BBC seeks new comedy writers from North England

Up to nine people accepted on to the corporation’s Northern Laughs scheme will receive training and development with the help of mentors such as The League Of Gentlemen’s Jeremy Dyson, pictured.

He said: ‘It's brilliant that the BBC and its partners are initiating a scheme like this. It is exactly the sort of encouragement and support I dreamed of finding when I was starting out as a writer.

‘It can be tough when you're beginning and an opportunity such this can make a huge difference.’

The corporation says it is looking for writers who ‘can make us laugh; have a passion for TV comedy; a strong, individual and funny voice; and excellent characterisation skills’.

Everyone accepted on to the programme will receive a development bursary, and some will have their work showcased at the Edinburgh Festival in August. At the end of the training, the best ideas will be put forward to BBC comedy commissioners.

The scheme is open to anyone living within the North East, Yorkshire or North West regions, with up to three applicants from each area being accepted.

Click here for a copy of the guidelines, and here for an application form, which must be completed by March 12.

For more information, contact either Screen Yorkshire, Northern Film And Media (for the NorthEast) or Vision And Media (for the North West)

Published: 4 Feb 2009