So, I wrote for two series of Recorded for Training Purposes, and at the end of the last series received an e-mail from the producer saying, essentially: ‘I’m quitting the BBC now, thanks for your hard work and all that but if there is a third series you won’t be on it’.
And that, apparently, is that. Haven't heard a peep since.
What in buggering heckfire do I do now?
Count your blessings for being involved in a broadcast show 
But yes, it's hard to understand but at least you take from it confidence, experience, and cash. That's the life of a writer. Who'd want it, eh?
I'd make contact with other BBC Producers on the strength of your past success.
Sorry for being naieve here, but isn't that the obvious thing to do?
Congrats on your glorious past success! Bodes well for your future I would have thought!
Quote: Pripyat @ November 23, 2007, 6:00 PMWhat in buggering heckfire do I do now?
At least its a good credit to have, it might open more doors when sending stuff around. Something a little similar happened to me on Bearded Ladies, after contibuting to one series of the radio show I was told that they thought my stuff was very good, but any future series would now be written solely by the cast. If nothing else the credit shows you have experience and have been utilised by a proper show, but it sounds like your back to sending stuff out blind.
Quote: Frankie Rage @ November 23, 2007, 6:26 PM
Sorry for being naieve here, but isn't that the obvious thing to do?
Yes, you are probably correct. Apologies, I didn't intend to come over all disingenuous. The whole thing just fell into my lap with very little effort required on my part - it was, I concede, an incredible fluke - and I genuinely haven't got a clue how to go about exploiting whatever doors it may have opened.
Quote: Pripyat @ November 23, 2007, 8:02 PMI genuinely haven't got a clue how to go about exploiting whatever doors it may have opened.
Join the gang. 
But I'd use that credit in all your cold call emails, at the opening sentence.
"Hi I'm Pripyat, contributor to two series of XXXXXXXXX, and winner of XXXXXX ..."
That should be an eye-grabber and let them know straight away that you have a track record.
I think with most writers your experience is the norm (periods in the doldrums and then another job) until you reach supernova stage. Personally, I'm hoping to reach the doldrum stage.
Quote: Pripyat @ November 23, 2007, 6:00 PMSo, I wrote for two series of Recorded for Training Purposes, and at the end of the last series received an e-mail from the producer saying, essentially: ‘I’m quitting the BBC now, thanks for your hard work and all that but if there is a third series you won’t be on it’.
And that, apparently, is that. Haven't heard a peep since.
What in buggering heckfire do I do now?
Try and get an agent?
Not saying this is must follow advice, but I would hold back on getting an agent until you get another credit or two (in what I don't know as we're all aware of the lack of regular opportunities).
However, there's no harm in striking while the iron is hot and contacting a few of the ones with an interest in newish comedy writers - the worst they can say is no.
Sorry, but if the guy is quitting the BBC, how does he know that they don't need you for a possible third series. Surely that wouldn't be his call?
Congrats on that. I would contact a few production companies and see if they are working on anything they could use you for. The credit would get you a foot in the door.
It unfortunatly happens. Surely you must still have a few friends in the biz, you can call upon for some guidance and or help?
Sorry to rain on anyones parade, but I've been in this position so many times. The most recent one being for a show on S4C, where the cast wanted to write the show. Anywhoo - if anyones interested in ehat I have to say - I would contact as many people in comedy as I could. I'd keep on sending out my CV and a few example sketches. Although contrary to this, I was recently told by a BBC producer that sending a CV can be counter productive.
I know... become a Producer! Hire some writers, piss them around for awhile and then fire the f**kers! 