Spotlighting the UK’s Culinary Heritage

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Access in collaboration with Food Network and discovery+ are launching a Production Incubator Programme designed to spotlight the UK’s culinary heritage.

The programme offers emerging production companies the opportunity to develop a new concept within an established format, while gaining direct exposure to WBD executives, commissioners and production teams. The goal of the programme is to create pathways for newer creative entities to the WBD ecosystem.

 

About the Programme

The Production Incubator is a three-phase development programme designed to support emerging and mid-level production companies in developing a new concept within the existing Food Network and discovery+ portfolio. 

Production companies applying will be asked highlight restaurants, food ventures and the chefs behind them, pitching a new episode idea exploring the depth of the UK’s food history and culinary traditions.

Projects should be talent-led, with a strong on-screen personality guiding the storytelling and exploring how food reflects identity, culture and community across the UK.

Selected companies will participate in a structured professional development week, culminating in a Pitch Day, where projects will be presented to WBD executives and commissioners. Three concepts will be selected for a one-episode commission with up to £45,000 of funding. A Creative Producer and WBD Commissioner will be assigned to each project.

Prospective applicants can click here to sign up to a virtual information session taking place on Tuesday 7 April to have all their questions answered.

 

Programme Structure

The first part of the programme will include a professional development week at Warner Bros. Discovery’s London offices. Each participating company will also receive £3,000 to support two team members attending the development week. The week will include:

• Creative Development meetings to refine the concept and develop pitch materials
• Take part in sessions with WBD teams across commissioning and production
• Gain insight into Food Network and discovery+ editorial and production processes through direct engagement with WBD executives, commissioners and production teams
• Sessions focusing on professional development, including, but not limited to: personal branding, pitching and leading inclusively.
• The opportunity to pitch to WBD Commissioners, Executives and other industry stakeholders
• Three selected projects will receive up to £45,000 in funding each to produce a 22-minute episode for Food Network and discovery+.
• The completed episodes are scheduled to debut on discovery+ in November 2026

Companies will enter into a standard commissioning agreement, with development and commissioning operating on a full buy-out model. WBD is committed to supporting sustainability and inclusion within the UK television sector and across its commissioned programming. In advancement of these objectives WBD requires the Producer to comply with Albert and all related WBD protocols, and acknowledge and agree that WBD is participating in the Creative Diversity Network. This will be detailed in the commissioning agreement.

 

Creative Brief

In the application form, you will be asked to respond to the prompt: 

We are looking to tell real food stories about the depth of cultures in the UK through the food you actually eat. We love food with heart - the kind that comes with a personal story of friends, family and life. 

We are looking for the next best culinary talent and personality. Not just a cook, but someone who can command a kitchen and a conversation with effortless humour all at the same time. Someone who can deliver a compelling and entertaining story around food who feels like a friend and happens to be a top tier chef. Someone who cooks for the people, making delicious modern food for everyone. 

Building on the success of Secrets of the Pub Kitchen and Secrets of the Curry Kitchen, we’re now looking for the next must watch talent to reveal the passion behind the hacks and secrets inside their kitchen. Click here to view episodes of both shows.

 

Storytelling

We want stories anchored by authentic talent who possess natural warmth and humour. Our viewers know their food. We want to see amazing cooking and clever recipes that they will want to make themselves. Each recipe must showcase elevated craft and clever, 'must-make' recipes that feel both premium and accessible.

 

Format & Tone 

Episodes should be 22-minute episodes.

We are interested in new and different ways to do traditional 'chop and chat' format. Whether it’s an exciting new UK food journey or a deep dive into an aspirational, pastoral precinct where a chef lives and works, the setting should feel like a character in itself.

Authentic stories rooted in people, places and food culture, exploring how cuisine connects to identity, history and community.

Tone  Culturally grounded and celebratory, highlighting the depth and breadth of the UK's culinary heritage.

Talent  Food Network and discovery+ programming is typically talent-led, so applicants are encouraged to identify strong on-screen personalities. Formal attachment is not required but will strengthen submissions.

Please note that you will need to confirm that the materials submitted must be original to you and is not being considered anywhere else or by anyone else. Any format or IP required for your submission should be wholly owned by your production company.

 

How to Apply

Please apply below.

Applications will be reviewed internally, after which a longlist of companies will be invited to interview before the final companies are selected to participate in the programme.

Selected companies will then attend Phase 1: Professional Development Week, the week beginning June 15, 2026 in London.

Please note that companies invited to attend and their nominated representatives may be subject to a third-party background check, which may include identity verification, a basic DBS check and social media screening.

 

FAQs

When is the deadline?   

All applications must be submitted by 11:59pm BST on 26 April 2026

 

How do I apply?   

All submissions must be made through our portal (see link below). Submissions via email will not be accepted.     

 

Do I have to submit a finished idea?  

No, we want to hear what your ideas are for a 22 minute, one-episode commission based on the prompt: 'We're looking to tell real food stories about the depth of cultures in the UK through the food you actually eat. We love food with heart - the kind that comes with a personal story of friends, family and life.'

 

Can I apply as an individual?  

Applications are currently open to production companies only, as the programme requires applicants to apply through a registered company for contracting, funding, and delivery purposes. Individual applicants are therefore not eligible.

 

What should I do if I’m unsure about my eligibility due to my company structure?  

If your situation falls outside typical structures or you are uncertain about eligibility, we encourage you to reach out for clarification. Please email any questions to access.international@wbd.com 

 

How in-depth do I need to be when sharing my episode idea?   

We encourage you to include as much detail as possible within the 250-character limit. Aim to clearly convey your vision in a succinct and engaging way. 

 

Do I need to have talent attached the project?  

You do not need to have talent formally attached in order to apply. However, WBD’s linear and discovery+ programming is typically talent-led, so applications may be stronger where a potential host, chef or on-screen personality has been identified.

If you have a specific individual in mind to lead the project, we encourage you to include details about them in your submission. This helps demonstrate how the talent will guide the storytelling and bring the concept to life.

 

When will I find out if I am successful?   

We aim to inform successful applicants in June 2026. Those who are successful in the application process will be invited to a Professional Development Week at Warner Bros. Discovery London offices, focused on developing their creative idea and getting an insight into how the commissioning and production process works for WBD’s linear channels and discovery+. A week following the Professional Development Week, a pitch day will take place, where all production companies will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas. Following this, three pitches will then be selected for production. If living outside of London, reasonable travel expenses will be covered, including transport to/from London and lodging.

Please note that, if you are successful, participation will be subject to contract and satisfactory completion of background checks. 

 

What will the production process be?   

All films as part of the programme will be allocated a production budget of up to £45,000. The production companies who are greenlit will be responsible for the production of their episodes. Companies will enter into a standard commissioning agreement, operating on a full buy-out model. WBD will provide editorial feedback provided by a WBD Commissioner and a Creative Producer. 

All finished films will need to be delivered by 25 September 2026.

 

What is the selection process?   

Each application will be reviewed by a committee which will be made up of a panel of executives from various creative and production departments across WBD.

 

What is the time commitment of the programme?  

If your production company is selected, you will be required to attend the mandatory professional training programme which will be in-person in London in June 2026.

The three projects that are chosen to move into production should be completed between July and September, and the production company will need to be able to commit the required time to get their episodes done. 

You may also be required to attend other meetings with Commissioners and the Production Teams during this time and with the wider WBD Access programme team.  Where possible, we will aim to give as much notice as possible. 

There will be a premiere of the episodes during October 2026 and production companies involved in the programme will be asked to attend this engagement. 

Can I ask some more questions?   

Of course, please get in touch with our team via email on access.international@wbd.com 

 

Who can I contact about a technical issue I’m having with the Applicant Portal?    

If you are still experiencing technical issues after reading through the above FAQ, please contact access.international@wbd.com 

 

Will my self-identification information be shared? How will this information be used?   

Individual level self-identification data will never be shared. Collecting and analysing the aggregate data allows us to understand how successful we are in reaching our targets. All self-identification questions are voluntary to answer.

 

I am registered outside the UK. Can I apply? Will you handle my visa?  

We are currently only able to accept submissions from companies registered with Companies House in the UK. As the programme does not have the capacity to sponsor visas or support immigration processes, we’re unable to accept applications from individuals who would require this.

 

Who Can Apply

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be an emerging or small- to mid-tier production company, which is defined as having an annual turnover below £6 million as per the last set of annual accounts.
• Have no ownership stake from an existing broadcaster, streamer or production company.
• Not have previously produced content for WBD’s linear channels and/or discovery+
• Be headquartered in the UK.
• Have produced at least one unscripted commission for a broadcaster or streamer (in the application form, you can upload up to three links although only one is mandatory).
• Be able to fully commit to the programme schedule – including the full professional development week, the Pitch Day- and production timeline.
• Both individuals attending the professional development week must be over 18 years old at the time of application.

Applications must be submitted by a producer applying on behalf of a limited company registered with Companies House with the approval of ownership of that company.

 

Selection Criteria

Each application and will be reviewed by a committee which will be made up of a varied group of professionals from Warner Bros. Discovery and external industry representatives. The committee will use the following criteria: 

• Response to the prompt ‘We are looking to tell real food stories about the depth of cultures in the UK through the food you actually eat. We love food with heart - the kind that comes with a personal story of friends, family and life.
• Demonstration of why you are the right production company to tell this story.
• Strong on-screen talent identified. Formal attachment is not required at application stage but will strengthen submissions. Ideally UK based new chef/cooking talent, but some TV exposure or growing online presence is fine.
• Projects should align with the editorial tone and style of Food Network and discovery + factual entertainment programming. For example, the warmth, humour, personal reflections, expertise and food take out of shows such as The Secrets of the Pub Kitchen, Secrets of the Curry Kitchen, A Slice of Sophie Grigson and Gok Wan’s Easy Asian.
• Evidenced creative track record of producing unscripted programming for a broadcaster or streamer.
• Illustration of how taking part in this programme will contribute to the longer-term goals for the applicant production company.
• Feasibility and cost effectiveness of the project budget.
• Feasibility of production schedule or timeline. 

 Those that make it to the top ten shortlist will be invited to interview in May 2026.

 

Programme Timeline

Applications open: 31 March 2026

Applications close: 26 April 2026, 23.59pm BST

Applications outcome: Week commencing 1 June 2026

Professional Development Week: Week commencing 15 June 2026 (full days, in-person at WBD offices in London)

Pitch Day: 24 June 2026

Episodes greenlit: 1 July 2026 

Episodes delivered: 25 September 2026

Dates are subject to change. 

WBD Access x HBO Max Script Engine Writers Programme in collaboration with Series Mania Institute      

A European writers' initiative designed to identify and develop skilled mid-level screenwriters with connections to France, Spain, Germany and Italy.   

 

 

About the Programme

Designed for mid-level television writers, Script Engine offers a dedicated development pathway to support original, inclusive and locally rooted storytelling.   Following the success of its first iteration, the programme returns with a renewed focus on writers connected to France, Spain, Italy and Germany, offering a structured opportunity to develop original series concepts aligned with HBO Max’s vision for distinctive European storytelling.   This bespoke development opportunity will be delivered in partnership with HBO Max and in collaboration with Series Mania Institute. 

 

 

Programme Structure 

Selected writers will begin the programme with an in-person professional development week in London. This opening stage is designed to lay the foundations for the programme and introduce participants to the creative standards and vision behind original storytelling for HBO Max. 

 

During the week, writers will take part in a series of sessions exploring HBO Max’ brand and creative priorities, alongside learning and development workshops focused on personal branding, leadership, collaboration and inclusive storytelling. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet the wider programme community, including fellow writers, mentors and industry guests, through a series of networking sessions.  

Following the London professional development week, the cohort will proceed to attend a series of virtual sessions alongside their smaller country cohort led by local industry professionals and HBO Max teams. These sessions will provide insight into the commissioning landscape and creative priorities of HBO Max, as well as guidance on writing for European writers’ rooms.

Alongside these sessions, each writer will receive bespoke one-to-one guidance from both a writer mentor and a producer advisor, supporting them as they develop their original series concept and prepare their 10–20-page series document (or “series bible”) for presentation.

The programme will culminate in a Project Presentation with HBO Max executives, offering writers the opportunity to present their project, receive feedback, and further develop direct relationships with regional HBO Max teams.      

 

 

Who Can Apply 

Script Engine is designed for established television writers who are ready to take the next step in developing original series concepts aligned with HBO Max. Writers must be based in France, Spain, Italy or Germany and/or have a demonstrable connection to the region they are applying for.   To be eligible, applicants must:   

• Not have previously written for an HBO Original Series (HBO movies accepted). 
• Be legally entitled to work in the country to which they are applying (France, Spain, Italy or Germany) for the duration of the programme (June – November 2026) 
• Have demonstrable experience writing for commissioned television projects, including a minimum of 3 original episodes, concepts, or writers’ room credits on projects that have been commissioned, optioned, or formally developed by a broadcaster or streamer. Please note, at least one of these must have taken place within the last three years. 
• Be available to participate fully in the programme schedule, including attendance to virtual and in-person sessions between June-November 2026. 
• Hold a valid passport and be eligible to travel to the UK in June 2026 and the country you are applying to (i.e.; France, Spain, Germany or Italy) in late November 2026, if you are not already based there. 
• Must be aged 18 or over at the point of application (no upper age limit) 

 Applicants are responsible for ensuring they meet any applicable travel or entry requirements and, are encouraged to check the relevant guidance for the UK and the country they are applying to. 

 

 

Selection Process 

Applications will be submitted in two rounds. In the first application round, applicants will apply to a specific market region submitting the below entry materials:   

1. A CV covering that includes:  

• Relevant employment history  
• Relevant industry credits   

2. Bio  

3. Intro video (2 minutes or less) - An introduction to you, responding to two prompts: 

4. What makes you a great candidate for this programme and what do you hope to get out of this experience?  

• How does this opportunity fit your wider career goals? 

5. Two Essay Questions (500 words or less):  

• Please describe your connection to the country you are applying to (France, Spain, Italy, or Germany).   
• Why are you interested in writing for the HBO market you are applying to?   

6. Two samples of writing work that demonstrates strong character-driver storytelling ability, with a clear command of structure, dialogue and a distinctive voice. 

7. Reference letter – optional (not from your Agent)  

Following Round One, longlisted applicants will be invited to submit a one-two page original series concept in response to a country-specific creative brief shaped by the content priorities of the relevant HBO Max market. 

 

To support this stage, longlisted applicants will have the opportunity to attend a longlist briefing session on Tuesday 5 May at 3:00pm UTC+2, where WBD Access will walk through the next stage of the application process. This will include breakout sessions with each HBO Max market team, where applicants will join the session relevant to the market they have applied to. In these sessions, the HBO Max teams will introduce their briefs and provide an opportunity for applicants to ask questions.

Briefing materials will be shared with all longlisted applicants following the session.

Applicants will then have until Tuesday 12 May at 3:00pm UTC+2 to submit their one-two-page concept.

We strongly encourage applicants to hold these dates in their diaries in advance. 

Please note, the one-two page concept does do not need to be uploaded at the point of application. Those who have been longlisted will be notified by Thursday 30 April 2026. Those who are selected for the programme will develop the initial two-page concept over the course of the programme, with the support of the WBD Access, HBO Max and mentors. 

Applicants must hold all rights to the series project submitted as part of their application and on which they will work during the programme if selected. They declare and guarantee that they are the sole authors of the series project subject to the pitch submitted with their application and commit to retaining their rights and not entering into any agreements regarding the project until the final pitch of the programme if selected; they specifically commit not to grant any options or transfer or grant any rights to a production company, broadcaster, or platform. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate or significantly contribute to submitted content is not permitted and may result in disqualification. 

 

 

Selection Criteria 

Each application and will be reviewed by a committee which will be made up of a varied range of professionals from Series Mania Institute, HBO Max and Warner Bros. Discovery. Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:   

• A strong professional track record in television writing, including experience on commissioned, optioned, or formally developed projects, demonstrating progression and a clear commitment to screenwriting 
• A clear sense of how the programme aligns with the applicant’s current career stage and future ambitions 
• The ability to craft well-structured, engaging narratives, with well-developed characters and clear dialogue 
• A clear and distinctive writing voice, demonstrated through original storytelling and a strong interest in character-driven work 
• A thoughtful and intentional approach to inclusive storytelling 
• The ability to develop original series concepts that are locally rooted in the market they are applying to 
• An understanding of, and alignment with, the HBO Max market they are applying to 
• A genuine connection with the country to which they are applying. 
• Proficiency in developing original series concepts and articulating a clear creative vision. 
• A genuine ambition to write for the HBO Max market to which they are applying. 
• The ability to communicate confidently, both verbally and in writing, in English. 

 

 

Programme Timeline 

The programme’s application portal will open on Thursday 2 April 2026 at 5pm UTC+2 with an application deadline of Sunday 26 April at 11:59pm UTC+2. The evaluation period will run across April-June 2026.

Longlisted applicants will have between Tuesday 5 and Thursday 12 May to submit the one-two page concept in response to a region-specific creative brief shaped by the content priorities of the relevant HBO Max market. HBO Max teams will review these submissions to assess the strength, clarity and market relevance of the proposed ideas.    

Below is a summary of dates for our submission period. If you have further questions about the submission period, please visit our FAQs below.   

• Virtual Information Session: Thursday April 2 | 1-2pm UTC+2 
• Submissions Open: Thursday April 2 | 5pm UTC+2 
• Round 1 Submission Deadline: Sunday April 26 | 11:59pm UTC+2 
• Round 1 Longlist notification: Thursday Apr 30 
• Longlist Briefing Session: Tues May 5 | 3pm UTC+2  
• Round 2 Submission Deadline: Tuesday May 12 | 3pm UTC+2 
• Shortlist Interviews: Early June 
• Successful Applicants Notification: Mid-June 

Dates subject to change at the discretion of WBD Access.

Following final selection, the programme will commence in June 2026 with a virtual orientation, closely followed by the professional development week in London.

 

Programme Schedule: 

• Professional Development Week (in London): w/c 29 June 2026 
• Virtual Masterclasses & Mentoring: various dates across July – October 2026 
• In-Person Project Presentation: November 2026  

 

 

How to Apply 

All submissions must be made through our portal. The application deadline is Sunday April 26 at 11:59PM UTC+2. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Please note that all submission materials will be required to be in English and all sessions will be delivered in the English language.