Arista, BBC Films andCapitol Films Production will launch the minority screenwriting programmeScribes 2 with a networking event on Oct 24.

The scheme, for black and minority ethnic UKscreenwriters, is backed by the UK Film Council and Film London.

Eight selected participants will go through an eight-month projectdevelopment programme and will get a first-look deal with BBCFilms and Capitol Films Production. The writers have already participated in a three-day sales and marketing workship in Italy.

The writers selected are Anthony Alleyne, Paul AnungawelaShekar Bassi, Shalinder Bassi, Yousuf Ali Khan, Emma Ko,Melanie Martinez and Mark Tonderai.

Each writer will develop one original screenplay and oneoutline. If Capitol or BBC boards any of theprojects, each project will be optioned for a guaranteed fee of $3,740 (£2,000)and a revised draft commissioned for a guaranteed fee of $18,700 (£10,000).

"Capitol, our slate partners and the UK Film Council arethrilled to be supporting Scribes 2 which will give talented writers invaluableaccess to, and support from, key industry players, ensuring their work is notdeveloped in a vacuum," said Josie Law of Capitol Films Production. "It offers allparties involved the opportunity to develop ideas and relationships beyond theconfines of the eight month programme and we look forward to being the firstpeople to access the fresh voices and ideas nurtured by this fantastic scheme."