Home-made comedy contest launched

Many broadcasters and internet portals already run schemes to attract user-generated content to their sites, now Channel 4 has is joining the bandwagon with its Gags To Go talent hunt.

There’s little financial incentive for would-be comics to take part, aside from a month’s paid work placement with Scottish production company The Comedy Unit. Instead it is all about the ‘glory’ of having your sketches feature on Channel 4’s mobile phone download service – and improving the fortunes of the digital media companies taking part.

New comedy writers and performers are initially invited to send in two minutes of material. The funniest will then have to perform their work, or have it performed by a team of comedy actors, at showcase events across the country.

Ten gags will then be put to a public vote by text and email, and scrutinised by Channel 4 producers. The top applicants will then be asked produce an audio sketch show.

Fiona Hamill of Scottish Enterprise, which is backing the scheme, said the project would be a boon to media companies.

She said: ‘We are helping our new and existing Scottish digital media companies to grow, expand and become more successful. Companies taking part can create new content, explore new markets and exploit their content to the full through the global opportunities that this initiative presents.’

The hunt was launched in Glasgow today, and will be accepting contributions at www.channel4.com/4talentscotland until the end of the month.

Published: 7 Mar 2007