BBC launches NE comedy scheme

Bob Mortimer has launched a search for the next generation of comedy talent from the North East.

Jesting About will give performers, writers, film makers and animators from the region the chance to pitch comedy ideas, scripts and sketches to a panel of BBC commissioners.

Middlesbrough-born Mortimer said ‘Some of the funniest people I have ever met come from the North East, but not enough of them are recognised – let's try to change this and make the North East the comedy capital of the UK.’

Would-be comedians can submit their funniest ideas for TV, radio and online through the BBC Comedy website from next week.

BBC comedy online is looking for humorous short-form videos, virals and animation, while the local radio network is offering the chance to be part of a half-hour sketch show, made up of two-minute mini-episodes, for broadcast to the North East.

For more experienced comedy writers, there is an opportunity to join a writing team piloting a new BBC One comedy series.

During February and March, successful applicants will attend workshops and receive support to help develop their ideas into pilots. This final content will be presented at a showcase in April for commissioning editors.

Helen Bullough, the BBC’s head of entertainment production for the north said: ‘Jesting About presents a unique opportunity both for the BBC and the comedy community here in the North East. We want to delight audiences everywhere by finding more iconic voices and faces to star online, on screen and on air.’

Published: 15 Dec 2010