BCG Pro Newsletter

Spring Sitcom Selection

Our latest exclusive opportunity for BCG Pro members is a sitcom script call via which you can catch the eye of experienced TV producers who are actively looking for new projects to develop.

BCG Pro Talent Awards: Production

Attention producers, directors, editors and those of you in other behind-the-scenes roles! Our annual Talent Awards for Production is now open for entries. Aside from showcasing you to the industry, the prize package includes mentoring.

David Nobbs Memorial Trust 2022 writing competition launched

The David Nobbs Memorial Trust 2022 comedy writing competition is now open for entries, with £1,000 as its top prize. Submit a sitcom script or sketches - but you do need at least one broadcast credit.

BCG Pro Sessions

Our next Zoom-based Q&A will be with TV comedy writer Susan Nickson. Best known for long-running 2000s hit Two Pints Of Lager, her new Sky show is about to begin filming.

How we made The Mind Of Herbert Clunkerdunk Series 2

Producer Ben Worsfield and director Martin Stirling give insight into how Series 2 of The Mind Of Herbert Clunkerdunk (currently on BBC Two) was made, and how "the obstacles are the path" became their unofficial motto in the process.

Pitch Centre

A message for all the development producers subscribed to this mailing list: we've just completed upgrades to the search filters on our directory of new scripts and project ideas so, if you haven't already, do get in touch to talk to us about how you can use our tools to locate exciting new formats that could be your next commission.

(Comedy creators: you can add your projects to Pitch Centre via your BCG Pro account.)

Finding your comic persona

When it comes to performing stand-up, there is much to be said for finding your comic persona. Here we share some top-drawer tips to help you find your persona.

Networking events

Brighton, Bristol, Birmingham, London and Edinburgh look like destinations for our Pro meet-up events this year, but we're still planning, so - if you've not already done so - please take our survey. We'll organise an event wherever there is enough demand (for example: er, hello Cardiff?).

Also: If you're at the Leicester Comedy Festival on Thursday 17th February and fancy meeting up for a drink and a chat, click through to the site for more info.

Finally, an update on Big Comedy Conference: We've postponed the plans to run this event in April - a large-scale event of the size we're imagining requires a slightly more stable, calm post-covid environment, especially as networking is an important part of the day. It'll now be in the winter of 2022 or early 2023 instead... we'll keep you updated.

Sitcom Geeks

Recent episodes of this podcast have looked at topics such as 'The Secrets Of Comedy Writing Success'. Stay tuned for updates on the writing competition we recently ran in conjunction with Hat Trick, too, as script reading is well under way.

My Comedy Career: Benjamin Sutton

Producer and director Benjamin Sutton has been creating a notable number of funny sketches recently, including helming the new batch of comedy shorts for Channel 4's online platforms. Here he tells us how he got into the industry, and what it is like to start your own production company.

Seven great ways of ending comedy sketches

In this article, Chris Head addresses that most challenging part of sketch writing - ending them!

The Secret Reviewer #35: It's The Way They Tell 'Em

Every month our clandestine critic reveals the murky truths behind that infamous trade, and live comedy generally. This month: The passing of a legend, and the passing on of jokes.

BCG Pro Video Contest

Head to our Video Contest page to see our January winner. Dave Bibby impressed the judges with his musical guide on how to be a modern man. If you've made a video sketch that's 2 minutes or shorter, why not enter it? (It can be an archive video)

BCG Pro BlackBook

Don't forget, if you're on the main BCG Pro membership plan you can access BlackBook, our exclusive directory of companies, at any time. Use the filters in the production section to find out who is active in the area you're interested in. (For example, which companies have made a radio sketch show that aired in the last 12 months?)

LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2022 competition open for entries

The entry form is now available for the 2022 Comedy Bloomers LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year competition. The deadline to apply is 14th February.

Female Pilot Club launches podcast

Comedy writing organisation The Female Pilot Club has launched a podcast in which they interview writers to discuss the craft of creating shows.

Kickstarter for comedy projects

You probably know what Kickstarter is, but have you ever thought of enabling one of your comedy ideas via it? Here's our new guide on how to launch a successful crowdfunding drive on the platform.

BCG Pro Gag-a-Week competition

We think our weekly joke writing contest is a lovely way to practice your one-liner skills... you might even get showcased to British Comedy Guide's audience too. This week's theme is 'farming'.

Stand-up comedy courses

Chris Head's in person stand-up course for beginners and intermediates returns to London on Mondays from 21st February. There're just a couple of places left. Meanwhile, his Zoom-based stand-up writing sessions start on 1st March (and then his script writing courses begin from 3rd March). Do book now!

In terms of courses external to BCG Pro, if you're an experienced performer (50+ gigs) then check out the 21 Soho and Soho Theatre Comedians' Workshop. There are two bursary places available.

Opportunities Hub

Keeping on top of what you can get involved in can be hard, so that's why we have Opportunities Hub. For example, head to the tool now to find a casting call for a short film, and see a satirical comedy site's search for new writers.

Sketch writing tutorial

We'll end this fortnight's newsletter with a reminder that we have more than 80 pages of advice on how to write the perfect comedy sketch, with tasks to put your learning to practice as you go. If you take on a page a day between now and the end of April, you'll be totally honed and ready for our sketch writing competition that launches in May. Clever, eh? :-)