BBC Comedy Collective opens for applications for a third year
- The BBC Comedy Collective, the "supercharged bursary scheme", returns in 2025 to support 10 mid-level comedy creatives
- The application window is Monday 13th January to Friday 31st January 2025
Applications open on Monday 13th January 2025 to join the third cohort of the BBC Comedy Collective.
The collective is "a commitment to support and accelerate the next generation of comedy talent" from the BBC, with previous bursary winners and BBC Comedy Collective delegates going on to make BAFTA-winning TV series, land multiple script commissions, secure agents, write and produce radio shows, and gain directing credits.
The "supercharged bursary scheme" offers 10 places each year to mid-level comedy creatives; a mix of writers, producers, directors and editors who would like to further their careers in scripted comedy.
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.
The BBC notes: "This year the scheme would like to see more applications from writer/performers".
Each bursary winner will receive 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 the individual's development at the end of the placement. They will 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, the 2024 delegates attended the BBC Comedy Festival, the Belfast Media Festival, an Editing for Comedy session with Gareth Heal, a Producing the Comedy session with Ash Atalla and an event celebrating the work of Galton & Simpson, Caroline Aherne and Felix Dexter, with an exclusive panel discussion with Sophie Willan, Mo Gilligan and Tom Walker. Other events planned for the 2024 cohort include a Directing Comedy session with Gavin & Stacey's Christine Gernon, and a round table with Stephen Merchant.
The scheme continues to gain supporters and champions within the industry, constantly increasing the opportunities for the delegates to build strong networks and connections.
Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC, says: "The BBC Comedy Collective offers an incredible opportunity for some of the most exciting comedic talents - both on-screen and behind the scenes - to become an integral part of the comedy production community. We're excited to kick off our search for the 2025 cohort."
Applications open on Monday 13th January at 9am and close on Friday 31st January 2025.
More information on the scheme and how to apply is available via the BBC website
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