Each week we look through our pile of writing opportunities to pick out one we think is particularly worth your time. It could be an innovative brief, great prize money, a high-profile company, or just plain fun.
This week’s pick: WriterSlam from the BBC & other partners seeking scripted comedy
Description: Building on the success of the MonologueSlam UK initiative for actors, WriterSlam UK is an initiative run by Triforce Creative Network to help TV production companies and broadcasters access new and established writers from diverse backgrounds and support them in their career development, providing tangible outcomes for participants with a structured and accessible programme over 2015.
The second WriterSlam will take place on 19th November at Theatre Royal Stratford East and is supported by Creative Skillset, Tiger Aspect, ITV, ITV Studios, BBC and Hat Trick. This time, they are looking for scripted comedy and are asking writers to send in an idea for a comedy series along with 10-15 pages from the script.
So, what’s so great about it? Firstly, this competition is open to everyone, in their words “you might have literary representation, you might not. You might have written for theatre, or for short film, in your bedroom, or even just in your own head. ANYONE can enter” – so this one’s great if you are just starting out or trying to make the transition from theatre in to television and you have an idea for a comedy series. Secondly, the organisers acknowledge that it’s not always realistic to ask for a whole script from writers, so at this stage they only want an idea and 10-15 from the script. The prizes for this one are pretty impressive too: The winning writer will receive a paid development commission from Tiger Aspect, with mentoring from Pete Thornton, the Head of Comedy. Plus, the runners up will receive career development prizes from ITV, the BBC and Hat Trick. You’ve got until 4 October to get your applications in!
Read the full details here.
Please note, we’ve posted this for your convenience and we’re not affiliated with the organisers of the opportunity in any way.