See your script made – and win £1,000

A new talent hunt has been launched for comedy film writers, with a £1,000 first prize.

The winner of the John Brabourne Big 5 Comedy Award will also have their script made into a short movie.

The contest also has the backing of some of the major players in comedy and film, including the UK Film Council and Working Title Films, providing valuable exposure to the industry.

Organisers say: ‘We are looking for a new writer with no previous experience or “transitional talent” ie someone who may have written for TV, radio or stand-up but has not been recognised with a sole credit.

Through this award, this person will be on the cusp of furthering their career and expanding their experience through a significant opportunity that is in their grasp but not yet realised.’

Dan Mazer one of the judges who also co-wrote the Borat movie, pictured, said: ‘The opportunities that arise from this competition are brilliant. Just being on set will teach you a million things about how a film is made and directed, how your words translate from the page to the screen - all of that is the same for a short as a feature.

‘The process of the words that you have written on a page becoming real can teach you a huge amount and it is a real privilege as most words don't make it further than the page.’

Other judges are Kenton Allen from Big Talk Productions, Sally Caplan from the UK Film Council, Amelia Granger from Working Title Films and Sarah Farrell from Comedy Central.

The award launches today and writers will be able to submit their scripts for ten-minute films until the end of February.

Norma Burke who will be executive producing the winning short says: ‘Comedy is one of the most successful genres at the box office but it is also one of the hardest ones to get right.

‘The UK is an amazing hotbed of comedy talent and this award is a fantastic opportunity for new writers or writers from disciplines such as stand-up or theatre to show their funny bones on celluloid while working with a team of people who will support and nurture them.’

Click here for details of how to enter, or here for their Facebook page.

Published: 28 Jan 2010