The CBBC Lab: It Begins

Yesterday I had an exciting email, it was the schedule for the CBBC Lab. Tomorrow I go to BBC Scotland in Glasgow for day one of a training course that could change my life. Here’s how it was advertised:

Are you interested in writing for television? Would you like to write for six to twelve year olds?

Scottish Book Trust is working with the BBC on a CBBC Lab which will help you to develop your writing for a young audience. As well as providing nuts and bolts industry advice, sessions will include brainstorming original ideas, writing proposals and making a pitch.

Read more about the course on the Scottish Book Trust Website.

Every Friday in March I attend a day of training and get set a related homework task e.g. writing a programme synopsis or a script. The following week we get constructive feedback on our homework and throughout the course we develop and pitch our ideas to the people who can make them into a reality, it really is exciting!

To apply for the CBBC Lab you had to demonstrate your commitment to a career in writing and a genuine interest in writing for a young audience. I had to submit:

• a writers CV
• a sample of writing
• a statement as to why I wanted to be part of the lab

In 2010 I took part in a similar course, the CBeebies Lab and loved it. I wrote a bit about it in my application statement, here are the first four paragraphs:

I am committed to writing inspiring and entertaining content for young audiences.

I have been presenting and writing workshops, science theatre and educational resources for primary school children for the last seven years. I am a storyteller with a Masters in Communicating Science, currently working as a freelance writer and producer. The CBBC Lab is a wonderful opportunity to bring my skills together.

In 2010 I participated in the CBeebies Writers Lab. The course had a profound impact on my future, confirming my desire to work in children’s television and giving me the confidence to believe in myself.

My original programme idea XXXXXXX* was taken into development following the course. I then worked as a writer and presenter to film a pilot with BBC Scotland. It was challenging, exciting, hard work and extremely fulfilling. I still can’t quite believe it happened. I’m so excited there is another opportunity to train to write for a new audience with the BBC.

The rest of the statement included the projects I’m working on now, shows and workshops I’ve written for 6 – 12 years olds and references to my favourite TV programmes / books aimed at 6 – 12 year olds.

I was thrilled to bits to hear I’d got into the CBBC lab. Right now I can’t wait to start learning, to get writing and to meet all the other participants!

*Name removed because my programme is a live project, shhhhhh, it’s a bit secret!

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