Join us for a webinar with Debbie Oates and Steph Lacey
What does it really take to develop a great spec script , and what can you learn from an experienced writer along the way?
Screenwriter Debbie Oates has written for Coronation Street for over 20 years, alongside credits including Cold Feet, The Dumping Ground, Robin Hood and Fat Friends.
In the early days of TripleC and DANC, Debbie recognised that many disabled writers hadn’t had the opportunity to learn about developing their work, pitching and creating that all-important calling card: the spec script. This led to a year long writer development programme, where six disabled writers were mentored through developing their own spec scripts. Steph Lacey was one of those writers, working with Debbie throughout the programme.
Steph served as a storyliner on BBC's Waterloo Road and was a contributing writer for the BBC series Phoenix Rise. She is currently writing an episode of a long running BBC drama. Steph wrote We Care for Hot Coals Productions and several pieces for theatre, including: To Be A Slut (53Two/JB Shorts) and Love Leftover (Hope Mill Theatre/HER Productions). She was selected for BBC Writer's Access Group and as ScreenSkills' Regional Breakthrough writer.
Now Debbie and Steph come back together to share that journey from both sides.
They’ll talk about what Steph learned, what Debbie was looking for as a mentor, and the things that made the biggest difference to Steph’s writing. They’ll explore character, plot, structure and planning your spec script, alongside practical tips they’ve picked up along the way.
A chance to hear the story of a mentor and mentee relationship that has continued into a professional writing career and take some useful insights into your own writing along the way.
__________________________________________________________________
Date: Tuesday, 27th October 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Platform: Zoom Webinar (The link will be sent by email 30-minutes before the webinar begins)
__________________________________________________________________
Good to know
Highlights
- 1 hour
- Online