BBC opportunities

Hello from the writersroom north,
Here are some fantastic opportunities you may be interested in:

BBC Comedy: Jesting About 2

Are you a writer, performer or comedian? BBC Comedy are searching for the next generation of comedy talent for Jesting About 2: Funny Gets Serious  which is being held in Newcastle.

Jesting About is a partnership between BBC North, BBC Comedy and Northern Film & Media, with the aim of finding and developing the best comedy talent.

Last year, successful applicants undertook a programme of workshops led by the likes of Bob Mortimer and Ross Noble, before pitching ideas, scripts and sketches to BBC Commissioners.

This year, BBC Comedy are inviting pilot sitcom sketches for BBC One, there's an opportunity to create a pilot for a weekly live comedy and entertainment series for BBC Three, and BBC Newcastle and BBC Tees are keen to discover new talent for a specially commissioned half hour pilot show.

Successful applicants will attend workshops and receive support from BBC Executive Producers and Commissioners to develop their ideas into pilots.

The closing deadline is noon on Monday 28th November and successful applicants will be announced on Friday 9th December 2011.

For more information, terms & conditions and application forms please follow the link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/comedy/2011/11/jesting-about-2.shtml

Everyword Festival: BBC writersroom workshop

Ever wondered what happens to your script when you send it to the BBC? How we assess your work? What grabs us and what puts us off?

As part of the Everyword 2011 festival at the Liverpool Playhouse, join us for a free workshop with the New Writing Manager for BBC writersroom North.

Date: 18th November 2011

Time: 1pm - 4pm

Venue: Playhouse Studio, Liverpool Playhouse Theatre, Williamson Square, Liverpool, Merseyside L1 1EL

How to book:

Spaces can be booked online on the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse website or by calling the box office on 0151 709 4776.


The BBC Writersroom Future Talent Award for Writers

Deadline: 15th Dec 2011

Are you the next Debbie Horsfield or Paul Abbott? BBC North Developing Talent in partnership with BBC writersroom is delighted to announce this development opportunity for student/recent graduate drama writers.

We would like to invite students from all departments at each of the BBC North Developing Talent partner organisations to submit their TV drama scripts, to be read and considered by our team of professional readers. We want you to THINK BIG and tell the Northern Story in a TV script that could be stand-alone, or the first part of a bigger series. From Tyneside to Merseyside, take us to worlds and workplaces that we haven’t seen before.

One student will be awarded the BBC Writersroom Future Talent Award for Writers and will be given development opportunities and mentoring within the BBC, including taking part in our Headspace Writer in Residence scheme. Other exciting voices to emerge as a result of this opportunity will also be given development opportunities and training as appropriate. The top 3 writers will be given a full professional report on their work and will have the opportunity to meet the team from BBC Drama North to discuss their script.

For more information on how to apply visit:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/future_talent_award_for_writers.shtml

Here are some other great opportunities on offer in other parts of the region:

NFM launches ITV’s VERA inspired writing challenge

Creative industry development agency Northern Film & Media is giving writers an opportunity to attend a workshop with the Producer of ITV drama Vera.

Cracking Crime will see Northern Film & Media’s first drama specific talent development programme. They will hold a series of workshops, delivered by a range of industry experts, covering adaptation, character development and visual storytelling.  Successful participants will be assigned a mentor/script editor and will be introduced to Vera producer Elaine Collins, who will talk them through the script process on Vera.

Interested parties will be required to submit a treatment for an episode of Vera of no more than 2000 words by 5pm, Friday 11 November.

This initiative is only open to writers based in the North East England

Contact Joanna@northernmedia.org for further information or visit:

http://www.northernmedia.org/?mod=news&pageid=38&id=1417

Bolton Octagon – Young Playwrights Group Launched

The Octagon New Writing department is launching Mini Incubate: a new writers group specifically for young people aged between 16-25 years.

Mini Incubate will give some of the North West’s best emerging writers the chance to develop their writing skills, take part in writing workshops and gain feedback and mentorship from the Octagon’s parent playwriting group: Incubate. Mini Incubate will be made up of 12 writers and although it is not essential that Mini Incubate members be based in the North West, it is recommended as the group will be meeting once a week, every other week, starting at the end of November 2011.

Members will be invited to join the group by submission of scripts in application for a place.

The closing date for all entries is Friday 18 November 2011

To find out details of how to apply visit:

http://www.octagonbolton.co.uk/page/3020/News-and-Blog/60

Writers' Project, Playwrights Studio Scotland - Application Deadline 30th November 2011

Applications are now open for Writers' Projects 2012. A professional playwright can apply for up to £3,250 to support any aspect of their writing development.

Application Criteria

Applications to the Writers’ Project scheme must be submitted by individual playwrights. You can apply if you:

Have had 2 or more professional productions and are living in Scotland.          

To find out more and to apply, visit http://www.playwrightsstudio.co.uk/writersprojects.htm

SCRIPTWORKS

Scriptworks is an independent script development group that hosts regular readings on Monday nights at Contact theatre. Actors read new text - driving chaired feedback sessions with professional writers, directors and dramaturgs. You can come as many times as you like, as a writer, an actor or to watch as an interested party.

Scripts are read aloud in the sessions, and questions are asked in a supportive environment, dedicated to helping the writer take their work to the next level.

Scriptworks sessions are free to attend and are currently open for 18s and over.

For more information please visit:

http://www.scriptworks.net/?page_id=2

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Do feel free to send us an email if you have a question about the BBC writersroom or want to tell us about a piece of work you have on.

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With all good wishes,

Usman Mullan

Project Co-ordinator