We never post opportunities that require a submission fee. LEARN MORE.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Join the BBC's Chain Gang

web site

An opportunity to shape the storyline of a new BBC Radio 4 Extra drama.

Weekly deadlines from 10th October – 7th December 2013
BBC 4 Extra are running their award winning Chain Gang series once again – the drama where you decide what happens next.

Award-winning writer Robert Shearman (the man who brought the Daleks back to Doctor Who), has penned an intriguing first episode of a drama, lasting just two minutes. After that, you pitch in your story decide where the story goes, Robert dramatises it and it’s performed by a cast of three versatile actors. Each week there’s a new plot written by a different listener until the final part is broadcast on 7th December 2013.

Listen back to the first part of the drama on the Chain Gang programme page

Writing Tips
Want to join the Chain Gang and shape the story? Here are some tips:

Start by making sure you're completely up-to-date with all that's happened so far, and have a look at the storylines behind the episodes here on the website.

Bear in mind that you're not writing the script itself, or a novel. One way to approach this is to think of telling someone about something dramatic that has happened. You wouldn't say exactly what everyone said, but you should emphasise dramatic or relevant points. Try to bring out some of the tone and feel you want your episode to have, rather than just giving us 200 words of plot. You'll need to move the story along in an interesting way, and try to end on some dramatic moment, or cliff-hanger. And do keep in mind that your ideas will need to become a radio drama. Lots of 'backstory' or people thinking about things can be difficult to work with.

Don’t forget that the next episode doesn’t have to follow on directly in time and place from the last. Are there other characters involved that could start to build a fuller picture of Sally, Mark and our mysterious cabbie?

How to submit:

For full terms and conditions and details on how to submit your work to Chain Gang, visit the programme page.

Ready to join our Chain Gang? Got an idea for how the story should continue? Please send your ideas to radio4extra@bbc.co.uk , but only when you’ve read this guide, which is updated weekly:

1.  Don't forget that Episode 4 was the last week for Joe Sims (Mark), due to other commitments. So Mark won't be in any more episodes. But we've room on the cast now for another male actor, so perhaps you'd like to come up with a new male character? Think about what the story is behind episodes 1 to 5, and then use that as a springboard for an intriguing episode 6. You may follow directly on from the current episode, or you may choose to move the story to a different time and place, depending on how you deal with this week's cliff-hanger.

2.  We don't want a script, just a storyline in 200 words. If you're unsure about what to send, please read ‘What’s a Storyline’ (below).

3.  Only write in once you have listened to the most recent part of the story, which is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra every Saturday at 1.10pm, and available online and as a podcast shortly afterward. You’ll also need to be familiar with any earlier episodes.

4.  The submission deadline every week is Thursday at 8am (local UK time).  Submissions received after this time will not be considered.

5.  You can submit as many storylines as you like, in separate emails.

6.  Please send your ideas to radio4extra@bbc.co.uk.  Put the words ‘Chain Gang entry’ as your subject.

7.  In the body of each email please write the following:

  • your full name
  • your phone number (mobile and home phone if possible).  We will probably call the new storyliner during Thursday or Friday.
  • any social media alter-egos you’d like to share with us i.e. Twitter name, Facebook page, YouTube channel. (if applicable)
  • your storyline for the next episode (in no more than 200 words).
8.  Entry is subject to our Terms and Conditions.

What's a Storyline?
Want to join the Chain Gang and shape the story? Here are some tips.
A storyline is the basis of a tale which can then be dramatised for radio, stage, TV or film. Start by making sure you're completely up-to-date with all that's happened so far, and have a look at the storylines behind the episodes here on the website.

Bear in mind that you're not writing the script itself, or a novel. One way to approach this is to think of telling someone about something dramatic that has happened. You wouldn't say exactly what everyone said, but you should emphasise dramatic or relevant points. Try to bring out some of the tone and feel you want your episode to have, rather than just giving us 200 words of plot. You'll need to move the story along in an interesting way, and try to end on some dramatic moment, or cliff-hanger. And do keep in mind that your ideas will need to become a radio drama. Lots of 'backstory' or people thinking about things can be difficult to work with.


Terms and Conditions

  • Entry is open to all, except employees or contractors of the BBC or any person directly or indirectly involved in the running of the competition.
  • Entries should be a maximum of 200 words.
  • You must provide the BBC with your name, email address and phone number if you wish to send us a storyline. The BBC (or companies working for the BBC) will only ever use your personal details for the purposes of administration, and will not pass them on to anyone without your permission. If you would like to know more about the BBC’s privacy policy, please see Privacy Policy. Entries must be submitted using the correct address. Entries submitted by any other method will only be accepted when clearly specified.
  • The deadline for receiving entries is 8am (local UK time) on Thursday each week.
  • Your submitted entry must be a previously unpublished original story, written by you, containing no defamatory matter, third party copyright material or quotes.
  • You may submit as many ideas as you wish, as long as they adhere to the word count, deadline and other submission rules.
  • By sending an entry you agree to grant the BBC the right to publish and broadcast the story in all media, including the right to abridge/adapt the work for broadcasting purposes. Any further use shall be subject to good faith negotiations of terms with the author.Your ideas may be made available as ‘on-demand’ audio files.
  • Storylines will be judged by BBC staff and Robert Shearman. The panel is looking for originality, creativity, drama and consistency with previous episodes. The panel’s decision is final and no negotiation will be entered into.
  • The BBC does not accept any responsibility for late or lost entries. Proof of sending is not proof of receipt.
  • Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these Terms and Conditions and to agree to be bound by them when sending in their entry.
  • Entrants must agree to take part in any publicity

Blog Archive