External Resources

• Writing

The Writers' Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) is a trade union representing professional writers. If you write, you should join - collectively they work to secure the best pay rates and conditions, whilst individual benefits include support and advice, free and discounted training and contract vetting.

• Performance

An industry body aiming to represent those who make up the UK's live comedy scene - from comics to promoters, and venues to technicians.

• Performance

Equity is the trade union for performers. If you perform live you should join. Even if you don't use any of their other services, your membership includes automatic Public Liability Insurance up to £10 million - which is worth the membership fee alone.

• Writing

The BBC Writersroom website is where you can find advice and insight from the BBC. They have published a number of TV and radio scripts for you to analyse.

• Writing

The Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS) is a not-for-profit membership organisation started by writers for the benefit of writers. If you have written something that is broadcast on TV, they'll help you get money for repeat fees.

• Writing

A podcast hosted by Dave Cohen and James Cary that discusses comedy writing in depth, including interviews with well-known comedy writers.

Launched in November 2014, the Ask The Industry Podcast sees comedian Simon Caine talking to those who work behind-the-scenes in comedy. For example, he has interviewed various TV commissioners.

• Writing

Via his blog, James Cary talks about comedy writing - offering advice and opinions.

• Performance

Stuart Goldsmith has interviewed nearly 300 stand-up comedians about their craft via his Comedians' Comedian Podcast. Listen in for tips on preparing for gigs and how to write material.

• Production

A comedy video-on-demand channel. Upload your project and if enough subscribers back it (like a Kickstarter), they'll help fund the production of more episodes.

• Performance

A benevolent fund set up by professional comedians for professional comedians.

• Production

A podcast series from the BBC focusing on the skills around broadcast production, journalism and technology. Some episodes will be relevant to those who film/record comedy.

• Writing

Comedy 50:50 is an initiative to address gender imbalance in UK comedy writing. It creates opportunities for female writers.

ArtsMinds aims to help with the mental health of performers and creative practitioners.

• Performance

An independent and confidential HR strategy that deals with sexual harassment in live comedy. If you're an act you can speak to the HR personnel. If you're a promoter you can sign up to their sexual harassment policy and get HR advice.