Cofilmic Festival announces workshops and panel sessions

The Cofilmic Comedy Film Festival 2014 will take place in Manchester on Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th October 2014.

A number of reasonably priced workshops and panels have been organised during the two days, sessions which are likely to be of interest to comedy writers, performers, producers and directors. Two of these sessions are being run in collaboration with British Comedy Guide (us!).


Jon Mountague

Tuesday 28th, 2pm: Script to Screen: Sitcom Panel

A panel discussion on the processes involved in developing a comedy script for television. Speakers will include Sky's Jon Mountague (pictured) and the BBC's Rebecca Papworth. Henry Swindell from BBC Writersroom will host.


Brainne Edge

Tuesday 28th, 4:30pm: Comedy Improvisation Workshop

Explore and test funny ideas and create amazing new characters in this workshop. It's lead by 'Queen of improv' Brainne Edge.


Wild Seed Studios

Wednesday 29th, 12:30pm: Creating Fearless New Comedy

A free 'in conversation' session about creating fearless new comedy. The session will include information on what the market is like out there for new creators and how Wildseed Studios (who are investing in lots of new comedy) approach creating content.


Dave Cohen

Wednesday 29th, 2pm: The Joy of Sketch - Workshop

A hands on workshop for writers, brought to you by us (British Comedy Guide).

The session will involve helping you create your own new sketch material for TV or radio, and will include feedback. It's suitable for experienced writers and newcomers alike. It is being led by Dave Cohen, who has written for loads of topical comedy shows including Dead Ringers, The News Quiz, Horrible Histories and Spitting Image. His sketch-writing classes are popular, fun and always packed out so book quickly as places are limited.


Everyone Quite Likes Justin. Justin (Justin Moorhouse). Copyright: BBC

Wednesday 29th, 4pm: How to Make A Living at Comedy

BCG brings you a panel session on how to turn your hobby into a career. Speakers will include stand-up Justin Moorhouse (pictured), comedy writer Danny Peak (Not Going Out etc) and Kate Haldane, an agent from PBJ Management.

The discussion will focus on how to 'break into' the business, performing stand-up, writing for radio, TV, the internet and stand-up, and more.


Steve Oram

Wednesday 29th, 5:30pm: Script to Screen: Feature Films

A session in which Steve Oram will talk through his journey in the making of Sightseers with Alice Lowe. Other guests include Celine Coulson from Film4 and Kristian Brodie from Agile Films, who will explain how they work with new and emerging comedy feature film makers.


These sessions will take place at The Comedy Store in Manchester. The workshops above cost just £5, or you can buy a day ticket which gains you access to all the sessions in the day, including the evening screenings.

To find out more about these sessions and to book tickets visit cofilmic.co.uk

If you come along to one of the BCG sessions please say hello to us!

Cofilmic

The festival's programme also includes live performances of the finalists from a sketch-writing competition, the Salford University Comedy Showcase and screenings of the films shortlisted for the Cofilmic prizes.

This will be the 3rd Cofilmic Festival, and it looks set to be the best yet. Aside from the above, the awards ceremony will be backed by a £10,000 development grand prize from Wildseed Studios.

The films shortlisted this year include The Butcher, written by David Earl and Joe Wilkinson; Stranger Danger, which stars Prunella Scales; and a sitcom pilot featuring Tom Binns as his hospital DJ character Ivan Brackenbury.

To find out more visit cofilmic.co.uk

Published: Saturday 18th October 2014
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