From The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain

The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain has launched a new category for online comedy in its prestigious annual awards.

Dave Cohen, chairman of the trade union’s comedy committee, said: ‘We’re delighted that the Writers’ Guild has agreed to add this extra award. Comedy writers continue to innovate and face the challenges of writing for TV and radio in creative ways, but in the last couple of years there has been a massive improvement in the quality of writing online.

‘With the BBC already creating content exclusively for the web, and other large companies showing a keen interest in the development of online shows, now is the time to recognise the success of the short format sketch and mini-series. It doesn’t matter where you watch and what technology you use, behind every great show you’ll always find great writers.’

Nominations are open until midnight on Friday October 6. 

To qualify, the nominated work must be a scripted comedy production of ten minutes or less that featured on Chortle or on the British Comedy Guide website between September 1 last year and  August 31 this year.

Sketches, mini-series, sitcoms and animations are eligible, but stand-up, improv and pranks shows are not.

Nominations must be made via the online form, and awards will be handed out on January 15.

At this year’s ceremony Phoebe Waller-Bridge won the best TV sitcom award for Fleabag, while John Finnemore took home the best radio comedy accolade for Double Acts.

Published: 6 Sep 2017