First Draft

The TV Foundation

First Draft is an event aimed at writers, no matter your experience!

Soho Theatre

This is an opportunity to connect with the writing community and develop your voice. Speakers from across the TV industry and beyond will come together to create a programme of talks and masterclasses designed to help and inspire writers.Join us from 10.00am to 5.00pm to learn from some of the industry's top creatives and connect with your peers. Access Information: If you have any access requirements please email us at <a href="mailto:tvfoundation@thetvfestival.com" title="mailto:tvfoundation@thetvfestival.com" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Info@TheTVFestival.com</a>Soho Theatre accessible performances, more information available <a href="https://sohotheatre.com/accessible-performances/" title="https://sohotheatre.com/accessible-performances/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">here</a>.We will be hosting this event within the Main House, the largest venue, situated on the 2nd floor.Lift: For step free access to your seat, take the lift to the 1st floor. If you let a member of our audience team know you are on your way, they will be waiting at the 1st floor entrance to take you to your seat. The door measurements are: width 80cm; height 217cm.The other entrance to our Main House is on the 2nd floor. Take the lift to floor 2, there are 32 steps between the foyer and the 2nd floor.Doors: There are 2x doors on the way in to the Main House on the 2nd floor. Door 1 measures: width 78cm; height 211cm. Door 2 measures: width 113cm; height: 220cm.Seats: Stalls- Row AA-J are flip-down bench seating, that are designed in two people blocks. They measure 85cm wide, approx. 42cm per seat.Row C-J have a 17cm step between row.Balcony – Row Y-Z are flip down high seats with a large step up to them and a foot rest. They offer a side on view of the stage. They measure: 85cm, approx. 42cm per seat. The foot rest measures 24cm high.Toilet: 3x gender neutral cubicles alongside 1x access cubicle directly outside the Main House on the 2nd floor. Door to access toilet measures: Width 89cm; height 194cm.

Agenda

Doors Open

WELCOME

John Yorke will take you on a tour of the origins of narrative structure and share how you can apply it to tell powerful stories.

JOHN YORKE ON STORY

Daniel Lawrence Taylor, Writer and Creator of Boarders, and Janice Okoh, Writer and Creator of Just Act Normal, will share insights on the business of writing, alongside Bradley Down, Head of Development at BBC Drama, and Jess Hill, Development Producer at BBC Studios.

PITCHING AND SELLING IDEAS: THE BUSINESS OF WRITING

We introduce and celebrate 2026’s New Writers Collective supported by All3Media, our longstanding partner in uncovering and championing new voices. 

INTRODUCING THE NEW WRITERS COLLECTIVE 2026

Coffee Break

The writer-agent relationship thrives on mutual trust and a shared instinct about your work. Learn how agents can bring different approaches—some will offer extensive editorial input, others focus more on strategy—tailoring their support to what each writer needs to succeed.

THE WRITER AGENT RELATIONSHIP

Lunch Break 

Session 4 - TBA

Break

Multi award winning and BAFTA nominated writer and creator of The Responder, Tony Schumacher, will join us at First Draft. Schumacher is an expert at crafting human stories in high stakes drama. Hear honest insights and guidance from a master storyteller.

TONY SCHUMACHER

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First Draft

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First Draft

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