Comedy Lab 2009

Mind the broken champagne glass... its just been launched:

http://www.channel4.com/4talent/national/opportunities/schemes/specific/comedylab.html

COMEDY LAB

"Thank the Baby Jesus for Channel 4's Comedy Lab, the only real showcase for original comedy on terrestrial television." - The Observer.

Comedy Lab is a late night comedy slot on Channel 4 to provide a showcase for new writers and performers. It takes an original approach to traditional comedy and features experimental pieces that don't fit any of the established entertainment strands.

Ideally, projects will be submitted via a production company - but if you don't have the necessary contacts feel free to submit direct to Channel 4. You'll need a full script and whatever supportive material you can compile - such as artwork, show-reels, cast suggestions and sample content on VHS/DVD.
What you get

The chance to showcase your comic talents to millions of people on national television. What more could you possibly want?
No but seriously, then what?

Having shown your talent to the nation, there's no stopping you. The Comedy Lab has launched the careers of performers including Dom Joly, Peter Kay, and Jimmy Carr with series such as Trigger Happy TV, Phoenix Nights, Los Dos Bros and The Last Chancers. As Jimmy Carr himself says: "The Comedy Lab is godsend for comedians who would never otherwise have a half-hour slot on television. Dom Joly, Peter Kay and myself all owe a lot to the fact that it nurtured our talent at an early stage."
Deadline

Applications for Comedy Lab's 2009 season are now open
Deadline for applications: 31 October 2008.

Find out more at channel4.com/comedylab

Submit your ideas to:

Comedy Lab,
Channel 4,
124 Horseferry Road,
London,
SW1P 2TX

I might try and think of something for this, try and get prod co backing and give it a whirl.

I'll probably give it a go myself.

My advice would be to really, really, really prepare before sending anything in. If you present everything to them on a plate, all completely planned and thought out they're more likely to be interested.

Also, it worth looking at what has gone in previous years (most years are on 4oD). This year's batch, which start broadcasting at the end of the month, are in the main sketch shows based around either a single person who has already been on TV, or a sketch troop getting their first TV break... https://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/group/comedy_lab_2008/

Whether that means you should go for a sketch show or something else though I don't know!

Good luck!

Quote: Mark @ August 13 2008, 2:36 PM BST

My advice would be to really, really, really prepare before sending anything in. If you present everything to them on a plate, all completely planned and thought out they're more likely to be interested.

Also, it worth looking at what has gone in previous years (most years are on 4oD). This year's batch, which start broadcasting at the end of the month, are in the main sketch shows based around either a single person who has already been on TV, or a sketch troop getting their first TV break... https://www.comedy.co.uk/guide/group/comedy_lab_2008/

Whether that means you should go for a sketch show or something else though I don't know!

Good luck!

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Your tx dates don't match the C4 site! Ahhhhh!!

I remember entering this a few years ago. My god, what was I thinking. *shakes head*

Quote: hotzappa11 @ August 13 2008, 2:54 PM BST

I remember entering this a few years ago. My god, what was I thinking. *shakes head*

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Why do you say that?

Quote: Seefacts @ August 13 2008, 2:41 PM BST

Your tx dates don't match the C4 site! Ahhhhh!!

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Damn, sorry, they keep moving them. Grrr. This is the third schedule change now. I've updated our website, our dates are now based on the latest schedule. The C4 site still has the wrong date on Pappy's Fun Club.

All these changes seem to be to make way for a repeat of Jack Dee Live on Friday 29th and a drama about anorexia on the 27th.

Just got the e-mail for this, woohoo!

Quote: Seefacts @ August 13 2008, 2:55 PM BST

Why do you say that?

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Oh, because it was horrible. It was also one of the first things I'd ever written. I like to think I've improved since then.

Sounds as if they want a demo programme, rather than just a script on its own.

Would they just accept scripts?

I'm thinking about entering this. I've been writing my sitcom, on and off, for a good few years - I can't really say how many, because I'm a lazy bastard, and most days, I don't even work on it - and now I have 6 episodes planned out, although they're not typed out yet. I was definately planning on sending a treatment, and sample script, to a Production company, in the next few months, but now this has come along, I'm tempted to send one of my episodes to them, in the hope that I can get a series out of it. I've been holding back for so long, I feel that I can't waste any more time.

Quote: Mikey J @ August 14 2008, 11:51 AM BST

Sounds as if they want a demo programme, rather than just a script on its own.

Would they just accept scripts?

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They would, but really you need production company backing.

Quote: catskillz @ August 20 2008, 8:01 PM BST

I'm thinking about entering this. I've been writing my sitcom, on and off, for a good few years - I can't really say how many, because I'm a lazy bastard, and most days, I don't even work on it - and now I have 6 episodes planned out, although they're not typed out yet. I was definately planning on sending a treatment, and sample script, to a Production company, in the next few months, but now this has come along, I'm tempted to send one of my episodes to them, in the hope that I can get a series out of it. I've been holding back for so long, I feel that I can't waste any more time.

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Again, you could, but you need a prod co on your side before hand.

Quote: Griff @ August 20 2008, 11:14 PM BST

C4 seem to be a bit undecided about the "must have a prodco" thing.

It had always been my understanding that was the case, but this page seems to suggest anyone can have a go:

http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/C/comedylab/gotanidea/

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Well, yeah they can, but from what I can tell it's the prod co backed stuff that gets made.

On the website, they say "Send us your idea", but surely they want more than just an idea, don't they?