BAFTA have announced a call for scripts for emerging comedy screenwriters for two BAFTA Rocliffe New Comedy Showcase events. The successful writers will showcase their work for some of the biggest names in the UK and US television industry at two major international television festivals: in August the BAFTA Rocliffe New Comedy Showcase returns to the Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival (GEITF) for a second year; in October it will return to the New York Television Festival (NYTVF) for a fourth consecutive year.
Applications are open to British UK-based comedy screenwriters who have not yet had a television series commissioned, although they may have broadcast writing credits. The successful entries will be selected by an industry jury of comedy professionals from the UK and US. In 2013 the jury included Jennifer Saunders, Jessica Hynes, Caryn Mandabach, Andrew Newman, Margot Gavan Duffy, Jill Offman, Saskia Schuster, Matt King, Kevin Cecil and Kenton Allen.
How to apply: applicants must submit a ten page extract from their sit-com or sketch show for consideration for the schemes. Each script will be considered for both events albeit different writers may be selected for each event. In addition to the script, writers must submit an application form and supporting material including a synopsis and character breakdown, details of which can be found here.
Deadline: early bird entries 14th April 2014 (£32 entry fee)/ final deadline – 19th May2014 (£42 entry fee)
Source: BAFTA website