BCG Pro Newsletter |
Friday 2nd April 2021 |
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - Walt Disney
Excitingly, yesterday saw us celebrate BCG Pro's second birthday. Since we launched, we've learnt a lot about helping people achieve their goals, and we can't wait to start unveiling the next round of new content and platform features to help you reach yours. More details on the next new BCG Pro launch is immediately below...
Pitch Centre - coming soon!
If you've ever tried to get TV or radio companies to read your script, you'll probably have come across the "no unsolicited scripts" messages on their websites. Of course, producers earn a living by finding and developing new ideas - they just don't want to be flooded with emails. Our brand new system, Pitch Centre, allows them to browse projects in an organised way. It launches soon so click through to find out more.
My Comedy Career: Moray Hunter 
With the third series of Alone, the gag-packed sitcom he writes for Radio 4, arriving on the airwaves next week, we talk to comedy writer, performer and Absolutely star Moray Hunter to find out more about his comedy life.
Robert Popper: answering your questions on Wednesday 21st
We're very excited to reveal that top comedy creator Robert Popper will be the next guest for our BCG Pro Sessions, where he'll be answering your questions. Friday Night Dinner, Look Around You, Peep Show, The IT Crowd... his CV is a string of the critically acclaimed and popular hits. He'll be live on Zoom with us on Wednesday 21st April from 7pm: press the register button on our site to book your free place.
Short Com TV Sitcom Writing Competition 2021 open
This is the latest competition in which you can enter a sitcom script. The deadline is 9th July 2021, but if you want a cheaper entry rate get your submission in before 19th April.
Opportunities Hub
You're probably aware of Opportunities Hub by now, but we have some new subscribers (hello!) so just a reminder that this system collects together job offers, collaboration requests, competitions and more. The latest listing: a job for a live comedy marketing manager.
Funny Women Awards 2021 open for entries
The Funny Women Awards 2021 are open for entries. There are categories for performance, writing and short films. Get your entry in before June.
In Defence Of The First-Draft Freewrite
"Write first, apologise later"... comedy writers Ed Amsden and Tom Coles deliver an impassioned plea in defence of a first-draft freewrite.
Sitcom Geeks
The latest episode of this podcast features an interview with Lissa Evans (who, amongst many other things, produced Father Ted). She has some interesting views on radio sitcoms!
The Secret Reviewer #25: Moonlighting Strangers
Every month our clandestine critic reveals the murky truths behind both the trade and live comedy generally. This month: the one industry ill that comedians and critics all agree on.
Production Awards
The BCG Pro Talent Awards for Production are looking for up-and-coming producers, directors and editors. We've just revealed Mark Wynter will be joining our judging panel. Working with editing powerhouse The Farm, he has over 20 years of experience in the TV industry. You've got until the end of April to enter.
Services
Joanna Tilley's Script Consultancy it the latest service to be added to BCG Pro's Skills Academy. A pay-what-you-can service, Joanna will help you develop your female characters and storylines. Don't forget, we've got online courses listed too.
BCG Pro Sessions video: Julia McKenzie
If you missed March's BCG Pro Sessions, a recording of the event - a Q&A with Julia McKenzie, the Creative Director for BBC Studios Audio - is now available to watch in our Inside Track area. She explains the commissioning process for new ideas, ways writers can develop, and more.
Sarah Asante joins UKTV as commissioning editor
Some TV industry news: UKTV has hired Sarah Asante as its new commissioning editor for scripted comedy.
The Stand-Up Tune-Up - No.1: Juliet Meyers on the Rules of Refreshing Your Set
With live stand-up set to return, we're getting trade secrets from the experts. First up, Juliet Meyers on whether good material has a tell-by date.
Comedian's Comedian Podcast
Double act The Delightful Sausage are the latest guests on Stuart Goldsmith's podcast. They discuss world-building, creating a coherent 'brand', and more.
Female Pilot Club reveals Test Flight Scheme Plus writers
Athena Kugblenu, Laura Evelyn, Rachel Clark, Sylvia Okyere and Zara Janjua will take part in Female Pilot Club's Test Flight Scheme Plus.
BCG Pro Gag-a-Week competition
Given the deadline for this week's joke contest falls on Easter Sunday, you'll never guess what topic we set. We'd love to see your entry, so do please get involved.
Showcase
Rob Gilroy's videos
Check out the videos BCG Pro member Rob Gilroy has been making... they show off his acting range well, but also his writing ability too. His sketch about the socially distanced re-opening of pubs is about to become very topical again.
Comedy Casebook: Andrew Kevin Fawn
Our Comedy Casebook interview format is a great way of letting the world know a little more about yourself (main Pro members can find the option under the Profile Editor section). Here's the interview that writer Andrew Kevin Fawn filled in - get to know him!
Thanks for reading
We hope you have a lovely Easter. More from us in a fortnight, but - as always - we'll be continuing to update the BCG Pro platform in the meantime.
British Comedy Guide
www.comedy.co.uk
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