BCG Pro Newsletter

Friday 10th June 2022

"Controversy is part of the nature of art and creativity." - Yoko Ono

We start this newsletter with our the latest exclusive BCG Pro opportunity...

Anna Barbara Films Script Call

A brand new opportunity, exclusive to BCG Pro. London-and-Hollywood-based Anna Barbara Films is looking for up to ten feature-length rom-com screenplays and completed comedy television pilot scripts with the aim of developing, optioning, packaging and pitching to broadcasters (TV) and financiers (film).

BBC short-form development opportunities open for submissions

The BBC's new short-form development opportunities - Short Films and Character Developments - are now open for submissions.

Prepping the perfect one pager

This new article may be relevant if you're talking to a production company about pitching for some of that BBC short-form money. What exactly does a producer mean by "a page", and how do you prepare a document that meets their expectations?

BBC New Comedy Awards 2022 open for entries

The BBC New Comedy Awards 2022 is now open for entries - this is the competition for stand-up comedians, and there's a category for digital comedians (e.g. YouTubers and TikTok stars) too. The deadline to apply is 3rd July.

Watch back the How To Write A Great Sketch webinar

BCG Pro facilitated a Zoom-based webinar on the topic of 'How To Write A Sketch' last week. Here's the video recording of that hour-long session.

Comedy writing: Finding your voice

"Finding your voice" is an important part of becoming a more confident writer. Here are some things you can do to help you unearth the authentic, original comedy writer within.

DMs Are Open - Don't Give Up

This Monday is the deadline for Episode 5 of the open door BBC show. If it's anything like Newsjack, it'll be the week with the least number of submissions, so the ideal episode to go for. Check out this blog by comedy writer Chris Douch offering more reasons on why to keep trying, and the BBC blog by co-host Athena Kugblenu which has writing tips.

Comedian's Comedian Podcast

Helen Bauer is the latest guest on the podcast that talks about stand-up comedy. She discusses how she 'weaponises' elements from her real life that might seem like hindrances.

How to be a great sitcom writer - one sketch at a time

With our annual sketch writing competition open for entries, writer and tutor Dave Cohen makes a very compelling case for practicing short-form writing in order to excel in longer-form narrative (sitcom). All the disciplines you need are right there...

Richard Morris to run BBC Studios Audio Comedy

BBC Studios Comedy Productions has appointed Richard Morris as its new Creative Director of Audio Comedy.

The Secret Reviewer #39: Hackwatch

"From TV genius to stand-up hack: it's a regrettable transition". The anonymous comedy critic who writes a blog for us each month turns their thoughts to Ricky Gervais this time.

Online comedy courses

If you're quick, you can still register for a place on the online sitcom and comedy drama writing course which starts on Wednesday. Other courses starting soon include How To Write Your Own One Woman Show (21st June), Write Your TV Comedy Script (30th June) and Write Sensational Stand-Up Comedy (30th June).