BBC Comedy Collective 2024 applications open 11th January
- BBC Comedy Collective 2024 - the "supercharged bursary scheme" - is open for applications from 11th January to 31st January
- Up-and-coming comedy writers, producers, directors and editors can apply to obtain mentoring and a development grant
- 10 creatives will be selected in total. Also, the Comedy Grants scheme for companies and organisations will re-open for applications
Applications open on Thursday 11th January for the second cohort of the BBC Comedy Collective.
The "supercharged bursary scheme" offers 10 places to "the next generation of comedy writers, producers and directors who would like to develop their careers in scripted comedy". Those selected gain mentoring, shadowing opportunities, and a development grant.
This year, editors will also be invited to apply. The BBC says: "Comedy editing titan Gareth Heal is joining the ambassador team this year alongside existing ambassadors Christine Gernon for directing and Ash Atalla for producing. The estates of Galton & Simpson, Caroline Aherne and Felix Dexter continue to play vital roles in the Comedy Collective, with sessions and events slated with representatives from the estates for 2024."
The BBC Comedy Collective of 2023 saw 10 creatives each receiving up to £10,000 worth of paid shadowing on a BBC Comedy production, along with an allocated production mentor, plus a £5,000 development grant to put towards new material, or further support towards the individual's development at the end of the placement. They also have a dedicated point of contact within the BBC Comedy Commissioning team, and access to the Collective ambassadors.
In addition to their shadowing opportunities, this years' delegates attended the BBC Comedy Festival, the Belfast Media Festival, a directing session with Christine Gernon, an 'Editing for Comedy' session with Gareth Heal, and a private round table with Jesse Armstrong with more tailored sessions and events to come. The BBC says: "Already we've seen members from the first group secure agents, win script commissions via new production relationships and receive broadcast credits for work gained via the placements."
Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC, says: "We are so proud of the 2023 BBC Comedy Collective cohort and what they have achieved with us this year. We look forward to building on the success of our first year of the Comedy Collective, this year with the addition of editors, who play such an integral role in comedy. BBC Comedy are committed to creating pathways into these creative roles and creating opportunities for the next generation of off-screen talent."
Gareth Heal adds: "Comedy is a genre that people relate to like no other; it embeds itself into our conversations, friendships and families in a way other genres can't. It's a massive privilege to be joining the BBC Comedy Collective ambassadors, and it's an honour to be part of bringing the next generation of comedy talent through."
In addition to the Comedy Collective, BBC Comedy will be reopening its Comedy Grants scheme for a 2nd year. Applications for the £5,000 grants open on Thursday 11th January and are an opportunity for small companies, organisations and communities from across the UK who want to support growth, outreach and inclusion activity with comedy. The grants were awarded to ten projects last year supporting working class voices, writers with disabilities, young people and LGBTQI+ voices.
Applications for both schemes close Wednesday 31st January 2024. The BBC notes: "Joining the BBC Comedy Collective is not an entry level opportunity but will be open to anyone who has had at least one previous credit in writing, producing or directing in any genre, across any platform - such as - TV, radio, theatre, podcasts, stand-up, short films or commercials. Applicants will also need to be able to demonstrate a strong passion for and commitment to comedy."
Further details are available from the BBC website:
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