A tight 5: August 14

A FILM starring Josie Long has been officially selected for screening at the New York Television Festival. The comedy-drama Rain On Film, directed by Phil Drinkwater and Tim Woodall, is one of only two British entries in the Independent Pilot Competition seeking to win a development deal. The other is Scott's Lookalikes, from Greg Ash, about a lookalike agent.

THE Daily Show has launched a new podcast – The Daily Show Podcast without Jon Stewart – a fortnightly discussion in which writers, producers and actors talk about the making of the Comedy Central programme. The first episode features head writer Elliott Kalan and Senior Everything Correspondent Jessica Williams, among others. Listen and subscribe.

THE BIRMINGHAM Comedy Festival has announced its line-up, with acts including Tommy Tiernan, Mark Watson, Tony Law, Zoe Lyons and Rory McGrath visiting the city. A total of 80 shows will be staged over the ten-day event, which kicks off on October 3. Website.

ENTRIES have opened for the 2014 Scottish Comedian Of The Year Competition. The act – of any experience – who is crowned winner at the final at the O2 Academy Glasgow on Sunday September 28 gets £1,500 and shows at the Adelaide and Edinburgh Fringes next year.

ARTHUR SMITH is to conduct his traditional alternative tour of Edinburgh's Royal Mile on the last Saturday night of the Fringe, August 23. Anyone wanting to take part in the free event should meet at the entrance to the castle at 2am (i.e. the small hours of Sunday).

Published: 14 Aug 2014