Exciting news for those who like to take to the typewriter rather than the stage with their comedy, BAFTA is searching for emerging British comedy writers to showcase their work at the New York Television Festival!
Today BAFTA announced a call for for scripts from new comedy screenwriters for the BAFTA Rocliffe New Comedy Showcase event. For the fifth consecutive year, three selected writers, or writing partners, will showcase their work in front of some of the biggest names in the US television industry at the New York Television Festival in October.
Professional actors will perform extracts of the successful writers’ scripts to an industry audience, and writers will receive feedback from a leading US writer, director or producer. Previous chairs of the event include: Stephanie Laing, Executive Producer of Veep and Eastbound and Down; Greg Daniels, writer, producer and director of The Office and Parks and Recreation; and Jenni Konner, writer and producer of Girls.
Andrew Newman, Chair of the BAFTA Television Committee, said: “The BAFTA Rocliffe New Comedy Showcase has become a key way for BAFTA to identify and support budding British comedy talent, giving brilliant writers the chance to break in to the industry by presenting their work in New York and pitching to some of the most influential figures in the business. It’s always exciting to discover new voices in comedy writing, and even more so to be able to champion them internationally.”
The BAFTA Rocliffe New Comedy Showcase is open to UK-resident comedy screenwriters who have not yet had a television series commissioned, although they may have broadcast writing credits.
The successful entries will be selected by an industry jury of comedy professionals. In 2014 the jury included: Fiona McDermott, Commissioning Editor, Channel 4 Comedy; Ben Boyer, Head of Development, Sky Comedy; Saskia Schuster, Commissioning Editor, ITV Comedy; writer David Quantick (Veep, The Thick of It); producer Jack Bayles (Catastrophe, The Mimic); writer and producer Anil Gupta (Citizen Khan, The Office); and director Jamie Jay Johnson (Fresh Meat).
In addition to the showcase event, the successful writers will receive:
• A New York Television Festival ‘Official Artist’ pass;
• Travel and accommodation for the festival for the lead writer;
• A year’s free access to BAFTA’s Learning and Events programme;
• Access to bespoke industry networking opportunities including development mentoring sessions with UK comedy commissioners and independent production companies, and one-to-one meetings with top talent agents.
All writers who submit will receive an industry standard report to enable them to progress their idea. Last year’s winning writers have built on their BAFTA Rocliffe success to develop their careers in the industry.
Writing pair Daniel Brierley and Nicole Paglia, whose script, American Nails, was showcased at the NYTVF last year, won development deals with Channel 4 and Investigation Discovery, and are developing an idea for Sundance TV, who they also met at the festival. Daniel and Nicole said: “The NYTVF was an amazing experience…the whole process opens up so many doors – suddenly people are getting back to you, answering your calls and reading your scripts. It's a great shot in the arm. The NYTVF also gives you the chance to pitch ideas directly to broadcasters, which is invaluable.”
Farah Abushwesha, founder of Rocliffe, said: “I’ve always believed that new voices are needed to sustain an industry. This initiative helps newer writers cut through the noise, giving them a foot in the door to develop their voice and educate them about the business of the industry. The advantages we offer aren’t easy to find. This is not just a script showcase; we assist writers in creating careers.”
You can apply to take part in the BAFTA Rocliffe Showcase here!
