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Newsjack: How the show is made (+ tips)
Newsjack, the BBC show anyone can write for, returns on Thursday... which means the first script submission deadline is this Monday. In this new feature we talk to the producers about how the programme is put together. Lots of insight and tips for you. Read |
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Sitcom Geeks: Newsjack special James Cary and Dave Cohen have also gone behind-the-scenes on the show for our Sitcom Geeks podcast. The episode features interviews with Newsjack producer Adnan Ahmed and two of the BBC's staff writers. It contains the latest advice on what the show is looking for. Listen |
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Newsjack: Even more tips The Newsjack production team recently conducted a Q&A via Twitter. Their answers can be viewed in this thread: Read Plus, check our previous features: 5 lessons learnt and Writing tips from Angela Barnes We also have a thread on our message board for writers to discuss the show: Forum thread |
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£10,001 stand-up prize Petworth Fringe in West Sussex is putting itself on the comedy map by offering the biggest competition prize money in the country (one quid more than the Edinburgh Comedy Award). The contest is open to all comedians with no restrictions, with heats in various locations from April. Details |
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So You Think You're Funny? Applications are now open for SYTYF?, the prestigious new act competition which culminates in the big final in Edinburgh in August. Details |
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Chortle Student Awards This one only applies to those at university: but if you're a student and interested in performing stand-up comedy, entry is now open for the Chortle Student Comedy Award 2018. Read |
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Download BBC scripts Reading scripts and comparing them to what you've seen on screen can be a great way of learning formatting. The BBC generously publishes some of its scripts via its Writersroom website. The latest to download Two Doors Down and the multi award-winning Inside No. 9. Read |
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John Finnemore script John Finnemore - widely regarded as one of this country's best comedy writers - was nominated for the Tinniswood writing award for the 'Penguin Diplomacy' episode of John Finnemore's Double Acts. As a result, his finely-crafted script is available to download to scrutinise. Read |
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Ed Morrish radio editing notes Talking of John Finnemore, Series 7 of his hit Radio 4 sketch show is currently airing. To accompany the episodes, producer Ed Morrish has been blogging about the editorial decisions they made. It's an interesting look at the nuts and bolts of editing a show. Read |
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Sitcom Geeks Live with John Finnemore A John Finnemore hattrick for this newsletter... if you would like to see Sitcom Geeks interviewing him live, head along to The Bill Murray pub in London on 21st March. Details |
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BBC Asian Network short films opportunity BBC Writersroom and BBC Asian Network are joining forces to develop and produce six short films (60 seconds each) about Birmingham, as part of Asian Network Live 2018. Deadline to submit: 7th February. Details |
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Podcast interview with producer Mark Talbot Mark Talbot, who is head of development at Hat Trick Productions, offers up some great insight in this podcast interview. Amongst the questions answered: What are the biggest mistakes writers make when sending in scripts? Listen |
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Meeting tips Matt Tiller, head of development at Comedy Central, offers tips on how to prepare for a meeting. This might be a useful read for anyone who has been asked to meet a production company to talk through their idea. Read |
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Interview with BBC producer Matt Stronge The 'Why Did The Chicken?' website interviews BBC Radio's Matt Stronge, who was named best comedy producer at the 2017 Audio Production Awards. Read |
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Brighton course Clare In The Community writer Harry Venning and former BBC executive producer Alison Vernon-Smith are running an introduction to sitcom writing course in Brighton on 24th February. Details |
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The Comedian's Comedian Podcast Stuart Goldsmith continues to interview stand-up comedians. The latest is a double-episode interview with James Acaster. The comedian - who has been nominted for the Edinburgh Comedy Award more times than anyone else - talks frankly about some issues he's currently having with performing: Listen |
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British Comedy Guide forums We have six forums on our message board for those who create comedy. There's more discussions, opportunities, support and ideas to be found here: Opportunities Writers' Discussion Performance Discussion Looking for Collaborators Showcase Critique |
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