BBC launches free comedy writing e-book

Writing For BBC Radio Comedy ebook

The BBC has launched its first e-book for comedy writers.

'Writing For Radio Comedy' aims to teach aspiring comedy writers 'all the tricks of the trade' through clips, videos, scripts and specially commissioned articles.

The fully interactive guide features sections on writing non-commissioned topical and non-topical sketches, through to explaining how to get involved in providing additional material on Radio 4's flagship topical comedy formats The Now Show and The News Quiz.

The BBC says: "For anyone wanting to write comedy, radio is the perfect place to start. Little Britain, Flight Of The Conchords, The Mighty Boosh and Miranda were all hit BBC Radio series before they were hits on television. Topical radio comedies like Weekending gave huge numbers of writers their first break and BBC Radio Comedy - through shows like Newsjack and The Show What You Wrote - remains an open door to new writing talent."

'Writing For Radio Comedy' has been created as part of the BBC's trial of e-books. It includes chapters on how to write for Newsjack and The Show What You Wrote; how to get commissioned and developing your own radio comedy show; and more.

BBC Comedy Commissioner Shane Allen says: "Radio Comedy is a crucial breeding ground - it gives new writers a chance to hone and define their voice. I'm so pleased we've got a new way of showing young writers that the BBC wants to work with them."

BBC Comedy Writing eBook

Radio 4's Caroline Raphael comments: "BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra are very proud of their open-door comedy shows such as The Show What You Wrote and Newsjack. But this magic book will ensure that even more inspiring writers can watch, listen and read and push that door open."

Jane Berthoud, who is Head of BBC Radio Comedy, adds: "BBC Radio Comedy has given huge numbers of people in comedy their first writing break, from Douglas Adams to Stewart Lee and Miranda Hart. And through shows like Newsjack and The Show What You Wrote we continue to do this. Now here is a brilliantly practical aid for these new writers: a fully interactive book that will help you to see what we do and talk you through, step by step, how to get started on this journey."

'Writing For Radio Comedy' is available as free download for the iPad via iTunes bookstore or it can be browsed in webpage format via the BBC Academy website

In the below video, taken from the interactive book, various BBC executives and writers explain why it is good to write for the radio.

The BBC provides further advice on writing for both radio and TV via BBC Writersroom

Published: Wednesday 12th March 2014
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