Broadcasters launch joint comedy conference
The BBC, Channel 4, ITV and Sky have today announced they will be working with regional support agency Vision+Media to host a pan-industry comedy conference in Salford, Manchester.
The event will take place on Wednesday 12th October 2011 at The Lowry, Salford Quays - part of the new media hub of the North, MediaCityUK (pictured).
The free event will be open to all comedy producers across the UK and the organisers say it will seek to offer lively debates and insightful sessions around the issues affecting broadcast comedy.
Maureen Walker from Vision+Media says: "We are delighted to support the bringing together of key commissioners, indies and regional talent in this North West based conference."
BBC Commissioner Cheryl Taylor adds: "This is a brilliant opportunity for the box-fresh MediaCityUK to play host to what promises to be an informative and entertaining gathering of the Comedy Community."
Speaking for ITV, Elaine Bedell said: "As we build on the success of Benidorm at ITV and extend our comedy output, it will be a great opportunity to discuss the issues and our aspirations with the comedy community."
Lucy Lumsden, Sky's Head of Comedy, added: "With Sky's huge investment in comedy this exciting event provides a great opportunity to share our vision across all the channels for the next few years."
Plus, Shane Allen, Channel 4's Head of Comedy, comments: "Discovering and nurturing new talent on and off screen is an incredibly important part of what C4's comedy does. We're acutely aware that up and coming comedy producers need huge support from broadcasters so it's in all our interests to aid the next generation. It's a boom time for comedy and this conference will be a brilliant opportunity to come together and discuss the future and focus on the challenges we face."
Peter Salmon, the Director of BBC North, says: "Some of the greatest comedy and comedic talent, past and present, come from across the North of England. This conference underlines our commitment to supporting emerging and forging new relationships."
The running order of the day is yet to be finalised but full details of the event will be announced shortly.
The conference will be open to 200 candidates. If you are a comedy producer you can register your interest by emailing: ComedyConferenceAdmin@BBC.co.uk