UK support body The Film Council has unveiled training initiatives targeted at script writing, script reading and development.

Roughly half the total investment of $783,000 (£549,000) goes to project development workshops to provide training for writers with active projects. The National Lottery-supported schemes also include short courses for script readers and development personnel.

"These schemes will allow a considerable increase in opportunity for those industry professionals currently looking for guidance in this area of the film industry," said Helen Bagnall, head of the Film Council's Training Fund. "We will now be able to encourage a growth in the quality of script management, leading to film product able to compete in the increasingly aggressive global marketplace."

Bagnall will partner with training body Skillset on the initiatives, which will be farmed out to agents around the country such as Leeds Metropolitan University, Arista and The Script Factory.