, theatre, radio or similar), accompanied by a short script synopsis and a biography/CV.

Scripts should be between 30-90 minutes, in a standard format and received by midnight on 31st October 2019.

Submissions will be shortlisted to a group of 12. The successful applicants will be notified in mid November and invited to a one-day Coronation Street storylining workshop in ITV Studios, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester.

Following this, writers will have a week to write up and submit a bespoke story line. On the strength of this story line, pitching skills at the workshop and their original script submission, four writers will be selected to go forward as outlined above.

Applicants can apply by sending the below to originalvoices@itv.com:

- One sample script of 30-90 minutes (television, film, theatre, radio or similar)

- Short script synopsis

- Biography/CV.

- All submissions should be received by 31st October 2019.

To find out more about ITV's commitment to creating an inclusive workforce click here or go to http://itvresponsibility.com/people/#section2

About ITV

ITV entertains millions of people and shapes culture. We are a leading media and entertainment company, with the largest commercial television network in the UK and a global production business, with over over 55 labels. Creativity, quality content and engaging audiences in the UK and around the world is at the core of everything we do.

We are More than TV. We reach over 40 million viewers every week with our programmes on ITVs family of channels, as well as the ITV Hub, which is available on 28 platforms and on over 90% of connected televisions sold in the UK. ITV delivers 99% of all commercial audiences in the UK over 5 million viewers and in 2019 is achieving its highest share of viewing in 11 years, making it a powerful advertising platform, with the best rate of return when compared to other media.

As advertisers use more targeted advertising as part of their marketing communications, ITV has concluded an agreement with a leading ad tech provider, Amobee, which will enable ITV to deliver programmatic addressable advertising around its premium video inventory on the ITV Hub from the start of 2020. This, together with the investment in data and analytics, provides advertisers with mass, quality, trusted reach together with targeting ensuring ITV remains a powerful medium for helping companies grow.

ITV as part of its Mor
LINK: https://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/itvs-original-voices-re...
See more stories from itv

More from ITV

15/01/2022

Bagpipes is unmasked as Pat Cash on tonight's The Masked Singer

Tonight viewers watched Bagpipes. Rockhopper, Poodle, Panda and Traffic Cone perform. After all had taken to the stage, Poodle and Bagpipes faced the sing-off...

11/01/2022

Arjan Pomper named Managing Director, Global Entertainment, ITV Studios

Arjan Pomper named Managing Director, Global Entertainment, ITV Studios Arjan Pomper is today appointed as Managing Director, Global Entertainment ITV Studios,...

11/01/2022

Adrian Dunbar detective series Ridley starts filming in Lancashire

Adrian Dunbar detective series Ridley starts filming in Lancashire ITV detective drama, Ridley, starring Adrian Dunbar in the title role, has begun filming in ...

10/01/2022

Oti Mabuse turns musical matchmaker as host of new ITV dating show Romeo & Duet

Oti Mabuse turns musical matchmaker as host of new ITV dating show Romeo & Duet Oti Mabuse is swapping glitter balls for Cupid's arrows as she takes the re...

08/01/2022

Lionfish is unmasked as Will Young on tonight's The Masked Singer

Lionfish is unmasked as Will Young on tonight's The Masked Singer Tonight viewers watched Firework, Mushroom, Lionfish, Doughnuts and Robobunny perform. ...

02/01/2022

Chandelier unmasked in The Masked Singer 2022 series' 0pener

Chandelier unmasked in The Masked Singer 2022 series' 0pener The Masked Singer is underway for 2022 with six of the 12 brand-new characters making their de...

02/01/2022

Snow Leopard unmasked in the second instalment of The Masked Singer

Snow Leopard unmasked in the second instalment of The Masked Singer Tonight viewers met the final six masked celebrities, Bagpipes, Rockhopper, Poodle, Panda, ...

29/12/2021

Torrin wins ITV's The Voice Kids 2021

Torrin wins ITV's The Voice Kids 2021 Torrin from Oxfordshire was crowned champion of ITV's The Voice Kids 2021 competition. The 14-year-old who was m...

22/12/2021

Oti Mabuse confirmed as new judge on Dancing On Ice

Oti Mabuse confirmed as new judge on Dancing On Ice Oti Mabuse is to join the Ice Panel when Dancing On Ice returns to ITV and ITV Hub in January 2022. She'...

19/12/2021

Nominations announced for The BRIT Awards 2022

Nominations announced for The BRIT Awards 2022 with Mastercard Adele, Ed Sheeran, Little Simz, Dave up for four BRIT awards - who alongside Sam Fender will bat...

17/12/2021

ITV Hub on track for most successful year yet in 2021

ITV Hub on track for most successful year yet in 2021 Figures released today show that 2021 is lining up to be ITV Hub's biggest year yet, thanks to Euro 2...

17/12/2021

ITV release first look for Royal Carols: Together At Christmas

ITV release first look for Royal Carols: Together At Christmas ITV released today a first look at festive special, Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, which ...

11/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Saturday 11 December preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Saturday 11 December preview (video) All campmates take on the legendary Im A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Trial - Cel...

10/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 10 December preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 10 December preview (video) Mattys in a lather as he takes on todays Im A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Trial - ...

09/12/2021

ITV unveil official trailer for Ant & Decs Limitless Win

ITV unveil official trailer for Ant & Decs Limitless Win ITV released today their first full length promotional trailer for Ant & Decs Limitless Win. Not only...

09/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 9 December preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 9 December preview (video) Danny and David face the latest Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Trial - Drawbridg...

09/12/2021

ITV kicks off 2022 with four live FA Cup Third Round matches

ITV kicks off 2022 with four live FA Cup Third Round matches The Emirates FA Cup 3rd Round returns to ITV with four live matches on its main channel as Premier...

08/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 8 December preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 8 December preview (video) Danny and Simon team up for todays Christmas-themed Trial Santas - Grotty Grotto Wat...

07/12/2021

Starry night- ITV unveils festive line up for Royal Carols: Together At Christmas

Starry night- ITV unveils festive line up for Royal Carols: Together At Christma...

07/12/2021

Thierry Lachkar named CEO, ITV Studios France

Thierry Lachkar named CEO, ITV Studios France Paris, London, December 7th 2021 - Thierry Lachkar has today been named as the CEO of ITV Studios France. He take...

07/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 7 December preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 7 December preview (video) Frankie is in a spin in todays Im A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Trial - The Grim G...

06/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Monday 6 December preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Monday 6 December preview (video) Kadeena and Louise team up to take on Critter-cal Cages in tonights Im A Celebrity... Ge...

05/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Sunday 5 December preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Sunday 5 December preview (video) Matty and Naughty Boy take on todays Trial - Gross Vegas. Watch and embed this video on...

04/12/2021

First Look Promo: Ant & Decs Limitless Win

First Look Promo: Ant & Decs Limitless Win ITV released today the first look promo of Limitless Win, Ant & Decs first new show in over 10 years. Watch and e...

04/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Saturday 4 December preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Saturday 4 December preview (video) David, Naughty Boy and Adam tackle todays devilish Trial - Cells of Hell Watch and e...

03/12/2021

ITV Studios secures pre-sales for a number of new dramas in Asia Pacific

ITV Studios secures pre-sales for a number of new dramas in Asia Pacific 1st December 2021 - ITV Studios has today announced a host of deals in Asia Pacific fo...

03/12/2021

ITV Studios unveils slew of non-scripted sales in Asia Pacific, including multiple Love Island deals

ITV Studios unveils slew of non-scripted sales in Asia Pacific, including multip...

03/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 3 December preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 3 December preview (video) Matty and Naughty Boy take on todays Trial - Gruesome Gargoyles. Watch and embed this ...

02/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 2 December preview (video

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 2 December preview (video) Frankie and Naughty Boy take on todays Trial, Castle Scary-Oke. Watch and embed this...

01/12/2021

ITV launch star-studded Christmas Ad with Britain Get Talking message

ITV launch star-studded Christmas Ad with Britain Get Talking message The UK's most recognised mental health campaign returns ITV and STV's groundbre...

01/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 1 December preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 1 December preview (video) Naughty Boy, Adam and Simon take on The Savage Stakeout in tonights Im A Celebrity......

30/11/2021

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day shows stream on ITV Hub ahead of broadcast

Christmas comes early on ITV Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day shows ...

30/11/2021

ITV News' Robert Moore wins at two awards ceremonies on one night for ITV documentary, Storming The Capitol

ITV News' Robert Moore wins at two awards ceremonies on one night for ITV do...

30/11/2021

The Duchess of Cambridge to host community carol service

The Duchess of Cambridge to host community carol service The Duchess of Cambridge will host a Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 8th Dec...

30/11/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 30 November preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 30 November preview (video) Kadeena and Arlene do tonights Trial (Bed Chamber of Chills) on a brand new Im A Celeb...

26/11/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 26 November preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 26 November preview (video) Naughty Boy gets a shock as he takes on tonights Im A Celebrity... Get Met Out Of Here!...

25/11/2021

ITV's hit studio sitcom Kate and Koji will return for a brand-new second series in Spring 2022.

Kate and Koji ITV's hit studio sitcom Kate and Koji will return for a brand...

25/11/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 25 November preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 25 November preview (video) New arrivals Simon and Adam take on Im A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!s Castle Sca...

24/11/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 24 November preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 24 November preview (video) Richard Madeley takes on tonights Trial - Castle Kitchen Nightmares Watch and embed...

24/11/2021

ITV commissions Nolly starring academy award-nominated Helena Bonham Carter as Noele Gordon

ITV commissions Nolly starring academy award-nominated Helena Bonham Carter as N...

24/11/2021

ITV Launches I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! in Fortnite with John Lewis & Partners

ITV Launches I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! in Fortnite with John Lew...

24/11/2021

ITV Commercial announces ITV AdLabs

ITV Commercial announces ITV AdLabs ITV announces the launch of ITV Adlabs - a new enterprise and strategy to bring together all of ITV Commercial's innova...

23/11/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 23 November preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 23 November preview (video) The public voted for Snoochie to take part in tonights Trial - Treacherous Traps Watc...

22/11/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Monday 22 November preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Monday 22 November preview (video) Danny and Snoochie go head to head in tonights hilarious Trial called - The Castles Dre...

21/11/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Sunday 21 November preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Sunday 21 November preview (video) Louise, Naughty Boy, Snoochie and Danny undertake one of tonights challenges - The Plan...

18/11/2021

ITV2's Blood Squad campaign returns to support NHS Blood and Transplant

Help save and improve up to three lives with just an hour of your time: ITV2's Blood Squad campaign returns to support NHS Blood and Transplant ITV2's ...

18/11/2021

David P. Davis to launch new scripted label 5 Acts Productions with ITV Studios

Executive producer of critically-acclaimed HBO and BBC drama, Industry, David P. Davis to launch new scripted label 5 Acts Productions with ITV Studios 5 Acts ...

17/11/2021

Angela Jain named ITV Studios first Director of Unscripted in the UK

Angela Jain named ITV Studios first Director of Unscripted in the UK Angela Jain has today been named ITV Studios' first Director of Unscripted in the UK. ...

15/11/2021

ITV commissions Ghislaine Maxwell documentary

ITV commissions Ghislaine Maxwell documentary from Fremantle UK ITV has commissioned Fremantle UK to produce a new documentary film on Ghislaine Maxwell featur...