BCG Pro Newsletter |
Friday 20th March 2020 |
Coronavirus is having a huge impact on life right now. There are many negatives (including, we're gutted to say, the postponement of our Big Comedy Conference - we'll set a new date as soon as possible) but also some exciting new opportunities. Online viewing is increasing, and - if you're now at home off work - you may well find more time to be creative. Let's make the most of this bad situation!
The Covid Sessions
The Covid Sessions is a brand new initiative from BCG Pro to give comics a sustained platform to entertain Britain through this unprecedented shut down of live venues. We want your comedy video submissions to compile into a new series of showcase programmes. It's free to enter so click through for more information.
Sitcom Geeks
The BBC Writersroom Comedy Room is your chance to send your script to the BBC. The window opens on Monday. Don't enter straight away though: give your entry another polish. Essential listening beforehand is the latest Sitcom Geeks podcast, featuring an interview with the organisers. It offers a brilliant summary of how to make sure your script stands out amidst the 3,000+ expected entries.
Tips for building an audience during coronavirus 
Comedian Dave Bibby offers a list of ways comedy performers can survive whilst the country is in lockdown.
Sitcom Mission
A reminder that this comedy writing competition is open for entries. The deadline is 3rd May so there's still plenty of time to think about a script. They're after comedies that are 15 minutes in length so they can be showcased easily to commissioners.
Opportunities Hub
We're listing some great opportunities at the moment, a number of which are exclusive to BCG Pro. Other members are also starting to look for collaborations - one is looking for a fellow sketch writer / performer / producer to make a web series with; another is looking to film comedians telling stories, to turn into sketches. We've also got a brand new £300-prize BBC initiative looking for scripts about isolation.
Union JACK Radio want to broadcast stand-up sets
Union JACK Radio is looking for comedians to send in stand-up material for them to broadcast as part of a new comedy radio show - #StandUpToCorona.
Comedy Crowd TV launches video competition
Comedy Crowd TV has launched a competition involving creating a short video, which BCG Pro is sponsoring and supporting. Finalists will have their work screened at the BFI, and the winner will get £250.
Short Com launches script competition
Short Com, the comedy screening organisation, has announced its first ever script competition. There's an entry fee but BCG Pro members get a discount.
BCG Pro Production Award
Have you entered a video or audio project into our Production Award yet? The entries will be seen by a top judging panel, and the winner will receive mentoring from one of the country's top production companies.
Comedian's Comedian Podcast
Janey Godley and Desiree Burch are the latest stand-up comedians to be interviewed by Stuart Goldsmith about their work.
Showcase
Abra - Magic
BCG Pro member Cameron Loxdale has produced this comic music video. Christy Coysh stars in it as a magician called Abra.
Comedy Casebook: Brad Holcombe
In his Casebook interview, writer Brad Holcombe explains how losing his job was the catalyst to start writing. He says: "I have continued to do anything and everything to get a place in the comedy scene, and so far, it's working nicely."
Thanks for reading
1st April will mark a year since the official launch of BCG Pro, and prices were set to increase (for new subscribers) accordingly. In the present climate however, we're aware many are struggling to sustain an income and this just wouldn't be fair, so we're holding on to our launch year pricing for another few months yet. If you've not yet joined, jump on board now and secure a £25 discount on the full cost, for every single year you remain subscribed.
British Comedy Guide
www.comedy.co.uk
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