Comedy television production company Zeppotron have launched MAKE A SCENE!, a new scriptwriting bursary to provide opportunities for new and emerging writing talent from a specific demographic currently under-represented on UK television.
This year, Make a Scene! aims to address the lack of representation of women from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds in television comedy writing. You do not need any previous writing experience to apply as they are looking for new writers who haven’t received a credit on a broadcast programme, who are 18 or over and resident in the UK.
What they are looking for: They are asking applicants to submit a sample scene or scenes, totalling no more than 10 pages, of an original comedy or comedy-drama idea.
They also need an accompanying short paragraph outlining the full idea – i.e. who are the key characters, and what would happen over the course of an entire half hour or hour-long episode.
Writers can submit individually or as part of a writing team of up to a maximum of 2 people.
They are looking for a scene that will showcase your own unique voice and sense of humour. Comedy is at the forefront of what they are looking for – so your comedic tone is really important, and they also want to see well-rounded, original characters along with stories that surprise us and make us laugh. Applications will be assessed against criteria which will take into account their originality and comic voice.
What’s on offer: Longlisted writers will be offered a place on a one-day workshop, where they will receive advice, insight and training from members of the industry.
From this group they will pick a shortlist, who will then attend a Make A Scene Final Day in which they will see their script performed at a table-read by professional actors.
They will then select the writer/s of one application to receive the bursary award of £2,000. They will also work with the writer/s of the selected script over a six month period to develop their idea into a full script, with the plan that it is then ready to pitch to broadcasters.
How to apply: Find out full details including how to apply on the Zeppotron website
Deadline: Friday 3rd January 2020 at 12pm
Source: BBC Writersroom