FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A: Ideally, yes, but it is not essential. Applicants should have demonstrable experience writing in screenplay format and have previously developed, or be currently developing, a feature film screenplay.

You may still apply if your previous completed work has been in short-form, provided you are now actively developing a feature-length screenplay and can submit a strong continuous screenplay writing sample of at least 30 pages.

FIRST DRAFT is also open to applicants with equivalent long-form storytelling experience, such as television writers who have written one-hour episodes, or stage and radio writers whose work demonstrates a comparable narrative scope.

A: We welcome ideas across all genres and tones, including drama, comedy, thriller, horror, romance and experimental work, as long as the project is character-driven, creatively bold and original, visually and emotionally engaging, and has the potential to connect with audiences in Scotland and beyond.

Projects must be standalone, feature-length screenplays. We are not currently accepting microdramas, vertical dramas, episodic short-form series or other content designed primarily for mobile-first platforms.

A: FIRST DRAFT supports screenwriters to develop a standalone, feature-length screenplay, progressing from Story Outline through to a polished first draft.

Take Three supports Scotland-based writers, directors and producers to develop and produce short films. It offers three programmes for filmmakers at different career stages:

If you want to develop and produce a short film, Take Three may be the more suitable programme. You can find full details at takethree.scot.

A: Yes. Every screenwriter and co-writer named in an application must live in Scotland and remain based in Scotland for the duration of the programme. If selected, you will be required to provide proof of identity and a Scottish address.

A: No. You must be aged 18 or over to apply.

A: You will not be eligible for FIRST DRAFT if you are in further education at any point during the programme. FIRST DRAFT runs from January to December 2027.

A: Yes, provided you meet all current eligibility criteria and have not previously received development support from Screen Scotland’s main development fund.

A: No. If you have previously received support from Screen Scotland’s main development fund, you are not eligible to apply for FIRST DRAFT.

A: No. You will not be eligible if you have previously written a feature film screenplay that has received a formal public cinema release, including a limited or regional theatrical release.

Festival screenings, private screenings, industry showcases and one-off event screenings would not normally be considered theatrical distribution. If you are unsure whether a previous screening or release affects your eligibility, please contact us before applying.

A: Yes, but the project must have been substantially redeveloped since your original application. This would normally involve significant changes to the story, characters or overall concept.

Minor revisions, such as a change of setting on its own or general editorial refinements, would not normally be sufficient. Your application should demonstrate the project has undergone meaningful creative development since it was first submitted.

A: Yes. Every co-writer named in the application must meet the programme’s eligibility criteria and provide the individual information and materials requested in the Application Form. At least one writing sample must have been co-written by both applicants. Please note the development fee will be shared between co-writers.

A: Yes, you can. There is no requirement for a producer and/or director to be attached at application stage, but if you do, please provide their details within the application form.

Editorial support and regular development meetings will primarily focus on the screenwriter or co-writers, although an attached producer and/or director may be invited to participate at appropriate stages.

A: Yes. An attached producer and/or director does not need to be based in Scotland but must be based in the UK. If your project is selected, an attached UK-based producer and/or director may be eligible for a small fee to support their involvement. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Please note that only Scotland-based screenwriters are eligible to receive the programme’s development fee.

A: No. As FIRST DRAFT is a screenwriting development programme, applications must be submitted by the screenwriter or co-writers applying to take part. If you have a producer and/or director attached to the project, please provide their details in the application form.

A: If you or a named co-applicant has a personal relationship with a staff or Board member of The Portal Arts or Screen Scotland, you must declare this in your application so that it can be assessed without any conflict of interest.

Current staff and Board members of The Portal Arts or Screen Scotland are not eligible to apply.

A: A Story Outline is a clear and engaging written overview of the feature film you wish to develop. It should communicate the complete story and give the reader a strong sense of its themes, tone and genre.

Your story outline should be written in prose and include:

Your story outline should explain clearly how the story develops and resolves, rather than presenting the project as a teaser.

It should be presented across 3 – 4 pages, formatted in Arial, 12-point font, with 1.15-line spacing and must not include any images.

A: No. You must include a story outline for your chosen idea with your application.

If you have already written a draft screenplay of your proposed story, you may include it as one of your writing samples, provided it meets the relevant writing sample requirements.

Please be aware that as FIRST DRAFT is a development-focused programme, applicants must be prepared for their projects to return to the story outline stage before progressing to screenplay drafting. You should therefore be prepared to revisit and rework any existing script material as part of the process.

A: No. You may submit one project application only.

A: Yes. If selected, participants will be expected to demonstrate that they have secured, or are in a position to secure, the appropriate rights and permissions required to develop the project. FIRST DRAFT may be able to offer support with this process.

FIRST DRAFT cannot progress a project if the necessary rights or permissions cannot be secured. If you have a specific question regarding IP or the rights required for your project, please contact us.

A: In preparation, please download and read the full Application Questions HERE and Programme Guidelines HERE. These set out all the information and supporting materials you will need to provide to the online form.

A: No. The online application cannot be saved partway through and must be completed and submitted in one session. We strongly recommend downloading the Application Questions & Guidelines, preparing your answers and files in advance, and then copying your answers into the online form when you are ready to submit.

A: FIRST DRAFT follows the current BFI guidance on the use of AI in applications. We do not prohibit the use of AI for funding applications, but applicants must be transparent about its use and confirm that they have read and understood the relevant guidance by completing the AI Usage Declaration. Please read the full BFI guidance on AI. FIRST DRAFT does not use AI to assess applications.

A: Any use of AI must comply with the current BFI guidance and be transparently declared. Applicants remain responsible for the originality, accuracy and integrity of all material submitted.

We recognise that AI may be introduced to a project after the application stage. Successful applicants must inform FIRST DRAFT of any AI use throughout the development of the supported project.

A: We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to making the application process and the FIRST DRAFT programme accessible. If you have any access needs or requirements, please read our Accessibility Statement here, which explains the support available and how to contact us to discuss your needs.

A: Applications close at 12:00 noon on Monday 7 September 2026. All applications must be submitted through the online application form before the deadline. Please read the downloadable Application Questions and Programme Guidelines before beginning your application.

The online form may experience high traffic close to the deadline, so we strongly encourage you to upload your files and submit your application in good time. File size limits are detailed in the downloadable Application Questions. Please check these requirements in advance to avoid any issues when uploading your documents.

Story outlines and screenplay writing samples must not contain images.

A: The programme runs from January to December 2027. It includes regular one-to-one development meetings with our Development Executive, independent writing and development time, workshops, masterclasses and industry-facing development opportunities. Meetings and sessions may take place online or in person.

A: Screenwriters will receive development fees of up to £15,000, paid in instalments linked to agreed milestones. Up to an additional £5,000 may be available for identified development support, assessed on a case-by-case basis.

For co-written projects, please note that the development funding is awarded per project and will be shared between the co-writers.

A: No. Writers retain ownership of their screenplay and all underlying rights. As part of the FIRST DRAFT Writers Agreement, The Portal Arts will hold a 10% development interest in the project during the programme.

This reflects Screen Scotland’s underlying funding structure and the public investment being made in the development of the screenplay.

Once the agreed development materials have been delivered and approved, this interest will transfer to Screen Scotland (Creative Scotland) as the development stakeholder.

If the project progresses onto Screen Scotland’s development slate, any future development arrangements will be agreed directly with Screen Scotland. Should the project ultimately move into production, any discussions regarding recoupment, participation or the treatment of public funding will form part of separate agreements with Screen Scotland (Creative Scotland) at that stage.

A: Applications will be assessed against the published selection criteria, including the strength and originality of the story, creative clarity and ambition, the quality of the writing samples, potential to connect with audiences, potential benefit to the writer’s career, and commitment to diversity and inclusion in line with Screen Scotland’s standards.

A: Applications will be reviewed by members of The Portal Arts, Screen Scotland and a selection of independent script readers. Applications will be assessed against the published selection criteria to determine which projects progress to interview. Final selections will be made following the interview stage.

A: Shortlisted writers will be notified and invited to interview in November 2026. Successful applicants will then be contacted directly and, once they have accepted their place, publicly announced in early December 2026.

Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by the end of November 2026. We aim to follow this timeline as closely as possible, although dates may be subject to change.

A: Unfortunately, due to the expected high number of applications, we cannot offer individual feedback.

A: Complaints will only be considered if they relate to how your application was handled, not the assessment outcome.

A: Talent Builder is funded by Screen Scotland and provides a pathway of support for filmmakers at different stages of their development. It is delivered through Opening Shot by Astar Media, Little Pictures by GMAC Film, Take Three by Screen Projects, and FIRST DRAFT by The Portal Arts.

Other opportunities available to filmmakers in Scotland include:

These programmes have different aims, eligibility requirements and application dates. Please check the relevant organisation’s website for current information.