UK production company RISE Films and agency Casarotto Ramsay & Associates are launching a new initiative for emerging screenwriters, also with support from Sight & Sound.

The initiative will kick off with a competition starting early in June. Unrepresented writers will submit first drafts of feature film scripts and one will be selected to have a development deal with RISE and representation from Casarotto.

The winner will be announced in early 2009.

RISE is founded by Teddy Leifer and Paul Taylor, who have made the award-winning documentary We Are Together. The company's new projects in development include Ross Kauffman's Project Kashmir, Simon Chambers' Cowboys In India and a new film from Kim Longinotto.