Actor and writer Sally Phillips has been one of British comedy's biggest stars ever since Smack The Pony burst on to screens in 1999. Her subsequent career has seen her work on some of the biggest British comedy TV shows (Miranda, Green Wing, Veep), films (Bridget Jones), and radio sitcoms (Clare In The Community). Aside from phoning up Alan Partridge, her latest project is co-writing and starring in Radio 4's Talking To Strangers. This July she'll be heading to Spain alongside Young Ones star Nigel Planer to run a week-long comedy writers retreat which will "help you to get your voice heard, no matter which medium you're writing in". Her advice will include 'How NOT to pitch and write a screenplay'.
A weeklong comedy writing workshop at Casa Ana Writers' Retreat, Spain
30 July - 6 August
Info & Bookings
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BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2016 Entry is now open for BBC Radio New Comedy Award 2016 competition. You need to send the BBC an audio recording to enter. The deadline is the 19th April. Details |
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12 Comedy Sketches In A Shed competition
The online comedy series 12 Sketches In A Shed is now open for entries. Three winners will see their sketch professionally filmed, with the best one receiving a £300 cash prize too. Details |
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Comedy Central's Head of Development
Comedy Central UK has appointed Matt Tiller as Head of Development, as it continues to look for more original comedy programmes to commission. Read |
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Danny Stack interview
In this brilliantly in-depth interview, writer Danny Stack provides - amongst other things - a complete guide to how to make a low budget comedy film. There's really great advice in here. Read |
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Britain's Got Satire competition
Local community radio stations across the country will be broadcasting clips from a new show called Britain's Got Satire. The producers are now looking for writers and performers. You'll need to be quick though, the deadline is the 10th April. Details |
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Craft Of Comedy Writing conference
What are you doing this Saturday (9th April)? It's not too late to get involved in the Craft Of Comedy Writing Conference in North Wales, in which top industry figures will be offering up advice (and a chance to network with them). Conference tickets are just £75, and you can get an affordable B&B room easily online. Website |
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Enter the Funny Women Awards The Funny Women Awards 2016 are now open for entry. There's a performance based award, a writing category, and a prize for best online video sketch. The prize packages include £2,000 cash. Website |
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The Sitcom Mission Entry is still open for this top comedy writing competition (many of last year's finalists have been option by TV production companies). If you want to take the feedback option that lets you re-submit before the final deadline you have until the 16th April to get your script in. Details |
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Sitcom Geeks James Cary and Dave Cohen continue their podcast series focused on comedy writing. There's a new episode out tomorrow (Thursday). Meanwhile the current episode features an in-depth interview with Mark Evans, the writer of hit Radio 4 sitcom Bleak Expectations. He talks about the challenges and frustrations of trying to convert the scripts into a TV version. Listen |
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The Comedian's Comedian Podcast Jimmy Carr is the latest guest on Stuart Goldsmith's podcast in which he interviews stand-up comedians. Carr talks about how he deals with hecklers, and more. Listen |
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DuckManBoy Animation outfit Dice Productions have put up a blog on their website detailing how they made their DuckManBoy pilot for Nickelodeon. They walk through the entire process from commission to publishing it. Read |
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Edinburgh Fringe jobs If you're looking for a job that'll help finance you to stay in Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival this August, check out the main venues' websites (Assembly, Pleasance, Underbelly etc), as most are now advertising for positions. Bar workers, street team members, front of house people, box office staff... |
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FringeFunder This new crowdfunding website for performers planning to attend the Edinburgh Fringe launches later this week. It helps you raise money to pay for your show plans. Notably, it doesn't charge any fee... so you keep all the money you raise. Additionally, the first 20 projects will have their campaign video professionally shot and edited for them for free! Website |
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BBC Comedy Classroom We're not sure how many subscribers we have on this mailing list who are of school age, but if that's you (or you're a teacher in a school), get involved in the BBC's Comedy Classroom competition. It's supported by the likes of David Walliams. Details |
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LOCO two day workshop The London Comedy Film Festival (LOCO) is once again putting on it's popular two day 'Kickstart Your Comedy Career' workshop. It's on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd April. You have until the 15th April to apply. Website |
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Morecambe & Wise competition heats This Blackpool-based competition aiming to find new stand-up talent to appear alongside top stars on the forthcoming Morecambe & Wise 75th Anniversary Variety Show has already started, but you might still be able to get your name down for one of the final heats. It's a competition that'll suit those with a mainstream family-friendly style, so don't bother applying if your act is esoteric or adult. Website |
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BBC Writersroom opportunities list Don't forget to also check out the BBC Writersroom opportunities page. Some of the things they list there are more suitable for drama writers, but some of those competitions will accept comic scripts. Read |
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British Comedy Guide forums Head over to our forums to collaborate with other writers, whether that be to get feedback on a script, share knowledge, or find a gig. We've got five 'Make It' related forums: Writing Opportunities, Writers' Discussion, Performance Discussion, Showcase and Critique. |
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Atlas The Drunk Northern Robot Sometimes a simple idea is the best. Lee Henman explains in his forum post: "So I saw this clip and thought the robot looked a bit pissed. So a quick voiceover job was called for." Lee's video will soon pass 20,000 views. View |
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