BAFTA Names Alison Down Emerging Children's Screenwriter

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), in partnership with Rocliffe, and supported by The London Book Fair, today announced the result of a nation-wide search to identify emerging talent in film and television writing for children. Alison Down, from Liverpool, was chosen by a panel of industry experts to receive an expenses-paid trip and full delegate pass to the MIP Junior international children's programming market in Cannes in October. The trip, which will include extensive industry introductions and networking opportunities, is organised by The London Book Fair.

Alison was selected for her film script Dai The Voice - about a boy with Asperger syndrome who is obsessed with Tom Jones - following a special edition of the BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Forum, a long-running initiative which aims to give a platform to undiscovered screenwriters and help them to develop their careers.

At the showcase event on Saturday at BAFTA headquarters, 195 Piccadilly in London, extracts of scripts by three finalists - Alison Down, Amanda Duke and John Hickman - were performed live by professional actors to an audience of influential members of the film and television industries. The panel that awarded the trip to Alison comprised: Emma Reeves, celebrated screenwriter and playwright (The Dumping Ground, Tracy Beaker Returns, Hetty Feather); Elly Brewer, BAFTA-winning children's comedy writer (The Dumping Ground, Shaun The Sheep); Ben Bocquelet, Series Creator, The Amazing World of Gumball; Michael Carrington, CEO of The Foundation, the UK production arm of Zodiak Kids (Totally Spies, Fort Boyard); and Jacks Thomas, Director of The London Book Fair.

Describing the prize, Alison Down said: "Going to MIP Junior is mortifyingly wonderful. I know that I will learn a lot about myself and the children's media industry in a very short time, in Cannes! I can't wait. Thank you BAFTA, Rocliffe and The London Book Fair."

All three finalists received feedback on their work from Cheryl Taylor, Controller and Portfolio Head of CBBC, and Emma Reeves. On the advice given to her at the event, Alison said: "Feedback from the generous Cheryl and Emma on the stage, and later in the bar from other industry professionals, gave me a real insight into where I can pitch myself as a children's writer, what I need to do next, and what the industry is looking for."

Jacks Thomas, Director of The London Book Fair said: "The BAFTA Rocliffe showcase of the three finalists - John Hickman, Amanda Duke and Alison Down - was a triumph of writing, directing, design, composition and acting and a fabulous affirmation of the UK's creative talent. It will be a pleasure to spend time with Alison at MIP Junior and to showcase further the other finalists' work through our promotional activities there."

Farah Abushwesha, Founder of Rocliffe, said: "It's an amazing and daunting opportunity for anyone seasoned or otherwise to go to a market regardless of the medium. For a new writer to attend, guided by professionals opening doors on their behalf is an incredible opportunity that ensures their voice won't be lost. I WISH I had this support when I began, instead of stumbling blindly, feeling my way through unaided."

Project synopsis and screenwriter's biography:

Alison Down - Dai The Voice

Synopsis: A boy with Asperger syndrome who's obsessed with pop star Tom Jones has to save his favourite black sheep, Delilah, from a fate worse than roast.

Alison Down grew up in Thundersley in Essex and now lives in Liverpool. Formerly a teacher, Alison started writing performance pieces for the young people in her GCSE drama classes. Since then she has written short films, plays and spoken word for children and young people, and is currently writing a children's television comedy. Following success in short film, theatres and radio, and multiple prize and award wins, Dai The Voice is Alison's first feature film project.

About BAFTA

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is an independent charity that supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public. In addition to its Awards ceremonies, BAFTA has a year-round Learning & Events programme that offers unique access to some of the world's most inspiring talent through workshops, masterclasses, lectures, scholarships and mentoring schemes, connecting with audiences of all ages and backgrounds across the UK, Los Angeles and New York. BAFTA relies on income from membership subscriptions, individual donations, trusts, foundations and corporate partnerships to support its ongoing outreach work. For further information, visit http://www.bafta.org and www.bafta.org/guru.

About Rocliffe

Rocliffe created a series of events, notably the New Writing Forums, now held at BAFTA and renamed the BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Forum. It has a popular blog Farah's Rocliffe Notes which is being published by Kamera Books in Nov 2014. The Rocliffe Notes - A Professional Approach for Screenwriters & Writer-Directors. It is a compendium of opinions sourced from 140 interviews with award winning writers, directors, producers and industry players. With its inception in 2000 by founding member Farah Abushwesha and a team of dedicated volunteers including award winning director Susan Jacobson and casting directors Laura Dickens CDG, Catherine Willis and Kahleen Crawford. The format of the New Writing Forum is truly original - following a public script call-out in the months before the event, three diverse pieces are selected from the hundreds received and performed live by professional actors in front of a live audience. The pieces are framed by especially composed music by new composers from Air Edel and digital art. The event showcases undiscovered talent - a must attend for agents and talent scouts alike; development focused discussions generated by the readings; exposure to and advice from experienced industry members; feedback from an audience and an invaluable method to test out new concepts and material. Given the often isolating nature of the industry, the forums create the ideal environment for networking as well as Unknown writers the chance to get their work seen and heard. Past featured writers include James Dormer, Jack Thorne, Josh Appignanesi and Claire Wilson.

About The London Book Fair (LBF)

The London Book Fair (LBF) is the global marketplace for rights negotiation and the sale and distribution of content across print, audio, TV, film and digital channels. Taking place every Spring in the world's premier publishing and cultural capital, this landmark event is an opportunity to explore, understand and capitalise on the innovations shaping the publishing world of the future. LBF brings you direct access to customers, content and emerging markets. LBF 2015, the 44th Fair, will take place from Tuesday 14-Thursday 16 April 2015, Olympia London. LBF's London Book and Screen Week will run for the second year, with the book fair as the pivotal three day event within a five day programme. London Book and Screen Week will open with LBF's Publishing for Digital Minds Conference on Monday 13 April, THE DAY before LBF opens. Mexico is Market Focus country in 2015, following Korea in 2014.

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