Bafta's boost for new comedy writers

Bafta is to fly three unknown comedy writers to the New York Television Festival to showcase their work to leading American TV executives.

The academy is inviting British-based writers who haven’t yet had a full television series broadcast to submit a ten-minute extract from their sitcom or sketch script.

The writers chosen will get a ‘official artist’ festival pass, British Airways return flights and accommodation at the September event as well as having their work performed by professional actors at a new writing showcase, where they will be given feedback in front of the TV bigwigs. They will also have access to all festival premieres, hospitality events, panels, screenings and one-on-one meetings with US development executives.

Bafta chief operating officer Kevin Price, said: “This is a unique opportunity for emerging talent to make their mark on a global stage’.

It costs £30 to submit an entry if done by June 30, but Bafta promises a one page report on each submission from a professional script reader.

The closing date for entries to the Bafta Rocliffe New Writing Forum is July 6. Full application details are here.

Published: 2 Jun 2011