BCG Pro Newsletter

Opportunities Hub

The BBC Studios Staff Writer 2023 jobs are now open for applications. This scheme, which used to be known as the Radio Comedy Writer Bursary, is the chance to work for the BBC for a year on their audio shows. Also in Opportunities Hub: various performance competitions and schemes from Leicester Comedy Festival, and more.

Plus, don't forget our BCG Pro Gag-a-Week competition.

My Comedy Career: Rupert Majendie

Producer Rupert Majendie has a CV that includes hit live comedy shows, the film Brian And Charles and TV shows include Pls Like, This Time With Alan Partridge and King Gary. We caught up with him as he prepares to launch his next series, Live At The Moth Club.

Money: How much can you earn as a comedy writer?

Most comedy writers don't earn a lot... now feels a good time to talk about what sort of financial pressures and compensations you can expect as a professional comedy writer.

Sitcom Mission

Good news: after a pandemic-induced break, one of the best sitcom writing competitions is now ready to return. The finalists of Sitcom Mission have their scripts performed to producers and commissioners. Entry opens in January, but you can head through to the website now to read more about what they're looking for and perhaps get a head start.

Sitcom Geeks

Comedy drama is the topic of the latest podcast. Lisa Holdsworth joins the hosts to talk more about the genre.

Writers In Various Stages Of Development interviews

A recommendation here to check out The Comedy Loser blog, if you haven't recently. As the title of his interview strand suggests, Chris Douch has been chatting to writers in various stages of development to gain advice and insight. Recent interviewees include Amy Spinks and Nathan Bryon.

BCG Pro Sessions

After a very busy year in the industry, we're hoping to confirm a new Sessions guest and timeslot very soon. Check our pages regularly, and sign up for alerts when the next is announced.

AEG launches comedy division with Georgie Donnelly

A bit of news from the live scene: agent and promoter Georgie Donnelly has been appointed the first ever Head of Comedy at international events company AEG Presents, as it expands into live comedy in the UK.

Jack Rooke and Runyararo Mapfumo - BAFTA Breakthrough interview

Big Boys writer Jack Rooke and Sex Education director Runyararo Mapfumo talk to us about being selected for the 2022 BAFTA Breakthrough programme.

More tips for writing radio comedy

Radio can be a great place for new comedy writers to learn their craft and start building professional credits. Here're some more tips to help you make the most of the medium.

Comedian's Comedian Podcast

Sarah Keyworth and Esther Manito are the latest guests on Stuart Goldsmith's podcast, which takes a deep dive into the world of performing stand-up comedy.

Networking events 2023

Thank you so much to everyone who came to our Bristol and London meet-ups in the last fortnight. Glowing feedback has encouraged us to put on more events next year. We already know we'll be back in London and also heading to Leicester, Brighton, Cardiff and Birmingham (do register your interest now in those events), but where else? Please press the buttons to help us spot where the demand is!

Online comedy courses

Chris Head is organising a Christmas/New Year Intensive Sitcom/Comedy Drama Script Writing online workshop, due to start next Thursday. Book quick if you're interested in that (and make sure you're signed in to get a BCG Pro members' discount). Check out the courses page for his workshops set to start in January too (including his London-based stand-up course).