Can you make Wales laugh? | BBC seeks new comedies for the nation

Can you make Wales laugh?

BBC seeks new comedies for the nation

The BBC is launching an initiative to find up to three new comedy programmes for BBC One in Wales.

The sitcoms or comedy-dramas that are found through the  Find Me Funny  scheme will be made into pilots to air in 2018/19. The one that makes the biggest impact - and gets the most laughs - will go on to be commissioned as a series.

The initiative is  aimed at writers living or working full-time in Wales, or those writers who can ‘represent Welsh culture with authenticity.’

Speaking at an industry event in Cardiff today, Nick Andrews, the head of commissioning for BBC Wales said: ‘Wales has funny bones - we’re a nation of comedy greats such as Ruth Jones, Rob Brydon and Rhod Gilbert, to name but a few. 

‘Now BBC Wales is looking for the next generation of comedy drama and sitcom writers. We’re looking for a new and fresh look at the lives and characters of contemporary Wales and exciting and inventive voices that reflect the diversity of this country.’

Shane Allen, the BBC’s controller of comedy commissioning added: ‘This is a very exciting opportunity for us to unearth and support the next wave of Welsh comedy talent in a very practical and focused way. 

‘Gavin & Stacey was a smash hit BBC sitcom filmed in Wales, with prominent Welsh portrayal at its heart, that audiences continue to love - we’d like to build on that by giving a leg up to newer comedy writers and performers who are looking for their break.’

Budding and established writers have two months to complete their pilots, which should be at least 30 minutes long, as the deadline for submissions is January 15.

Organisers say they are not looking for mockumentaries, and writers can submit a maximum of two scripts that have been previously produced. Scripts can be submitted with or without a production company attached. 

Entries will be accepted via the BBC Writersroom website, although the process is not yet active.

Published: 14 Nov 2017

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