Bid to develop local talent

BBC Comedy has launched a second regional partnership scheme, this time in Wales, to encourage local talent.

The new partnership with Creative Wales was announced at the BBC Comedy Festival in Cardiff and follows a similar scheme that ran in the North East following last year’s event in Newcastle.

The broadcaster has chosen production house Expectation to work with a yet-to-be-chosen emerging Welsh company to work on a slate of original comedy projects, with the aim of getting more Welsh talent involved in shows on and off screen.

Nerys Evans, creative director of scripted projects at Expectation said: ‘Coming from Wales gives me huge pride, and having filmed both In My Skin’ and Bridget Christie’s new series The Change’in South Wales, it’s obvious that there is so much untapped talent in Wales, both in front of and behind the camera.

‘Myself and the scripted team here are excited to try and pass on our collective experience and insight to help put the spotlight on brilliant new and diverse Welsh talent on their home ground. We will relish working with local producers, I’m sure we’ll make shows we can all be proud of.’

Last year Hat Trick spent time working with North East indie Sea & Sky Pictures, developing projects and talent, while providing business support and mentorship.

Adam Bouabda, company director at Sea & Sky, said: ‘The partnership has been a brilliant experience, it’s been absolutely invaluable for me and my company.  As someone who has never worked in a big indie before, getting to see the inner workings and structure, has given us a clear focus on how to grow.’

Applications are now open for Wales based indies to apply to be this year’s partner here.

Published: 25 May 2023