Inside Track
The latest news and insight from the British comedy industry, with many exclusive features for BCG Pro members.
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No Such Thing As A Fish: Why a good fact is like a good joke
Anna Ptaszynski and James Harkin talk about turning facts into jokes via their podcast No Such Thing As A Fish. Find out why some sources work better than others.
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Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith sign BBC Studios deal
Inside No. 9 creators Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith have signed a two year first-look deal with BBC Studios.
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Amused Moose New Comic Award 2020 open for entries
Amused Moose Comedy's National New Comic Award is now open for entries, for its 2020 heats.
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The Secret Reviewer #9: Book Smarts
Every month our clandestine critic reveals the murky truths behind that infamous trade, and live comedy generally. This month: Do you have the write stuff?
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£100,000 prize available for climate change comedy idea
Flickers Of The Future, a charity-sponsored opportunity for creators aged 18-29, has a £100,000 production funding prize. Judges include Richard Curtis.
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Female Pilot Club interview
Female Pilot Club founders Abigail Burdess and Kay Stonham talk to us about why they set up the script reading initiative, and we get some writing tips from Veep's Georgia Pritchett, whose new script will be showcased at the next event.
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Comedy Central pauses commissioning
Comedy Central has put all commissioning on hold, as it restructures its team. Manager Louise Holmes has also exited, to move to Facebook.
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Marek Larwood: The Story of an Average YouTuber
Marek Larwood talks about how he ended up making comedy for YouTube, and gives some great insight and tips for those looking to establish a channel on the video platform.
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Laughing Around production company launched
The organisation behind London's 2Northdown venue and the TicketText website have announced new live comedy production company Laughing Around.
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The Felix Dexter Bursary 2019
This opportunity/event has now finished/closed.
BBC Comedy's Felix Dexter Bursary scheme is open to BAME applicants until Friday 29 November.
Library
Our archive of insight: interviews, advice and materials from those at the top. View all
In this feature, producer Andrew Osayemi explains how his comedy series Meet The Adebanjos started on the web but has now found a home on Netflix.
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Some advice for how to make sure the first ten pages of your sitcom script are as impressive as possible.
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"I have a script which I don't think I can make good enough in time for a competition deadline, should I send it off anyway? Or keep working on it?"
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Gareth Gwynn, Sian Harries and Tudur Owen explain how they plan and write Tourist Trap, the semi-improvised sitcom on BBC Wales. They offer up some great insight and tips.
ReadInteresting articles from other websites
Interview: Gavin & Stacey director Christine Gernon
Ahead of the Christmas Day return of Gavin & Stacey, I spoke with its director Christine Gernon who has directed all of the episodes of the original run and is back for the special. We chatted about the logistics of filming Christmas in the Summer and her time working in America and what it's like working on their TV model. We also spoke about her start in television as a runner and eventual director on the BBC's beloved sitcom One Foot in the Grave.
Luke, The Custard TV, 12th December 2019Billy Connolly to judge Glasgow funny story competition
Glasgow Libraries have teamed up with the Big Yin's publisher, Two Roads, to celebrate the release of Billy's hilarious new book, Tall Tales and Wee Stories, and are giving fans the chance to win a signed copy of his new release.
Gregor Young, The National, 12th December 2019The Goes Wrong Show on being male dominated
The actors behind the award-winning The Play That Goes Wrong open up about gender diversity - and why they needed more funny women on-screen.
Flora Carr, Radio Times, 11th December 2019Phoebe Waller-Bridge discusses writing process
Writer and actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge has revealed her writing tips and the "joy" of adapting another's work in a rare public appearance on Sunday.
Heloise Wood, The Bookseller, 9th December 2019Comedy as a workspace
Comedy is work, work that should be respected by audience, bookers and comedians alike. And unless you're in a carb-loaded sketch, no bread needs to be involved.
Kate Stone, Funny Women, 4th December 2019Latest podcasts
Sitcom Geeks: Episode 128 - What's The Difference?
This episode Dave and James ask what's the difference between character and characters, story and stories, stand-up and acting? (Spoiler - it's not 8 quid). Also not to be missed...
ComComPod: Episode 319 - Tim Renkow
Star of his own sitcom Jerk and a gleefully discomforting stand-up, Tim Renkow makes his point with devastating wit. We talk about how people's exploitation of Tim's physical vulnerability has...
Sitcom Geeks: Episode 127 - How To Plot Your Sitcom
Dave and James revisit the dos and don'ts of plotting, adding sparkle to your stories, with added jeopardy for comedy drama fans.
ComComPod: Episode 318 - Neil Hamburger (Gregg Turkington)
"America's Funnyman" Neil Hamburger is the disturbing comic creation of Gregg Turkington; deeply funny, vile and poignant in equal measure. Ordinarily reluctant to talk about his alter-ego, Gregg gradually uncovers...
ComComPod: Episode 317 - Matt Besser
Inspirational, irascible and as talented an improvisor as you could invent, Matt Besser is the kind of stand-up who can skilfully weave a set live on TV. He is also...