Applications open next week to join the third cohort of the BBC Comedy Collective. The collective is a commitment to support and accelerate the next generation of comedy talent, with previous bursary winners and BBC Comedy Collective delegates going on to make BAFTA-winning TV series, land multiple script commissions, secure agents, write and produce radio shows, and gain directing credits.
The supercharged bursary scheme offers 10 places each year to mid-level comedy creatives; a mix of writers, producers, directors and editors who would like to further their careers in scripted comedy. This year the scheme would like to see more applications from writer/performers.
Each bursary winner will receive up to £10,000 worth of paid shadowing on a BBC Comedy production, along with an allocated production mentor, plus a £5,000 development grant to put towards the individual’s development at the end of the placement. They will also have a dedicated point of contact within the BBC Comedy Commissioning team, and access to the Collective ambassadors.
In addition to their shadowing opportunities, the 2024 delegates attended the BBC Comedy Festival, the Belfast Media Festival, an Editing for Comedy session with Gareth Heal, a Producing the Comedy session with Ash Atalla and an event celebrating the work of Galton & Simpson, Caroline Aherne and Felix Dexter, with an exclusive panel discussion with Sophie Willan, Mo Gilligan and Tom Walker. Other events planned for the 2024 cohort include a Directing Comedy session with Gavin & Stacey’s Christine Gernon, and a round table with Stephen Merchant.
The scheme continues to gain supporters and champions within the industry, constantly increasing the opportunities for the delegates to build strong networks and connections.
Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC, says: “The BBC Comedy Collective offers an incredible opportunity for some of the most exciting comedic talents - both on-screen and behind the scenes - to become an integral part of the comedy production community. We’re excited to kick off our search for the 2025 cohort.”
BBC Comedy continues to build on its commitment to finding talent in the Nations and Regions and The BBC Comedy Collective will be working with the support of BBC Writers, BBC History, Fifty Fifty, Picture Shop, Pinewood Studios, Envy and a range of screen agencies from across the UK to collectively support the next generation of comedy talent.
More information on the scheme and how to apply will be available via https://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/comedy/comedy-collective-bursary
Applications open on Monday 13th January at 9am and close on Friday 31st January 2025.
