Beeb seeks new sitcom talent

The BBC has launched a talent hunt for the next great sitcom writer.

Its quest is one of five schemes launched this year - although the long-established New Comedy Award for stand-ups is not among them.

The sitcom scheme seeks a half-hour programme suitable for BBC3 - with the best scipt being turned into a pilot.

Eight shortlisted writers will benefit from masterclasses with top comedy writers and producers, with three finalists each receiving £1,000 and their scripts showcased in a London theatre.

Entrants, who must be over 18 and never have written a broadcast half hour for TV or radio, must sum up their sitcom idea in a sentece, develop it in a paragraph and then outline the episode story, including two sample scenes.

Send this with your writing CV and a completed entry form to Sitcom Writer, Room 4030, BBC Television Centre, Wood Lane, London W12 7RJ by May 31.

Other BBC Talent schemes seek DJs for 1Xtra, presenters for Radio 3, opera singers for BBC2 and storytellers for BBC Wales.

But the BBC has not yet confirmed the fate of the New Comedy Award, which has been held since 1995 although not produced a household name among its winners.

BBC Talent executive Lorna Clarke says "The schemes are all about raw talent.

"We're not looking for formal qualifications or experience, more the kind of passion that's been with you as long as you can remember. It's what you enjoy, what you're good at, your dream job if you had your way."

Further details of all the schemes can be found on the BBC Talent website or by calling 08700 106060.

Published: 5 Mar 2004