Thinking of heading back to university for a subject change? Always wanted to learn the craft of writing comedy but didn’t know where to start? Wouldn’t it be fantastic if you could land a place on a course that allowed you to do just that?
We’ve got good news – Buckinghamshire’s National Film and Television School are launching a new part-time 18-month diploma in writing and producing comedy. The course is offered in partnership with Channel 4 – who along with providing facilities for teaching sessions at their London headquarters will work with NFTS to review student work and offer a range of masterclasses and workshops.
Guest tutors for the course include Graham Linehan ('Father Ted', 'Black Books') and Sam Bain ('Peep Show'), who will also sit on an advisory board that includes Caroline Norris ('The Armstrong & Miller Show', 'Dead Ringers') and John O’Farrell (Spitting Image, Have I Got News For You).
Channel 4’s Head of Comedy, Phil Clarke, supported Channel 4’s involvement with the new diploma, stating that the channel has “a long tradition of engaging with, and encouraging, new talent but the more experience you can gain when starting out, the better. If you are considering a career in comedy, then the NFTS is a fast track for acquiring those career sustaining skills.”
Sam Bain supported both the course’s content and its ability to connect participants with other writers and collaborators. “Jesse and I met on a creative writing course – they’re a great way to learn your trade. A course provides deadlines and feedback – the bread and water of a writer’s life. And there’s always the chance you’ll meet the writing partner of your dreams. Keep a dozen roses in your in your carrier bag on the off-chance.”
For more information on NFTS’s diploma in writing and producing comedy, visit their website HERE.
Pictured: Graham Linehan, Sam Bain
