Talent to be developed

The BBC has launched a new scheme to unearth new sitcom writers.

Under the Laughing Stock initiative, up to ten writers will go on a week-long residential course to hone their skills and polish up their script.

The best entrants will also have their work performed at a sitcom showcase to be held at the BBC’s new Media City in Salford.

A BBC spokesman said: ‘If you can invent characters that make us laugh out loud, tell stories that keep us on the edge of our seats, and tease the audience to come back for more, then we want to hear from you.

‘The challenge is to write an original comedy script with series potential. We’re looking for writers that reflect modern Britain, comedy voices that have not yet been heard, and talent that’s just bursting to get out.’

Entrants – who cannot have a previous network commission – need to send in a script that’s between 15 and 30 minutes long, and a one-page outline of how the series would develop by February 21.

There will then be a one-day masterclass in Manchester on April 5, for the creators of up to 25 of the best scripts, followed by the residential course two months later.

Entrants will be judged by Cheryl Taylor, the BBC’s controller of comedy commissioning; Kate Rowland, the creative director of new writing, and writer Simon Nye, who penned Men Behaving Badly and the revival of Reggie Perrin.

Entries, which must not have been previously commissioned, optioned or produced, should be sent to Laughing Stock, BBC Writers’ Room, Grafton House, 379 Euston Road, London NW1 3AU. Click here for full details.

Published: 13 Dec 2010