C4 launches online pilots for new talent

Channel 4 is to commission a raft of online comedy pilots to give new talent a break.

The new scheme, Comedy Blaps, will be the first step on the ladder for up-and-coming stars wanting to work with the broadcaster. It already runs the Comedy Lab and more prestigious Comedy Showcase pilot schemes on TV.

The broadcaster is looking to commission around eight Independent production companies to collectively produce around 24 short videos. The content produced will be available on Channel4.com and via podcasts.

Channel 4 comedy editor Fiona McDermott said: The long term goal for Comedy Blaps is that they provide the all important stepping stone for fantastic new talent to get their break through on screen. Ultimately the successes that emerge from this online series will be the talent we nurture in next years Comedy Labs, so it’s an exciting commission that we hope will yield some funny and inspiring pitches.’

The commissions should be awarded by next month.

Published: 10 Mar 2011