BCG Pro Newsletter |
Friday 22nd January 2021 |
"When asked, 'How do you write?' I invariably answer, 'one word at a time'." - Stephen King
Hello! Here's another dose of content and opportunities for creative people.
BCG Pro Sessions 
As we teased in our last newsletter, BCG Pro is expanding in a number of ways over the next few months. The next feature we're proud to launch is our new, monthly chat session with a comedy expert, conducted via Zoom. Join in and submit questions, or - if you're busy - watch the video back later. We're excited to say that first up will be top writer and producer Bill Dare (who, amongst other things, produces Dead Ringers). Click through to the page to find out more.
How to direct a stand-up comedy show
Ever thought of directing a stand-up comedian's show, or - if you're a comedian - bringing on board a director to help you hone your performance? We run through what is involved, from the perspective of the person who would be directing.
Opportunities Hub
TV producer Adam Perkins has posted in our Opportunities Hub looking for "new and exciting talent to work with". Why not get in touch with him? Also in our Hub: details on how to submit to topical TV format The Treason Show, and more.
Sitcom Geeks
In this latest episode, the podcast hosts use the term "rejection and waste" when referring to writing topical comedy. Tune in to here their discussion on that, and other topics.
BCG Pro Gag-a-Week competition
Teachers is the topic of this week's joke contest. If you've never tried it before, why not challenge yourself to submit something? You've nothing to lose, and it's great fun/practice writing gags to a set brief. You never know, you may even win.
Caimh McDonnell: self-publishing to TV deal
As you may have read on BCG recently, Caimh McDonnell's new book Stranger Times is set to become TV show. Back in 2019 we spoke to him about how he found success via self-publishing, so we thought now the perfect time to re-read the interview.
My Comedy Career: Paul Powell
We were thrilled Paul Powell agreed to take on our My Comedy Career questions. As an experienced panel show and sitcom writer and producer, he has lots of great insight and advice to share.
Joe Hobbs and Lydia Maddix selected for E4 Academy scheme
Stand-up comedian Joe Hobbs and comedy performer and writer Lydia Maddix have been selected to take part in E4 Academy, Channel 4's training programme.
Comedy Virgins Max Turner Prize 2021 competition open
The Cavendish's Comedy Virgins Max Turner Prize is going to run online this year.
Deciphering Commissioner-Speak
Industry gatekeepers often speak in code. We take a look at what a commissioner really means when they ask 'why now?' and 'why you?'.
The Comedy Room in Lockdown
If you're interested how the final BBC Writersroom training programme for comedy writers is going, this blog update by Chris Anastasi - in which he talks about how they're learning via Zoom - is interesting.
Showcase
Olga Pavlova on YouTube
As proof BCG Pro is the #1 creative comedy platform, those from outside the UK are now joining up. Our latest international community member is Olga Pavlova, a Russian stand-up comedian based in Bulgaria. You can checkout her work on YouTube and Instagram. Her character pieces include 'why men do stand-up versus why women do stand-up' and 'what was good about quarantine'.
Alice Marshall
Check out the profile of award-winning actor and character comedian Alice Marshall to see her comedy and acting showreels. Alice has actually been on TV today. You can see her playing the stern boss in CBBC sitcom Danny & Mick.
Thanks for reading
We're working on lots of new articles for the Inside Track area of BCG Pro. If you have a topic you'd like us to focus on, reply and let us know. We're always happy to talk, answer your questions, and do what we can to fit BCG Pro content around your needs.
Until next month, we hope you have an enjoyable and creative fortnight ahead.
British Comedy Guide
www.comedy.co.uk
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