The BBC nurtures new comedy writing talent
Micheál Jacob
Shows such as Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip showed us how and exciting the life of a TV writer can be, while bringing us a fine example of TV writing at its best courtesy of Aaron Sorkin. In fact, it was just one of the great shows brought to us by the American market over the past few years, with Brother and Sisters, My Name Is Earl, House and Lost bringing us the kind of sharply written shows the UK used to be better known for.
Perhaps that’s why the BBC is stepping up with its second College of Comedy scheme, providing a unique opportunity for writers seeking their big break into narrative comedy.
When the scheme was launched in 2008, it attracted support from many leading writers, including Armando Iannucci, Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong, Simon Nye, Jeremy Dyson, Susan Nickson and Hugo Blick, some of whom did sessions for the college.
Applicants had to have had their work broadcast previously, have had work commissioned for development by a broadcaster or production company; or had their work performed professionally, either as a writer or a writer/performer, so this is not an opportunity for writers new to the medium.
New writers selected for the College of Comedy
Six writers have now been recruited to take part in the development programme over the next ten months, which will include the chance to attend a residential workshop where they will explore technique and craft with established writers and producers, be attached to a current series to learn how production works, and be mentored to produce original work. The original works will be showcased when the scheme ends in March 2010.
The scheme is run by Micheál Jacob, the BBC’s former Creative Head of Mainstream Comedy, and executive producer of My Family, 2 Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps and The Smoking Room.
The six candidates selected are Donna Harle, who has contributed to a forthcoming BBC Three sketch show pilot; comedian and writer Gerry Howell, who was a finalist in Channel 4’s The Play’s The Thing competition and is preparing his first Edinburgh fringe show; experienced theatre writer Rosemary Jenkinson, who has also published short stories and poems; Colin McQuaid, who is on the writing team of BBC Scotland’s Ellis & Clarke Show and has written comedy for BBC Radio Ulster; novelist, screen and sketch writer Dale C Phillips, who was a finalist in the BBC Bang! Theatre Play writing competition for new generation Asian writers; and Henry White, who has won a number of animation awards, and contributed to several sketch shows.
Micheál Jacob says: “This is an exciting group. They all have very different styles and voices and experience, ranging from a writer who has sold a single sketch to a writer who has had a show piloted for BBC Three. Working with them on their scripts is going to make it an exciting year.”
For more on the BBC’s writing schemes visit www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/
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