Bafta is to fly three unknown comedy writers to the New York Television Festival to showcase their work to leading American TV executives.

The academy is inviting British-based writers who haven’t yet had a full television series broadcast to submit a ten-minute extract from their sitcom or sketch script.

The writers chosen will get a ‘official artist’ festival pass, British Airways return flights and accommodation at the September event as well as having their work performed by professional actors at a new writing showcase, where they will be given feedback in front of the TV bigwigs. They will also have access to all festival premieres, hospitality events, panels, screenings and one-on-one meetings with US development executives.

Bafta chief operating officer Kevin Price, said: “This is a unique opportunity for emerging talent to make their mark on a global stage’.

It costs £30 to submit an entry if done by June 30, but Bafta promises a one page report on each submission from a professional script reader.

The closing date for entries to the Bafta Rocliffe New Writing Forum is July 6. Full application details are here.