This programme is in its fourth year and is the only new drama scheme currently on terrestrial TV. Through it C4 continues its commitment to encourage innovation and experimentation in story telling and look for new ideas and fresh perspectives on television drama. Last year produced a wide variety of material ranging form romantic comedy to urban gothic, Hammer horror to lyric poem. One of the successful applicants from 2003 went on to write and direct a BAFTA nominated short film, another has just been hired to direct four comedy thrillers for the BBC and in the year before that Jon Sen was commissioned to direct the highly acclaimed serial, Next Generation. 

The hope is to continue to introduce major new talent direct to mainstream drama.

Open to any director without a primetime TV drama credit (i.e any programme transmitted between 7-11pm).

The films are shot on very limited budget and schedule, four shooting days per film with a fifth day for read-through and rehearsal, stories will be contemporary and predominantly, but not exclusively urban.

Applicants will need to demonstrate an ability to tell stories with originality, boldness and wit within these constraints.

Submissions from multicultural filmmakers and writers particularly welcome.

The slot is 24’ and the commissioning editor is Jess Search, Editor Independent Film & Video. Successful applicants will receive a fee of £2,500.

Please submit a vhs with examples of your work to: New Directors, Ideal World Productions, 77 East Road, London N1 6AH.

If you are a writer/director please submit a sample script and short treatment for the film (1-2 pages max) with your tape.        

Closing date for applications is Monday May 17th 2004.