I'm Matthew Cooper, a scriptwriter, director and script consultant based in Leeds, UK. Over 25 years I've written for major UK networks including Emmerdale, EastEnders, and Hollyoaks, and I had my first Channel 4 short produced at 19, which became the launchpad for my collaboration with Ewan McGregor. I’ve gone on to direct low-budget horror features and run a script consultancy that helps writers shape tight, market-ready screenplays. Beyond writing, I develop and direct digital and training content for blue-chip clients, experiment with AI-assisted video in feature projects, and recently released Sober, a UK comedy feature that marks another milestone in my independent film work. I’m passionate about coaching new writers while pushing the boundaries of affordable, clever storytelling.…

Matthew Cooper

I'm Matthew Cooper, a scriptwriter, director and script consultant based in Leeds, UK. Over 25 years I've written for major UK networks including Emmerdale, EastEnders, and Hollyoaks, and I had my first Channel 4 short produced at 19, which became the launchpad for my collaboration with Ewan McGregor. I’ve gone on to direct low-budget horror features and run a script consultancy that helps writers shape tight, market-ready screenplays. Beyond writing, I develop and direct digital and training content for blue-chip clients, experiment with AI-assisted video in feature projects, and recently released Sober, a UK comedy feature that marks another milestone in my independent film work. I’m passionate about coaching new writers while pushing the boundaries of affordable, clever storytelling.…

Available to hire

I’m Matthew Cooper, a scriptwriter, director and script consultant based in Leeds, UK. Over 25 years I’ve written for major UK networks including Emmerdale, EastEnders, and Hollyoaks, and I had my first Channel 4 short produced at 19, which became the launchpad for my collaboration with Ewan McGregor. I’ve gone on to direct low-budget horror features and run a script consultancy that helps writers shape tight, market-ready screenplays.

Beyond writing, I develop and direct digital and training content for blue-chip clients, experiment with AI-assisted video in feature projects, and recently released Sober, a UK comedy feature that marks another milestone in my independent film work. I’m passionate about coaching new writers while pushing the boundaries of affordable, clever storytelling.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Director at WAREHOUSE TRANSMEDIA LIMITED
February 1, 2023 - Present
Director and co-writer of UK comedy feature film ‘Sober’ released April 2025; the film drew 15,000 views in its first few days of release.
Writer / Director - Four Independent Feature Films at Self-Produced / Four Independent Feature Films
January 1, 2020 - April 1, 2025
Wrote and directed four independent feature films; innovative low-budget production based on Lovecraft-inspired concepts; released online.
Scriptwriter for hire and UK Script Consultant at Matcoop.co.uk
October 1, 2001 - Present
Royal Television Society nominated, BAFTA shortlisted script writer, script consultant and filmmaker available for hire; provides original screenplays, rewrites, and story consulting for clients worldwide.
Digital Content Producer / Internal Communication Officer at StepChange Debt Charity
October 1, 2010 - September 30, 2018
Digital marketing and internal communications; wrote optimised articles for the charity blog (over 1 million views in 12 months; ~1.5m annual views today).
Writer - Hollyoaks at Lime Pictures
January 1, 2005 - January 31, 2007
Storyline writer on Hollyoaks; contributed to major arcs including the McQueen family and Warren Fox; part of the team that helped tripled viewing figures under producer Bryan Kirkwood.
Scriptwriter - EastEnders at BBC
January 1, 2002 - January 31, 2003
Core series Episode writer; wrote the iconic Alfie telling Kat he loved her episode among others.
Scriptwriter - Emmerdale at ITV
January 1, 2000 - February 28, 2001
Core series Episode writer; BAFTA RTS nominated as best network newcomer for writing; 11 episodes over 12 months.
Scriptwriter - Family Affairs at Channel 5
January 1, 2001 - January 31, 2002
Wrote episodes of Channel 5 soap Family Affairs.
Scriptwriter - Dylan Ogden (online soap) at World of Hoopla
May 1, 2005 - May 31, 2005
Wrote and co-created online soap; backed by a Dragon’s Den investor; series explored teen branding for online streaming.
Scriptwriter - Family Style at Channel 4
June 1, 1993 - February 28, 1994
Winner of the Lloyds Bank Film Challenge; short film ‘Family Style’ shot in Tadcaster and broadcast May 1994; featured Ewan McGregor.
Sales Representative at BentleyFilms Ltd
September 1, 1990 - September 30, 1993
Sales role focusing on Super 8mm and early digital video; key UK contact for Kyocera Yashica/Contax cameras.
Writer - Miramax / British Screen on 'The Business' at Miramax
March 1, 1995 - December 31, 1995
Wrote an original feature-length screenplay 'The Business'; script progressed through two drafts.
Freelance Screenwriter - optioned by Universal Pictures at Self-employed / Freelance
January 1, 1996 - December 31, 1999
Wrote, rewrote, and contributed dialogue; script optioned by Universal Pictures; adapted novels into screenplays.
Director and Co-Writer at Warehouse Transmedia Limited
February 1, 2023 - Present
Director and co-writer of the UK comedy feature film Sober; released April 2025; project garnered online attention and viewership in its opening period.
Writer / Director - Four Independent Feature Films at Warehouse Transmedia Limited
January 1, 2020 - April 1, 2025
Wrote and directed four independent feature films; led development and production under a zero-budget, inventive production approach blending modern tech with retro aesthetics.
Scriptwriter for hire and UK Script Consultant at Self-employed / Script Consultancy
October 1, 2001 - Present
Providing scriptwriting and consultancy services for film and TV; rewrites, dialogue work, structure, and adaptation of novels for screen; mentor to new writers.
Digital Content Producer / Internal Communications Officer at StepChange Debt Charity
October 1, 2010 - September 30, 2018
Led digital content production and internal communications; created optimised articles for the charity blog (over 1 million views in 12 months; ongoing reach ~1.5m/year).
Writer - Hollyoaks at Lime Pictures (Hollyoaks)
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2007
Storyline writer; contributed to the McQueen family and Warren Fox arcs; helped tripled viewing figures under producer Bryan Kirkwood.
Scriptwriter - World of Hoopla at World of Hoopla
May 1, 2005 - May 31, 2005
Wrote online soap 'Dylan Ogden'; co-created; project backed by a Dragons' Den investor; pursued online streaming audience.
Scriptwriter at BBC
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2003
Core scriptwriter on EastEnders; wrote the iconic Alfie telling Kat he loved her scene among others.
Scriptwriter at Channel 5
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2002
Writer on Channel 5 soap Family Affairs.
Scriptwriter at ITV Emmerdale
January 1, 2000 - February 1, 2001
Core episode writer; produced 11 episodes over 12 months; BAFTA RTS nominated as best network newcomer.
Freelance Screenwriter at Self-employed
January 1, 1996 - December 31, 1999
Wrote award-winning script 'Sober'; optioned briefly by Universal Pictures; worked on rewrites and development.
Miramax Feature Film Scriptwriter at Miramax / British Screen
March 1, 1995 - December 31, 1995
Wrote original feature-length screenplay 'The Business' for Miramax/British Screen; progressed from pitch to first drafts.
Scriptwriter - Channel 4 at Channel 4
June 1, 1993 - February 1, 1994
Winner of Lloyds Bank Film Challenge; short film 'Family Style' shot in Tadcaster and broadcast May 1994.

Education

IDM Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing at The Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2016
BBC course on directing for film and TV at BBC
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2006
Cinematography and Film/Video Production at Leeds Metropolitan University
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 1996
Cinematography and Film/Video Production at Leeds Beckett University
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 1995
IDM Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing at The Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2016
Directing for Film and TV at BBC
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2006
Cinematography and Film/Video Production at Leeds Metropolitan University
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 1996
Cinematography and Film/Video Production at Leeds Beckett University
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 1995

Qualifications

Oscar Moore Screenwriting Prize
January 11, 2030 - December 20, 2025
BAFTA Shortlisted
January 11, 2030 - December 20, 2025
Royal Television Society nomination
January 11, 2030 - December 20, 2025
IDM Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2016
Directing for Film and TV (BBC course)
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2006

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education, Software & Internet, Other
    paper Matthew Cooper Script Consultant / Script Feedback / Script Coverage /Script Reports

    Over an hour of straight talking and practical scriptwriting advice from BAFTA shortlisted and RTS Royal Television Society) nominated scriptwriter Matthew Cooper (Emmerdale / EastEnders / Hollyoaks / Family Affairs).
    The video covers scriptwriting advice and practical business aspects of how scriptwriting careers work in the UK film and TV business, including sections on:
    • Agents
    • BBC Writersroom
    • Building credits on existing shows
    • Why nobody will accept unsolicited scripts
    • The UK film business
    • The current state of UK TV
    As well as advice on writing original scripts, sitcoms scripts and Mat reveals the biggest writing mistakes made by new scriptwriters (and how to avoid making those mistakes).
    Mat’s IMDb profile is here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1247639/?.…
    and his ‘Script consultant’ website is here: https://www.matcoop.co.uk/script-cons…

    paper Feature film screenplay 'Sober'

    Leeds set and shot comedy feature film - in full - free to view - lots of Leeds Utd jokes and scenes shot in and around Leeds - starring Dean Smith (from The Square Ball podcast). Loads of Leeds jokes and Leeds fun. Swearing, bad language and Neil Warnock jokes guaranteed

    On the day his first child is born, Dan decides to have a swift pint with his best friend before he goes to the hospital. Halfway down the pint, all hell breaks loose.
    Wetting the baby’s head will never be the same again.

    The film can be seen in full on YouTube here:

    Sober stars Dean Smith (Waterloo Road / Last Tango in Halifax / Still Open All Hours / The Square Ball podcast) and Tom Gibbons (Funny Cow / The Archers / Young Dracula) and is set in Leeds during the Marcelo Bielsa era.

    paper EastEnders - Matthew was a core writer on the show for 12 months

    Matthew was the scriptwriter of iconic EastEnders episode where ‘Alfie’ told ‘Kat’ he loved her for the first time - some clips (written by Matthew Cooper) below: