BCG Pro Newsletter |
Friday 10th January 2020 |
Welcome to our fortnightly email update for comedy creators; the first of 2020. We hope you had a productive Christmas, whatever you've been working on.
The Big Comedy Conference 2020
Hopefully you've already got Saturday 25th April 2020 pencilled into your diary for our London conference about comedy writing. We'll be joined by commissioners, writers, producers and others to share their insight with those lucky enough to be in the room. We'll announce some of the first names in our line-up in the next newsletter, but in the meantime - if you haven't already - do take advantage of our scurrilously cheap early bird pricing. BCG Pro members get an extra 50% off too!
Sitcom Mission
Sitcom Mission, the long-running and highly respected comedy writing contest, is now open for entries. You've got until May to submit your best script. Head to the site now to find out more about the kind of pieces they're looking for. As the producers say on their blog about entering, do give your script that one extra polish before uploading.
Opportunities Hub 
There are exciting new events, jobs and competitions listed in Opportunities Hub. Right now you'll find a live producer job; an advertising agency that's looking for writers to join its ranks on a freelance basis; details on free comedy writing 'gyms'; and more.
Sitcom Geeks
The latest episode of Sitcom Geeks features a very interesting in-depth interview with sitcom, sketch show and stand-up comedy star Milton Jones. Have a listen!
Short Com 2020 open for sketch and film submissions
The Short Com International Film Festival is open once again for submissions of sketches and short films. Its ninth screening season will take place in Edinburgh in August 2020. The deadline to enter your creation is May. BCG Pro members get a discount to enter.
The Circle interview series
The Circle online interview series sees British black and Asian talent discussing their creative processes and the future of TV, film and digital. There're six episodes to watch, each on a different area of creation, here.
The Secret Reviewer #10: Three Thinking
Every month our clandestine critic reveals the murky truths behind that infamous trade, and live comedy generally. This month: even mild criticism can come back to haunt you.
Comedian's Comedian Podcast
Tom Basden, the writer of shows such as Plebs and also a live performer, is the latest guest on this podcast, talking in-depth about how he does what he does.
Best In Class 2020 Edinburgh applications open
Best In Class, the profit sharing show that champions the talent of working class comedians, is now open for applications for Edinburgh 2020. There's not long left to apply if you're interested, so click through today...
BBC Comedy Room
The Comedy Room is the name for the training days the BBC runs for comedy writers it has discovered through its Writersroom schemes. Attendee Amy Xander blogs about her experience and what she learnt in this blog. The BBC's 2020 window for comedy scripts will open later this spring. We'll bring you more details in a future newsletter.
Showcase
Secret Sex Lives of MPs
Pro subscriber Millicent Binks wrote and co-stars in this series of sketches, which playfully imagine what the MPs from different political parties are like between the sheets.
Catherine Burgis
BCG Pro member Catherine Burgis is a musical comedian from Manchester. As she says in her biography, since re-discovering her childhood miniature novelty Yamaha Portasound PSS-149 keyboard in her parent's attic in late 2018, she has taken it upon herself to bring her unique blend of 'comedy, music and panic' to comedy clubs across the land.
Thanks for reading
We've got some great exclusive content coming up on BCG Pro across January, so keep the website bookmarked. Check back on Monday for an fascinating account of the challenges of making a feature film.
We're currently preparing to launch our BCG Pro Talent Awards Production competition, seeking to identify the best new producers and directors. We're finalising details of some great prizes at the moment. If you work for a production company or similar within the industry and would like to meet the up-and-coming production talent we'll be finding in the contest, please get in touch.
British Comedy Guide
www.comedy.co.uk
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