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Beginning in autumn 2024 we joined up with to deliver a mentoring programme for promising emerging screenwriters. Four writers were selected and partnered with experienced industry mentors. The scheme recently culminated with an event at the Film and TV Charity offices in Soho, London. Find out more from JT Wong, co-founder of EAST and managing director of Three Tables Productions and the four writers below.

JT Wong - Co-founder, EAST and Managing Director, Three Tables Productions

" is a non-profit that supports East and Southeast Asians (ESEA) working in scripted television. We are a small volunteer-run group that focuses on the development stages of the process—everything leading up to the greenlight. We have partnered with organizations like and to create opportunities for our network, and so we were thrilled to join with ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers on a mentorship programme. They are the ideal partner to help us champion our mentees and give them that vital boost to their career progression. 

I initially started EAST with two writers and a small group of supporters that included a commissioner, a producer, a financier, and a lawyer. What brought us together was our shared frustration over the lack of ESEA representation on and off screen in the UK. While other minority groups have made strides, we felt left behind—even as 'Asian' culture has gained popularity, it has largely remained 'foreign' when portrayed in the UK. Additionally, since ESEA cultures, nations, and ethnic groups are quite disparate, there has never really been a single community identity. However, our shared experience in the UK has allowed us to come together now in a natural and empowering way.

Why is this important to us? Not seeing yourself on screen or in the media - or worse, having negative representations of your race and culture - make you think you’re not important. It affects how you think about yourself, how your kids think about themselves. It’s symbolic annihilation. East Asian stereotypes are still very common: we’re waiters, gang members, prostitutes, and tiger mums. We’re good at maths, timid, devious, invisible. That’s when we’re on screen at all. The UK has generated some of the biggest ESEA acting stars on the planet, yet many of them started on British television and never returned, not least because there aren’t any parts for them.

The TV industry’s latest once again confirmed that contributions from East Asians in producer, executive producer, writing and directing roles are too low to be reported on in their data release, and have had to be redacted. That is why we are dedicated to supporting off-screen ESEA talent to build a strong pipeline so that we can have more ESEA stories, and more authentic stories, on British television. Because stories are important and powerful." 

Lydia Rui (mentor Weronika Tofilska)

"At a time when East and Southeast Asian representation in the UK has declined, both on and off screen, from already abysmal numbers, the EAST x ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Mentorship scheme was a welcome initiative. Despite years of working in the industry, I’d never had an official, structured mentorship — yet I had assisted many commercial, music video, and experiential directors over the years. To be mentored by Weronika Tofilska, who is simultaneously advanced in her career yet not so advanced as to be of another generation entirely, meant that my worries were still recognisable to her. Meanwhile, she is female and quietly spoken and overcame a set of challenges that were foreign to most of the directors I’d worked with. Despite not being British, she was also able to authentically direct one of the most globally successful British shows of last year (). In addition to all of this, she manages to balance writing and co-writing as part of her repertoire ()! 

It meant that, when I received a text from Weronika on a Sunday evening saying that she was deeply moved by my script, I was reinvigorated with a sense of belief, hope, and that I had a real ally. Sure, I’ve got some semblance of belief in myself enough to keep pursuing this one in a million shot at a career, but it’s invaluable to have the belief of a mentor like Weronika, as well as to have the one-on-one insight gleaned listening to her relate her experiences navigating this industry. Weronika also introduced me to the , who hired me to direct two short films for their graduating MA Acting for Screen students — a path that she had taken after graduating from the , where I had also attended. This has given me the opportunity to further hone my craft, directing work written by others. Meanwhile, EAST drew my attention to opportunities like the and ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers: London Voices, both of which I am grateful to have been selected for. They have both been incredible experiences: the first as a symbol of industry recognition and a door opener, the latter an informative deep dive into the rigour of television writing. Next, I’ll be focusing on my debut — whilst also looking for opportunities where I can shadow or direct 2nd unit on HETV as Weronika has, as well as completing my TV pilot."

Kayla Hendy (mentor Daisy Coulam)

"I met Daisy at a time when my confidence was starting to slip. When the rejections stack up, it’s hard to see whether you’re moving forward or just spinning your wheels. But right from our first meeting, Daisy reassured me with her own lived experience: it’s not just me, and this shaky confidence would steady with time. Daisy went above and beyond, introducing me to indies she works with, inviting me to the set, and even offering feedback on my ideas. She’s been incredibly generous with her time and advice — someone I’ve truly been able to lean on.

I can say with certainty I’m in a much stronger place after the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ x EAST mentorship programme, especially when it comes to confidence and having a stronger sense of direction. I can’t recommend mentorship in this industry enough. It can feel daunting to admit you need help (and even harder to ask for it!), but having someone who’s been through it can give you the perspective and push you need.

David Cheung (mentor Manda Levin)

"The EAST x ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers mentorship scheme was an enriching experience. As someone who's currently enjoying working on the script editing side, I was lucky to have commissioner Manda Levin as my mentor to help with both prongs of my career, while I make my initial steps into writing.

Manda has a brilliant triple threat perspective of editorial, production and commissioning insight. Her notes cut through to the heart of my scripts in a precise and forensic manner (and being on the other side of the hot seat was invaluable. A very strange but illuminating experience!)

Beyond that - although the term script editor and script writer is only one word apart, there is still a space in between to travel. Manda lent her valuable wisdom in how to best push forward in both sides of my career. Having that supportive, outside perspective was so useful – she highlighted her view that hard work and graft always rises to the top, and she helped me recognise I’m on the right path, doing the right things. Sometimes it’s hard to view your own milestones objectively because they’re a culmination of many long, sometimes arduous, steps!

Also, being with the other mentees was special in itself. It's a rare privilege to meet others with similar positions and aspirations - and it's even rarer still to share similar backgrounds. It made chatting about celebrations, commiserations and current highs and lows so much easier and more personal. Not often do you get so many talented East Asian creatives in a room (and, side point, that also meant the best snacks)! The mentorship scheme was fantastic on a professional and personal level, and will undoubtedly be integral to my journey as I pursue script writing and script editing."

AJ Yi (mentor Rachelle Constant)

"Being part of the EAST and ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Writers mentorship scheme has been an incredibly nurturing part of my journey as an emerging writer. I’ve participated in other industry schemes where the cohorts are much bigger, but had never experienced until now how valuable more personalised one-on-one input can be.

The EAST team were very receptive to my thoughts on the qualities that I was looking for in a mentor and I was delighted to be matched with Rachelle from Clerkenwell Films - whose work as a producer I admire, and who really understood my vision for the sort of work I want to make as well. Rachelle’s thoughts, feedback and support - from the practical to the pastoral - have helped me massively. Chloe, JT, and John from EAST have been amazing too. I feel blessed to have had such a great opportunity and to meet such a wonderful group of people, and hope that this scheme is the start of many more mentorship opportunities specific to our community."