BCG Pro Newsletter |
Friday 23rd July 2021 |
"You need to give people a reason to click away from their endless scrolling ... use your concept in the video's title rather than revealing it at the end." - Just These Please on making online sketches
For those who haven't fully melted in the past week, here's the latest from BCG Pro...
BCG Pro Sessions: Tuesday 24th August with Christine Rose 
Top joke writer Christine Rose will be joining us live on Zoom on Tuesday 24th August to discuss gag creation, and answer questions about working as a freelancer in the comedy world. Click through to register and/or pre-submit a question.
Things to do before you start writing a sitcom
Simon Nicholls, the creator of Falmouth University's flexible online Master's course in Comedy Writing, discusses what you should do in the early stages of a comic idea; before you type your first word.
BBC New Comedy Awards 2021 open for entries
The BBC New Comedy Awards - the nationwide talent search to find the best new comics - is now open for 2021 entries and it's no longer just for stand-ups, with a new Digital Comedy category this year. You have until Sunday 15th August to enter.
BCG Pro Talent Awards: Writing
The deadline to enter our writing competition is the end of Sunday 31st July, so you've got just over a week to polish two sketches. Prizes include industry exposure and having your sketch made by a professional team.
My Comedy Career: Nat Saunders
Comedy creator Nat Saunders talks about the importance of tenacity, how every new show is a struggle to get off the ground, why bullying in the industry is a real hot topic for him, and more.
Opportunities Hub
For a round-up of challenges to apply your focus to, check out the BCG Pro Opportunities Hub. A new Manchester-based stage show is paying £23 per topical sketch, a publishing company is looking for exciting new comedy novels, and more.
Online comedy courses
Following the success of its previous run, Jane Postlethwaite's How to Write Your Own One Woman Show course returns (virtually) in September. We've got a special BCG Pro rate, which is discounted even further if you're a subscriber. If you've been waiting for Chris Head's hotly-demanded courses to return, don't fret as they are also back in September.
Sitcom Geeks
In their 170th podcast, James Cary and Dave Cohen explain what's needed in the final steps before you write the first draft of your script.
Advert
Become a comedy writing pro with this online course
Falmouth University's online, part-time MA in Comedy Writing equips aspiring and up-and-coming writers with the know-how needed to break into the industry. The course was devised by award-winning comedy producer Simon Nicholls, who's previously worked at the likes of BBC Comedy and NBC Universal.
Apply now for the university's September start date and be eligible for a tuition fee reduction of up to £600.
More Features
BCG Pro Sessions video: Martin Trenaman
Here's the recording of the BCG Pro Sessions Q&A we had with actor and writer Martin Trenaman. Amongst other things, he talks about his experiences of appearing in shows such as The Inbetweeners, offers sitcom writing insight, and discusses scripting material for panel shows.
Edinburgh TV Festival Ones To Watch 2021
The Edinburgh TV Festival has named Rachel-Anne Clarke, Sian Harries, Yasmeen Khan, Gina Lyons and Zoë Tomalin on its Ones To Watch 2021 list.
Comedian's Comedian Podcast
Fin Taylor is the latest guest on Stuart Goldsmith's podcast. Amongst other things, he talks about why he finds self-worth in his material rather than in the audience's approval.
BCG Pro Gag-a-Week competition
"The police" is the topic of our joke contest this week. If you're a law abiding citizen you'll do your duty and submit a good gag about the force before Monday.
BCG Pro Video Contest
Snack Simulator by Richard Shanks was the July winner of our Video Contest. If you've ever made a hilarious video that's 2 minutes or shorter do submit it to our contest! The next round of judging is in early August.
Inside Track Library
Don't forget that BCG Pro's Inside Track Library is where you can find all the articles we've published that contain timeless advice and insight, as opposed to news. For example, if you're working on a situation comedy script select "writing sitcom" from the filter to find articles about planning characters, plots and more.
Showcase
Holly Hudson
Holly Hudson is an American writer, comedian, and actor based in London. Check out her video "You're looking for something more casual...", which is focused around a woman following up on her Bumble dating app leads.
Comedy Casebook: David Kidder
David Kidder is the latest BCG Pro member to fill in his Comedy Casebook interview. He describes himself as "the weirdo in the cafe writing dialogue and saying it aloud". Read on to find out about his comedy favourites and where his family would least expect to find him.
Thanks for reading
We hope you have a lovely weekend.
British Comedy Guide
www.comedy.co.uk
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