Shine Pictures has started a new UK screenwriting competition that will award the winner a £25,000 feature film development deal.

Shine is a joint venture between UK-based production company Kudos Pictures (Brighton Rock, Eastern Promises) and US-based producer-financier New Regency (Mr and Mrs Smith, Knight and Day).

The Big Idea initiative will look for projects “with global appeal from experienced talented writers” in the genres of romantic comedy, action adventure, sci-fi/fantasy, or family comedy.

The winner will work with the Shine Pictures creative team (in both London and Los Angeles) to develop a treatment, a first draft and revisions. Melanie Coombs is project manager, working under head of development Ed Clarke and head of film Paul Webster.

Application information can be found at www.shine-pictures.com. The entry deadline is Oct 29 and the winner will be announced Dec 20.

Paul Webster and Stephen Garrett of Shine and Kudos said: “British writers are among the most sought after in Hollywood. Shine Pictures, in keeping with our desire to bring  the cream of the UK’s creative community to a global audience, wants to nurture the next generation of leading screenwriters. We hope writers will be excited by this new competition and the chance to showcase their concepts and enjoy the opportunity to win a substantial prize which will help take their ideas to the next level.”