With top writers at the helm

The National Film and Television School is launching the UK’s first comedy course to be recognised by the TV industry.

The 18-month, part-time diploma in writing and producing Comedy will be run with Channel 4 – with an advisory board that includes top writers Sam Bain, Graham Linehan (pictured) and John O’Farrell, as well as Horrible Histories producer Caroline Norris.

Students will develop sketch shows, sitcoms and comedy dramas, with sessions tking part at Channel 4’s London HQ. Commissioners will also review material produced by the participants as well as deliver workshops and masterclasses.

The broadcaster’s head of comedy, Phil Clarke, said: ‘Producing comedy is a serious business. Inherent comic talent is important, however, acquiring the craft of making comedy is the only way to sustain a career.  

‘Channel 4 has a long tradition of engaging with, and encouraging, new talent but the more experience you can gain when starting out, the better. If you are considering a career in comedy, then the NFTS is a fast track for acquiring those career sustaining skills.’

Bain, said he met his writing partner Jesse Armstrong on a creative writing course - and added: ‘They're a great way to learn your trade. A course provides deadlines and feedback - the bread and water of a writer's life. And there's always the chance you'll meet the writing partner of your dreams. Keep a dozen roses in your in your carrier bag on the off-chance.'

Applications are now open for the NFTS comedy course that starts in January 2014 – and school director Nik Powell said: ‘The main entrance requirement is that applicants must be funny and have a passion for comedy.’

He added: ‘People often question whether comedy can be taught. We take the view that a sense of humour is innate but being able to write comedy for film or television is a skill that is honed through practice. That’s why we’ve got some of the UK’s best comedy writers on board - like Sam Bain and Graham Linehan - to advise on this course and be guest tutors.’

Details of the £7,000 course are on the NFTS website.

Published: 15 Jul 2013