BCG Pro Newsletter

Sitcom Geeks Script Challenge 2019

Sitcom Geeks hosts James Cary and Dave Cohen have launched a script challenge in association with BCG Pro. Head to the website to find out more.

Meanwhile in their latest podcast, they recap the key sitcom rules.

10 reasons to apply for the NFTS Writing & Producing Comedy course

The application deadline for the National Film & Television School's Writing and Producing Comedy diploma is 15th September. We asked a recent graduate to talk about some of the advantages of the course, and how you can try to get the costs down.

Write for Newsjack

Newsjack, the BBC sketch show that anyone can write for, is back. The first deadline is noon on Monday. Head to BCG for details on how to get involved. If you've been submitting for a while, there's still things to read in our guide. There's a behind-the-scenes lessons feature, tips from the hosts, and more.

Opportunities Hub

Opportunities Hub is where we collate a list of relevant competitions and jobs. Amongst the listings at the moment is a six month placement with Tiger Aspect as a runner. If you're working on a project, do post in there yourself!

Birmingham Breaking Talent Award 2019 shortlist

Celya AB, Jay Droch, Adam Elmi, Doug Carter and Mary Flanigan have been shortlisted for the sixth Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award.

Edinburgh Fringe reports

If you're an agent, promoter or publicist and signed up to BCG Pro Gold, head to our Edinburgh Fringe tool now for end-of-festival reports. You can download spreadsheets or PDFs of all the coverage your shows have got.

Comedian's Comedian Podcast

Rob Auton is the latest guest on Stuart Goldsmith's podcast. Head to BCG's pages for the show to access over 300 in-depth interviews about the craft of being a stand-up comedian.

The Secret Reviewer #6: The Ego Trip

Every month our clandestine critic reveals the murky truths behind that infamous trade, and live comedy generally. This month: how the Fringe can fluff a critic's ego.

Up The Creek's One To Watch competition returns

Greenwich's Up The Creek is launching its 2019 One To Watch competition, aiming to find the next generation of comedy stars.

How to not be chicken

Academy of Dramatic Change founder Maddy Anholt writes about taking opportunities, and making your own.

DLT invests in Andrew Roach Talent

DLT Entertainment has announced a major investment in talent agency Andrew Roach Talent.

Komedia Brighton announces new comedy competition

Brighton's Komedia is to launch a new comedy competition. The Komedia New Comedy Award 2020 will run from September 2019 to January 2020.

The Road to the WareFringe, Part 4

Having put on his own mini comedy festival in July, Si Hawkins shares 10 tips he's learnt about organising such an event.

Howard Cohen joins Expectation

Howard Cohen has joined independent production company Expectation as a head of development.

Paul Doolan and Jon Hunter interview

Paul Doolan and Jon Hunter, the writers of Radio 4's Party's Over, talks about creating comedy, and offer up some sitcom writing tips.

Inside Track library

Head to the Inside Track Library to see the features we've published which contain timeless advice in them. There's exclusive articles, videos and podcasts on a variety of subjects relating to performing, writing and producing.

BCG Pro Forums

Our message board features various forums related to creating comedy. Why not post a question or discussion on there, or get involved in the exisiting debates.

BlackBook production company database

BCG Pro Emerging and Gold members can access our unique BlackBook database. Our companies tool is designed to help you find production outfits to team up with on your next project. For example, you can filter to find the indies who have made sketch shows for the radio in the last two years.

Ask A Pro

As part of our expansion plans for BCG Pro, we're going to begin conversing closer with our BCG Pro members. If you're a subscriber, we'll be emailing you individually next week to chat in person. If you have any questions about your career etc, we'll help you get the answers you need.

Been on a comedy course?

We'll soon be launching our courses directory on BCG Pro. Have you been on a course or workshop in the last few years? Do please email us back to let us know what you thought of it, positives and negatives - we're looking to list the best.

Chorts

Chorts!, the competition run by The Comedy Crowd to find the best new 2 minute comedy videos, which is sponsored by BCG Pro, closes for entries on 20th September.

Skills Academy

Chief amongst the Autumn expansion of Pro will be the first in a wave of new educational content - Skills Academy. Is there anything you'd particularly like to learn about? Any skills you've never quite grasped? Any questions you want answered? Reply to this email and let us know! We're aiming to cover all bases, from writing TV sitcoms to performing stand-up and directing online sketches, so whatever has been nagging away at you will fit in somewhere.

Insta-Grim

This short by BCG Pro member Moses Ssebandeke appeared at various festivals. The premise is great, a modern twist on the grim reaper: To escape purgatory, Dante must go around collecting souls on the new Insta-Grim App.

Comedy Casebook

Did you know, if you're a BCG Pro Emerging or Gold subscriber you can access an interview feature called Comedy Casebook? Not many of our members seem to have clocked on to this yet - it's a chance to be featured here. You can find it in the 'My CV' section.