North East Screen has announced a new, funded development opportunity for North East-based comedy talent, as well as another BBC Comedy event in Newcastle.
The NE Screen Comedy Hot House has devised a scheme that offers funds to six comedy creatives to help them develop their television ideas. Each chosen creator will receive £1,000 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 said: “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 support and inspire applications to the funded development opportunity, the NE Screen Comedy Hot House will be hosting Cracking the Comedy Codes – a day of panels featuring comedy industry experts.
The event on Thursday October 13 will feature industry experts and focus on discussions around short films, audio and the development of comedy characters for the screen. Guests include Simon Mayhew-Archer (This Country), Rupert Majendie (Brian and Charles, Pls Like), Kirk Flash (This is Gay) and Julia McKenzie (BBC Radio4 Comedy Commissioner).
Cracking the Comedy Codes will take place at the Stand, Newcastle 1-5pm with some of the BBC Comedy commissioning team also in attendance. Check North East Screen’s website and socials for more details.
