BCG Pro Newsletter

Friday 29th May 2020

Welcome to our latest update for all comedy writers, performers and producers around the UK.

Galton & Simpson Bursary: Who, what, how?

Galton & Simpson Bursary: Who, what, how? Paywall

The deadline for the BBC's Galton & Simpson Bursary is looming. This article looks at its requisites, entry requirements, and more.

Yellow Door competition

Yellow Door Script Call - Last fortnight Paywall

You've got two weeks left to get involved in this amazing opportunity. At the end of the process, three BCG Pro members will have their scripts optioned and pitched to TV channels by top exec Lucy Lumsden. Don't miss out!

Mark Bussell and Justin Sbresni interview

Mark Bussell and Justin Sbresni interview

Writers, producers and directors Mark Bussell and Justin Sbresni make great comedies through their company Busby Productions. Here they talk to us about their new online series, how they create characters, and more.

BCG Pro Gag-a-week competition

BCG Pro Gag-a-Week competition Paywall

Each week, there's a chance to gain social media glory (and a cash prize) by getting involved in our gag competition. Want to enter? You've got until Sunday night to submit an original one-liner about dogs.

Dave Cohen

Dave Cohen's Script Reading Services

We're in the process of launching a services section in our Skills Academy area. It's a chance to get 1-2-1 help from real experts. First up is Dave Cohen, who you can hire for script reading/editing. As with many things, BCG Pro subscribers get a discount.

Opportunities Hub

Opportunities Hub Paywall

Our Hub system is where you can see at-a-glance a range of competitions, job openings and other opportunities you can get involved in. Current offers include a new online magazine looking for writers.

My Comedy Career: Gemma Arrowsmith

My Comedy Career: Gemma Arrowsmith Paywall

Writer and actor Gemma Arrowsmith discusses how being able to handle rejection is an imperative if you want to work in comedy.

Sitcom Geeks

Sitcom Geeks

In their latest podcast, Dave Cohen and James Cary have some last minute tips for ensuring you send your best work to the BBC Galton & Simpson Bursary.

Classic comedies lead lockdown viewing

Classic comedies lead lockdown viewing Paywall

In this industry report, we look at the viewing figures UKTV has published under lockdown. It shows traditional-style comedies are the most-watched programmes.

Rupert Majendie joins Baby Cow as Head of Comedy Development

Rupert Majendie joins Baby Cow as Head of Comedy Development

Producer Rupert Majendie is joining Baby Cow Productions as the company's new head of comedy development.

Joe Varley joins Studio71 as director of development

Joe Varley joins Studio71 as director of development Paywall

Joe Varley has joined production company Studio71 as their new director of development.

How we created a cool short, then released it in a crisis

How we created a cool short, then released it in a crisis

Roundheads And Cavaliers creators Kevin Mears and Chloe Thomas talk us through the unique challenges of making a short film, then releasing it during lockdown.

Comedy Crowd TV raises capital via equity crowdfund

Comedy Crowd TV raises capital via equity crowdfund

Video platform Comedy Crowd TV is raising funds via offering people a chance to have an investment stake in their company.

The Real Northern Powerhouse

The Real Northern Powerhouse

Are you from the north of England? Comedian Red Redmond has setup a fund to help support those who work in comedy in the north, who have been impacted by the lockdown.

Course

Online comedy courses

The feedback from our online Zoom-based courses has been great. Participants have been asking us to setup further modules, so there are more launching very soon! Most courses this side of the summer are now sold out, but - if you're quick - you can still get on the narrative comedy course starting 19th June, or stand-up writing course from 21st July.

Daily email

Daily Email

Every single day - including bank holidays and other days normal people would stop - we scour the web to collect up all the links you might be interested in. If you're a BCG Pro subscriber you can opt to get these emailed to you at noon each day. Head to our newsletters page to opt in.

Showcase

This section of our newsletter is where we showcase BCG Pro members. Want to appear here? Just email us back.
Showcase

Zoom Bingo

Here's a Zoom-based sketch co-written by Zoƫ Browne. Tune in to see bingo caller Bob let some revelations slip.

Simon Allen

Simon Allen

Simon Allen, who is currently acting as executive producer on The Watch, the new BBC Studios show based on the books of Sir Terry Pratchett, is amongst those who have joined BCG Pro in the last month. With filming set to resume soon, follow him on his social media accounts for behind-the-scenes updates.

Thanks for reading

That's all for this fortnight, but here's a reminder of upcoming writing competition deadlines.

BBC Galton & Simpson Bursary: 5th June

BCG Pro's Yellow Door Script Call: 12th June

BCG Pro Talent Awards: 31st July

Sitcom Mission: 2nd August

Good luck on your script polishing!

British Comedy Guide
www.comedy.co.uk

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