- Competition
- Directing
- Producing
- Writing (Sitcom)
- Free
- Opened 13th January 2025 / Closed 31st January 2025
- Website
The BBC Comedy Collective is a bursary scheme offering 10 places to up-and-coming writers, producers, directors and editors who are looking to develop their careers in scripted comedy.
The BBC Comedy Collective is "a commitment to support and accelerate the next generation of comedy talent" from the BBC, with previous bursary winners and BBC Comedy Collective delegates going on to make BAFTA-winning TV series, land multiple script commissions, secure agents, write and produce radio shows, and gain directing credits.
The "supercharged bursary scheme" offers 10 places each year to mid-level comedy creatives; a mix of writers, producers, directors and editors who would like to further their careers in scripted comedy.
Joining the BBC Comedy Collective is not an entry level opportunity but is open to anyone who has had at least one previous credit in writing, producing or directing in any genre, across any platform - such as - TV, radio, theatre, podcasts, stand up, short films or commercials. Applicants will also need to be able to demonstrate a strong passion for and commitment to comedy.
The BBC notes: "This year the scheme would like to see more applications from writer/performers".
Reward
Each bursary winner will receive up to £10,000 worth of paid shadowing on a BBC Comedy production, along with an allocated production mentor, plus a £5,000 development grant to put towards the individual's development at the end of the placement. They will also have a dedicated point of contact within the BBC Comedy Commissioning team, and access to the Collective ambassadors.
How to enter
Visit the BBC Comedy Collective Bursary page to find out more.
All applicants will be required to complete an online application consisting of a personal statement of up to 500 words. Additionally you will need to upload some evidence of your work. What you should submit will depend on what time of creative you are...
Writers: A minimum of 20 pages of writing as a PDF of no more than 10mb in size including a logline on the title page.
Producers: A more detailed account of your producing experience to date. For example, details of shows, recordings, events, podcasts etc that they may have produced. 500 words maximum.
Directors: A link to a showreel or extract of your work, of no more than 10 minutes in duration.
Editors: A link to a showreel or extract of your work, of no more than 10 minutes in duration.
BCG Pro notes
This scheme includes the Felix Dexter, Caroline Aherne and Galton & Simpson Bursary funds.
Find out more about the background via our news story