For the first time, the list includes a mix of both TV and Feature Film scripts. Out of 246 script titles put forward, 14 received the minimum number of votes to make it on the list.
This year, a majority of scripts on The Brit List – 52% – are by female writers. More than ever before. This trend continues with 29% of our writers coming from diverse backgrounds.
With the support of our sponsors, The Brit List will this year offer these writers a programme of workshops and events to help them navigate the film and television industries both here in the UK and globally.
Every effort has been made to supply accurate information. Apologies are made in advance for any inaccuracies or misspellings.
12 recommendations
THE JUDE PROBLEM by Amy Guyler (The Agency)
Producers: Headline Pictures
Form: TV
Genre: Comedy Drama
Summary: When her estranged mum goes missing, Jess is forced home to track her down – and is shocked to discover a nine-year-old half-brother (Jude) she never knew she had. But as she begins to spend more time with him, Jess soon realises that Jude is not like other children…
11 recommendations
THE PHILADELPHIA HOPE by Tumi Belo (Casarotto)
Producers: Available
Form: TV
Genre: Newsroom Drama
Summary: A drama following the crack team of journalists behind an African American newspaper in 1920s Philadelphia.
BAD MANOR by Elliot Warren (Independent Talent Group)
Producers: The Forge
Form: TV
Genre: Crime Thriller
Summary: The Dockers were once an infamous crime family, now they are struggling to get by. But the return of their youngest son from prison comes just in time to change their fortunes, as the family are plunged back into the depths of London’s criminal underworld.
9 recommendations
THE GENDER GAMES by Matthew Barry (The Agency)
Producers: SunnyMarch
Form: TV
Genre: Comedy Drama
Summary: Half hour comedy drama about sex and dating based on Juno Dawson’s memoir.
8 recommendations
TIVOLI by Ameir Brown (The Agency)
Producers: Available
Form: TV
Genre: Drama
Summary: When a bloody conflict erupts between a drug lord and the Jamaican state, the people of Tivoli Gardens find themselves caught in the crossfire as the War on Drugs hits Jamaica’s shores. Based on true events.
7 recommendations
WILDCARD by Youness Benali (Independent Talent Group)
Producers: Rooks Nest
Form: Feature Film
Genre: Drama
Summary: The searing true story of a promising young tennis player pushed to the brink by his father who will stop at nothing to win.
CARING by Matilda Ibini & Gabriel Bisset-Smith (Curtis Brown & Independent Talent Group)
Producers: Home Team Content and BBC Films
Form: Feature Film
Genre: Horror-comedy
Summary: A horror-comedy about a disabled woman who finally finds a good carer — only to discover the carer is a serial killer.
OPUS by Wunmi Ibironke (Independent Talent Group)
Producers: Available
Form: TV
Genre: Fantasy Drama
Summary: A dark coming of age comedy-drama based on Yoruba Mythology. After 19-year-old Lorraine’s painting opens a portal to a mystical realm, she and her friends have to navigate their newfound powers and battle the demons and mythological creatures that have been unleashed in their East London town.
LAST WEEK (previously Seven Days) by Alan McDonald (Dench Arnold)
Producers: Available
Form: TV
Genre: High-concept Relationship Drama
Summary: A hopeful, heartfelt relationship drama with a twist: in one week, a meteor will hit Earth and humanity is finished – we’re the dodo but with iPhones. In a small Scottish town, a few locals with nowhere else to go try to make peace with their personal demons before it’s too late… and rediscover the value of community in the process.
SKIN & BONE by Billy & Theo Mason Wood (Independent Talent Group)
Producers: Hattrick Productions
Form: TV
Genre: Thriller
Summary: A brilliant but struggling funeral director is forced to work for the Ukrainian Mafia harvesting bodies and selling them on the black market before it is her and her family lying on the embalming table.
6 recommendations
DANGEROUS APPRAISALS by Rosamund Attwood (Independent Talent Group)
Producers: Wall to Wall
Form: TV
Genre: Dark Comedy / Psychological Drama
Summary: The world’s most invasive Human Resources assistant allows her infatuation with a glamourous older colleague to escalate into a violent obsession, set to destroy the lives of both women.
MAMMY’S GIRL by Roanne Bardsley (Independent Talent Group)
Producers: Available
Form: TV
Genre: Drama
Summary: Struggling single mum Nia has big plans for her daughter, but when Carys makes a fatal mistake that will put her future in jeopardy, Nia’s forced to decide how far she’s willing to go to protect her only child.
JAILTOWN by Cat Jones (42)
Producers: BBC Studios in Association with Lighthouse
Form: TV
Genre: Prison Thriller
Summary: A surreal thriller set in a prison. A sadistic wing boss has his reign threatened by his estranged brother’s return to the prison.
DELILAH MUST DIE by Bel Knight & Clare Hoey (Tavistock Wood)
Producers: Big Talk Productions
Form: TV
Genre: Comedy Drama
Summary: A lonely and intense working-class girl wins a bursary to an elite girls’ boarding school where she meets teen dream Delilah. She doesn’t know whether she wants to be Delilah or fuck her, but her killer crush metastasises into a lethal obsession.
Thank you
This year’s list was announced on Monday 30th November 2020, online at 16:00 GMT. It was made possible by the following generous sponsors:
- Our executive producer and headline partner: Red Arrow Studios in association with Kinetic Content
- Our Co-Producers: Final Draft and Screen Skills
- Our Associate Producers: Silver Reel and Film Distributors’ Association
