In an exciting development for aspiring European screenwriters, Warner Bros. Discovery Access UK and the Series Mania Institute have announced French screenwriter Julie-Anna Grignon as the winner of their illustrious 2025 Writers’ Programme. This initiative, designed to nurture innovative storytelling within the European creative landscape, has been eagerly anticipated by both the industry and aspiring writers. Through this programme, Grignon and her peers have the opportunity to make significant strides in their careers by collaborating with leading media platforms.
Julie-Anna Grignon’s Winning Concept
Julie-Anna Grignon, known for her work on “Week-End Family” for Disney+, “Balthazar” for TF1, and Netflix’s “Endless Night,” impressed judges with her series concept titled “The Hum.” Her win includes a €10,000 prize to develop a pilot for the project. Grignon’s innovative approach and unique vision were key factors in her selection by a distinguished panel including José-María Caro, director of HBO Max local original production for Spain; Clémentine Bobin, director of scripted original productions HBO Max for France; Dirk Engelhardt, senior director of local production for Germany; Sian Palfrey, executive producer and head of Wall to Wall North; and Adam James, script editor at Wall to Wall North.
A Panel’s Acclaim for Creativity
The judging panel described Grignon’s concept as “ambitious, imaginative, genre-driven, and brimming with creative potential.” The recognition reflects her ability to craft compelling narratives that captivate audiences, setting a high bar for original content in the growing landscape of European programming.
Programme Participation and Opportunities
Grignon was among six mid-level screenwriters from Europe, including Peter Furrer (Germany), Ciron Gruffydd (U.K.), Almudena Monzú (Spain), Isabella Oliveira Parise Kröger (Germany), and Kaamil Shah (U.K.), selected to participate in the programme. The initiative offers these creators the chance for potential collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO Max’s European programming teams. Participants attended industry-focused workshops in London, following initial training in France, covering integral topics such as personal branding, inclusive storytelling, and tailored pitch development. The programme also featured a Q&A session with renowned screenwriter Anna Jordan, known for her work on “One Day,” “Killing Eve,” “Becoming Elizabeth,” and “Succession.”
Endorsements from Industry Leaders
Clémentine Bobin praised Grignon’s skills, stating, “Julie-Anna’s passion, adaptability, and storytelling instincts showed that she is a standout voice to watch, and we’re thrilled to support her as part of the WBD Access x SMI Writers’ Programme.” She further noted the programme’s overall success in showcasing the potential of scripted original content. Marianne Guillon, director of the Series Mania Institute, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the programme’s goal to “champion new European voices and give them the best possible environment to develop bold and inclusive stories.”
