Screenwriting Competitions & Schemes: Are they actually worth it? — Emerging: How to Eventually Make it in Film & TV

Are you sick of staring at yet another screenwriting competition or scheme, wondering if it’s actually worth the entry fee (or the endless application questions)? Well join the club, buddy.

Do these programs really help emerging writers break into the industry, or are they just a giant lottery?

Join Tray, Martin and Ben as we share our blunt, honest thoughts on competitions, fellowships, schemes and retreats. We’ll chat about which ones actually seem to make a difference, whether they’re the best use of your time, and how to improve your chances if you do decide to apply. We'll also talk about our red flags, when to know you're looking at a scam, and whether anyone can ever *really* teach you how to write a screenplay.

If you’re unsure whether to throw your script into the ring or focus your energy elsewhere, this one’s for you.

💬 In This Episode:

Our first scripts and how we actually started writing
Why film school wasn’t an option — and why that might’ve been a good thing
The Shortflix scheme, Lincoln Center drama training, and Golden Egg Academy
Breaking down BBC Writersroom, Channel 4, BAFTA Rocliffe, and more
What a “seal of approval” really means in this industry
Are paid workshops and script gurus worth it?
Why most schemes don’t change your life — but a few just might
What we learned from rejection (and each other)
Bonus: Old man balls and the trauma of directing your first short film

🧰 Resources & Mentions:

TV Foundation / New Writers Collective
Shortflix
BBC Writersroom
Channel 4 Screenwriting Course
BAFTA Rocliffe
Save the Cat
Golden Egg Academy
Sweetpea on Sky

📬 Get In Touch:

Email us: TheEmergingPodcast@gmail.com

Ben is @bmlrobins

Martin is @bananabreadfilm

Tray is @ByTrayepps

✨ Support the Show:

Laughed? Cried? Questioned your life choices along with us? Rate, review, and share the pod with a fellow emerging writer — we’re all in this together. Sort of.

Hosts: Tray Epps, Martin F Wong, Ben Robins

Editor: Ben Robins

Music by: Adrian Leung

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