The Write To Green Light competition aims to develop a major new television series from the winning entry.

The competition is being run in conjunction with Lionsgate UK & Europe and seeks to address a “huge shortage of undiscovered television writing talent”, said Lionsgate UK & Europe CEO Zygi Kamasa.

“Where’s the Mad Men in the UK. Where’s our really great quality writing?” he told The Guardian.

The competition is looking for “culturally British stories.”

The three finalists will have a 15 minute extract of their script performed by major actors at a live event later in the year in front of an audience of TV professionals, including broadcasters, commissioners, producers, directors and talent agents.

The three finalists will also receive feedback and a development meeting with Green Door Pictures and Lionsgate UK. 

The winning screenplay will be optioned and will go into production in 2017/18 - potentially starring Idris Elba if there is a suitable role.

This is part of a broader movement across the television industry to welcome new writing talent. The Royal Television Society is launching a screen writing award as part of its Student Awards 2017 in London and the North West to find and promote new talent.

The competition is open until 5pm on 8^th August 2016 and is open to UK residents over the age of 18 only. 

There are two categories of entrants, the first are writers with professional writing credits on television whose script has not been produced or broadcast by a UK broadcaster. The second is for budding writers with no broadcast credits who are looking to showcase their work.

These writers need to produce a second writing sample (which is not in competition and need not be a TV sample) and a reference from a recognised industry professional, such as an agent, producer, director broadcaster or established TV, stage or film writer, in order to enter. 

For more information, including information on how to enter, email info@greendoorpics.com.