C4 to run free comedy seminar

Channel 4 have announced that they will be running four events for the public this summer which will provide "an exclusive chance to draw wisdom from world-class figures in film, comedy and multimedia."

The four free seminars and masterclasses will be run this summer by various C4 commissioning executives. Channel 4 has also invited a number of famous names to talk at the events, including film director Kevin Macdonald; writer Peter Morgan; producer and writer Ash Atalla; writers Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong, and internet entrepreneur Martha Lane Fox. The broadcaster is also promising speakers from a selection of leading independent production companies.

Titled "Making 'em Laugh", the comedy event will take place on the 12th June at Channel 4's London HQ. Andrew Newman, Head of Entertainment at C4 will chair a discussion about how to make comedy work on TV and will be talking to the writers of Peep Show, Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong as well as producer and writer Ash Atalla (The Office, The IT Crowd).

According to the organisers the panel will be looking at how comedy gets commissioned, what makes a script work and how ideas are developed. They will also talk about how their careers have developed personally.

The other masterclasses being run by 4Talent are "Making it Big" (how to build a career in the film industry); "Making it Multimedia" (building online communities and providing dynamic content) and "Pitch Up", which is an opportunity for the public to pitch ideas for TV programme formats to C4 executives.

Those wishing to attend one or more of the days must apply for a ticket by the 28th May. Channel 4 are asking all applicants to write a paragraph about why they would benefit from attending as the number of places available for each day is 'extremely limited'.

To find out more about these 4Talent days and to apply see www.channel4.com/4talent