Prolific producers Neal Street Productions has launched a Screenwriting Bursary aimed at Black, Asian and minority ethnic writers.

The scheme will offer five successful applicants £20,000 each to be trained and guided through the development process of writing their own original screenplay.

Over the course of three months, each writer selected will write either a TV pilot or a feature film script.

During the writing process, each bursary recipient will be encouraged and mentored by the Neal Street development team, providing one-to-one support as the screenplay evolves.

Each applicant will submit a treatment, first draft and re-write within the writing period and will be able to discuss and gain advice at each stage. Neal Street may work with the successful applicant/s to develop the screenplay further.

They will meet film and theatre director and company director, Sam Mendes, along with TV and film producers and company directors, Pippa Harris and Nicolas Brown. They will also be given access to industry networking opportunities with established writers and commissioners.

Click here for full details on eligibility criteria and how to apply. Submissions are open until 9 October.