BBC Studios advertises 2022 staff writer roles
- Applications are open for the BBC Studios 2022 Staff Writer jobs
- The long-running scheme sees two writers selected to work across BBC Studios audio output across 12 months
- The deadline to apply is 3rd January 2022
BBC Studios is advertising its 2022 staff comedy writer roles.
Described as "an entry level job for someone at the start of a promising career in writing comedy", the Staff Writer role sees two candidates writing for the BBC Studios Audio comedy shows across 12 months.
The role of staff writer has its origins in the Radio Comedy Writer Bursary, which since 1978, has seen an impressive list of alumni that includes Guy Jenkin (Outnumbered), Rob Grant and Doug Naylor (Red Dwarf) and Simon Blackwell and Georgia Pritchett (The Thick Of It, Veep). More recent recipients include Danielle Ward (Harry Hill's TV Burp, In The Long Run), Laura Major (Famalam and Joe Lycett's Got Your Back) and Andy Wolton, writer of BBC Studios produced comedy Trying for Apple TV.
Tasha Dhanraj and Rajiv Karia are the current staff writers.
The BBC says in the job advert: "Are you a new and developing Writer? Do you have a passion for both the Comedy world and writing comedy? Then this is the position for you.
"This is an opportunity to join an Award-winning audio production team in BBC Studios. We specialise in making comedy, entertainment and comedy drama shows and podcasts. We champion the work of new and emerging talent as well as working with some of the all-time greats."
Speaking more about the job, they explain: "This is an entry level job for someone at the start of a promising career in writing comedy. The staff writers work closely with producers and contribute to scripts across the output of the department as needed. They write funny content for all types of show, from links for the hosts of panel shows like The Museum Of Curiosity, and The News Quiz to sketches for topical shows like The Now Show and Dead Ringers. They help producers to develop ideas for new formats, help with story structure in sitcoms and punch up scripts with extra jokes. The staff writer jobs are one way we find and encourage exciting new comic writers with the ambition to create their own series. They will work on their own narrative and sketch ideas during the year, and by the end of the year with support from producers in the team, we hope to be pitching their ideas to commissioners. If you love comedy and are brimming with ideas you want to get made, this is your dream job!"
Talking about the requirements, they stipulate: "To be successful in this role, you must be able to demonstrate the following:
- At least two professional credits that are not just one-liners. These could reflect any work you have had produced (or self-produced) including podcast, short film, online or on-stage as well as radio and TV credits.
- Good knowledge of Comedy and a passion for both the Comedy world and writing comedy.
- Ability to work with our performers and writers, creating material that showcases them at their best.
- Able to write to a brief set by others and write in other people's voices.
- Self-starter who is able to instigate projects and take an active role in their development.
- Good communication skills with the ability to express all issues and ideas clearly and concisely.
- Ability to treat colleagues with respect and inclusivity and support and encourage others.
- Demonstrate original, imaginative ideas that are well written and funny.
- Able to originate and develop their original ideas, working to notes and briefs from commissioners.
- Demonstrate an ability to think ahead in order to plan and prioritise work and ensure meetings are attended on time and agreed deadlines met.
The contract is for 12 months, 4 days a week. The closing date to apply is 3rd January 2022. To find out more visit the BBC careers website
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