Stephen Graham and Matriarch Productions Empower Working-Class UK TV Writers with New Competition

Breaking Barriers for Working-Class Writers

Stephen Graham, the celebrated actor behind many unforgettable performances, along with his partner Hannah Walters, is taking a bold step to change the UK TV writing landscape. Their company, Matriarch Productions, has teamed up with Phil Temple's Birdie Pictures to launch the Grass Routes Prize. This competition is not just any prize; it’s a lifeline for TV writers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds who often find the doors to the industry locked.

Supported by the film powerhouse Studiocanal, the prize includes a tempting £5,000 cash reward and the opportunity to have the winning script optioned. But the benefits don’t stop there. The winner will also receive crucial development support from both Matriarch and Birdie Pictures. This will guide the fledgling script from a concept to a polished piece ready for industry scrutiny.

Moreover, in an industry where contacts can make or break a career, the competition offers networking opportunities with influential figures. Esteemed judges like actors Ashley Walters and Kayleigh Llewellyn, alongside respected industry leaders such as Lewis Arnold and Theresa Ikoko, offer guidance and open up new avenues for representation.

Aiming for Change

The initiative is not just about finding the next great script. It serves a deeper purpose—addressing systemic shortcomings within the TV industry. Both Matriarch and Birdie have stressed the glaring underrepresentation of working-class voices in media. With the freelance nature of TV writing adding financial unpredictability, plenty of talent is overlooked. Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters recognize this, viewing Grass Routes as a platform to elevate voices that might otherwise remain unheard.

The competition’s submission window closed on January 8, 2024, setting the stage for a groundbreaking selection process. Matriarch Productions, established in 2020, is no stranger to championing diverse narratives, having already created hits like the BBC series Boiling Point. Meanwhile, Birdie Pictures, a newer player founded in 2022 and boosted by substantial investment from Studiocanal, is making waves by exploring intriguing stories like The Mysterious Case Of The Alperton Angels.

The Grass Routes Prize is more than a competition. It's a movement to foster fresh voices and uproot the ingrained barriers within the TV writing world. With the backing of industry heavyweights and diligent guidance, the prize promises to shed light on talents that could redefine storytelling in the UK.