BCG Pro Newsletter

BBC Studios advertises 2022 staff writer roles

Applications are open for the BBC Studios 2022 staff comedy writer roles. This is the annual scheme via which two writers are employed to work across various audio comedy shows for a year. It's a real experience booster.

Sitcom Geeks talk Hat Trick competition

The latest Sitcom Geeks podcast sees the hosts answering questions about the Hat Trick Script Competition, which is open until 5th January. So, if you're thinking of entering, do listen in for answers to frequently asked questions, and some tips.

What should your website do for you?

In the age of social media, it's easy to forget the importance of a good website and, when you have one, to keep it up-to-date and looking spiffy. Here're some suggestions on what your website should do for you.

BCG Pro Gag-a-Week competition

"Parties" is this week's topic; one we set as an idea before Christmas gatherings became front page news! You might want to submit a topical gag, but it doesn't have to relate to covid at all.

Comedian's Comedian Podcast

Jimmy Carr gives insight into his processes in the latest two-part special of the Comedian's Comedian Podcast. Tune in to hear his strategy for combative comedy roasts, and more.

Now Newsjack has gone, join Breaking The News

BBC Scotland's weekly comedy show has become a focus for topical comedy writers now that Newsjack has finished. We spoke to the team behind the show to get insight on how they make the programme, and how new writers can get involved.

Watch Kirstie Swain give some great writing insight

We held a number of great Zoom-based sessions across 2021. For example, Kirstie Swain gave us some really interesting insight into writing processes and the TV development process.

Sharpern your performance skills via Stand-Up Tune-Up

With live shows returning, we spoke to various comedians to get performance tips. For example, Paul Revill shared his advice on how to compere a gig.

Look set to be stuck at home? Learn how to home-stream

This set of articles looks like, sadly, it might be about to become more topical again. Across the previous lockdowns we spoke to various comedians about continuing to ply their craft from home.

Think about balancing characters in a script

No matter what kind of show you're writing, making sure that you have the right characters is crucial. Here's an article looking into that topic.

Write a really slick treatment for your show

If you're looking to pitch a show, having a treatment document can really help sell the idea. Here's our guide to what this document should contain.

Cut down your sketches

Most sketches are too long. Here's some advice on how to saw them down to a better, and thus funnier, length.

Stand-up Comedy (Beginner & Intermediate, in London)

Mondays from 10th January

Join Chris Head across eight Monday nights, to create and perform a brand new stand up comedy act. There's a show on 28th February too, at the wonderful Angel Comedy venue.

Sitcom & Comedy Drama - Essential Writing Tools

Tuesdays from 11th January

This six week Zoom-based course will help you develop your sitcom and comedy drama writing skills: character creation, situation development, scene writing and plotting.

How to Write Your Own One Woman Show

Tuesdays from 11th January

Have you always wanted to write your own one woman show? Jane Postlethwaite hosts this intimate six-week online course to help you achieve this goal.

TV & Online Comedy Sketch Writing

Thursdays from 20th January

Study comedy sketches, develop your writing skills and be inspired to write your own brand new sketches in this five-week course.

Write A Sitcom In EIGHT Weeks

Any day from 4th February

Dave Cohen's correspondence-based course sees him working with you to write the first draft of a sitcom across eight weeks.

Stand-up Comedy Writing Sessions

Tuesdays from 1st March

In this Zoom-based stand-up comedy writing course tutor, Chris Head will help you explore a range of starting points and techniques for writing stand-up.