British Comedy Guide

Does anyone besides the BBC do radio comedy?

My question, such that it is, is in the subject line.

Assume I've written a script, and it's ready to go out to people. Assume a full pitch has been assembled. Assume that it's good enough.

Now, what I want to know is this: Where can you can sent it except to the BBC?

From what I can see, agents won't take unsolicited scripts except by writers with some credits, and almost no other production companies seem to do scripted radio comedy. Panel shows, yes, but for sitcoms/sketch shows, it does seem to just be the BBC.

Similarly, since the BBC writer's room is more focused on drama, where do you even send a radio comedy script if you're sending it to them?

I have to admit, I'm feeling a bit lost, and the more I research it, the less clear it becomes. What do you do? Do you have to go to specific events to meet producers? Do you have to break in by doing stage work first? Would it make more sense to just assemble some talent and record it yourself as a podcast, then hope the right person hears it?

Apologies if I'm asking obvious or stupid questions, but I'd really like to know if I'm missing something, or if everyone's in the same boat. Any help would be gratefully received.

Quote: Griff @ February 10 2011, 8:48 AM GMT

I'd say your best bet is to get some sketches on Newsjack in the next five weeks

You make it sound so simple.

Quote: PhillCo @ February 10 2011, 12:56 AM GMT

Apologies if I'm asking obvious or stupid questions,or if everyone's in the same boat.

We're all in the same boat really: a battered old paddle steamer going nowhere fast.

Quote: Griff @ February 10 2011, 8:48 AM GMT

I'd say your best bet is to get some sketches on Newsjack in the next five weeks, and then once you've got yourself known by a radio producer or two, ask if they'll read your script.

But surely as a radio writer, wouldn't he be trying to write to Newsjack anyway? Maybe try foreign markets? Is that a possibility?

There are one or two indy producers based in the UK. You might try The Comedy Unit based in Glasgow, and I know at one time Celador (not sure they're still around) did some production for radio material. Another is Angel Eye. I'm sure there's a links page here on the site somewhere. Just had a look but can't find it.

Anyone?

EDIT:

Found it. used to exist in its own right but now seems that it's going to be incorporated into the mysterious and much-fabled Make It part of the site.

Quote: Blenkinsop @ February 10 2011, 3:42 PM GMT

There are one or two indy producers based in the UK. You might try The Comedy Unit based in Glasgow, and I know at one time Celador (not sure they're still around) did some production for radio material.

Celador is now CPL Productions. As far as I know, there's still a few places out there that look at scripts and ideas. You'll find them on these lists.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/radio/network/docs/r4_indie_list.pdf http://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/radio/network/docs/indie_slots.pdf

It is sad that essentially Radio 4 (Radio 2/Radio 7 slightly) is the only medium for scripted audio comedy. There was going to be that Channel 4 radio speech station, but that got axed before it even started.

Some people are starting to record sitcom pilots in podcast format (e.g. http://www.andrewellard.com/Im_Not_With_Him.html) but I don't think any has yet found a huge audience.

Wonder if Radio 7 becoming Radio 4 Extra might open up the gates a little? I don't understand why with so much air time to fill the BBC hasn't been more adventurous with it's commissions.

You could try The Wireless Theatre Company maybe.

Quote: KLRiley @ March 2 2011, 1:16 PM GMT

Wonder if Radio 7 becoming Radio 4 Extra might open up the gates a little? I don't understand why with so much air time to fill the BBC hasn't been more adventurous with it's commissions.

No. In a word.

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