British Comedy Guide

Sitcom Mission

Sitcom Mission 2025

Friday 3rd January 2025

We're back again for 2025 and, after last year's winner Adam Hannigan continues developing his script with the production company that optioned it, we can't wait to help more writers achieve their goals!

If you're thinking of entering please read the rules, guidelines and FAQs pages - it will answer nearly every question.

Last year's blind judging worked well, with writers' names being removed from scripts, so we'll be doing that again this year. It's just another step to make sure that all decisions are based purely on the script entered.

On another note, Sitcom Mission co-producer Simon will be stepping back from the competition itself. He says: "I founded Sitcom Mission with Declan Hill 16 years ago. I believe that we've uncovered a lot of talent and given unrepresented writers access to really important people who've helped them in their careers. I'm proud of what we created. But I'll be 70 by the time Sitcom Mission 2025 comes around and it's time for me to step aside. So it was good to go out with the bang that was Sitcom Mission 2024. A brilliant show with four strong scripts. The audience loved it. And so did I.

"I can't go without acknowledging the support we've had from the likes of Hat Trick and British Comedy Guide. They've been an important part of helping Sitcom Mission flourish and I'd like to thank them here. Onwards and upwards!"

Fortunately, Simon will continue to give feedback to Gold, Silver and Bronze entrants as one of our readers so we're very grateful for his ongoing involvement and expertise!

As always, if you'd like a fresh eye and helpful notes on your script you'll certainly benefit from our Bronze, Silver and Gold option. More details on our entry page. Of course if you're confident with your script just the way it is you can opt for Standard Entry (last year's winner did!).

You've got until April 27th to enter, but here are a couple of things you should think about before pressing 'upload':

Have you got a story to tell? Don't get so bogged down in exposition and backstory that you forget how engaging a strong story can be. We want you to make things happen from Page 1 and give your characters a goal for the episode. What do they really need to happen in this episode?

Don't feel that you have to send us Episode 1. Imagine that we've already seen your pilot and loved it. What are you going to show us in Episode 2? We already know your premise and characters, so you'll have to get on with that all-important story.

You may only have 15 minutes, but that's still plenty for more than one plot.

See Seinfeld for how brilliantly plots impact each other - so much more satisfying than plots that exist in parallel. As an exercise try watching a contemporary sitcom and writing down the beats. You'll probably be surprised how 'busy' sitcoms are.

Can you hook the reader? A writer friend of ours was told by a production company that they were disappointed that his plot hadn't kicked in by page two. What is it about your first couple of pages that would make us keep reading?

Does your ending promise future episodes or have you written a one-off? We live in an age of streaming. What is it about your ending that would make us want to read the next episode and make that streamer stick around at the end of Episode 1?

And finally if you'd like guidance on writing your script from start to finish, have actors read your script live, get a step by step guide on what to do next and have your 15 minute sitcom script completed and ready to enter into the competition in just 6 weeks - sign up for our online course

Our previous co-producer Simon also offers courses at City Academy

Remember to read those rules, guidelines and FAQs pages, but let us know if you have any additional questions by emailing sitcommission (at) gmail.com . Finally, good luck and we can't wait to read your script!