North East talent offered TV comedy development help

Monday 3rd October 2022, 12:13pm

  • The NE Screen Comedy Hot House scheme will offer support to six comedy writers from the North East
  • The support includes mentoring and £1000 bursary. The deadline to apply is 20th November 2022
  • Additionally, an afternoon of panel sessions and networking will take place on Thursday 13th October in Newcastle
NE Screen Comedy HotHouse

North East Screen and BBC Comedy have devised a scheme that will offer funds and support to six North East based comedy creatives, to help them develop their television ideas.

Additionally, an event on Thursday 13th October will allow people to meet the BBC Comedy commissioning team.

The NE Screen Comedy Hot House scheme will offer the six chosen creators £1000, as well as development support and an introduction to production companies, ahead of pitching their ideas to BBC Comedy for feedback.

Lisa Laws, Head of Talent and Professional Development at North East Screen, says: "This is a first of its kind opportunity for North East comedy creators ready to burst onto comedy platforms. We are looking to champion six people and support them to get their ideas ready to pitch to the BBC."

To apply, see the submission form

The deadline to put yourself forward is 20th November 2022.

To "support and inspire applications", NE Screen Comedy Hot House will be hosting Cracking the Comedy Codes - an afternoon of panels featuring comedy industry experts.

The event, on Thursday 13th October 2022 at The Stand in Newcastle from 1pm to 5pm, will centre discussions around short films, audio, and the development of comedy characters for screen. Featured guests are set to include Simon Mayhew-Archer (This Country producer), Rupert Majendie (Baby Cow executive), Kirk Flash (This is Gay), Julia McKenzie (Radio 4 Comedy Commissioner) and some of the BBC Comedy commissioning team.

You can register for free via Eventbrite. Event details

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