News & Press

Comedy Initiative - Send us your script

Hello.

BBC Comedy Commissioning and BBC North has announced that it will be funding six full theatrical presentations of original half hour comedy scripts at the new Salford base in October 2011, with an ambition to see one or more commissioned into a series for one of the BBC Channels.

The brand new studios at MediaCity in Salford have opened their doors and as part of our continued commitment to developing the best comedy from experienced and emerging talent from across the United Kingdom, we would like celebrate the new buildings and studios by staging this all singing, all dancing sitcom showcase.

They are inviting submissions of new full half hour comedy scripts from 14th February until 13th June 2011. All independent comedy suppliers and BBC in-house departments are invited to submit. Our projects may be from seasoned or newer writers. We at hanrahan have been chosen as a supplier and asked to submit scripts we feel may have a realistic chance of being chosen.

HanrahanMedia can submit two scripts maximum. This is what they say:

The successful six scripts will be chosen by the BBC Comedy Commissioning Team and selected partners. Whilst Salford will be the performance venue, scripts do not have to be focussed towards the North. Your comedy scripts can be based on what you like and set where you like - although bear in mind that the aim is to present them live to a studio audience. The successful scripts will then be fully supported towards a proscenium arch style theatrical performance, in front of a live audience at BBC's Salford Studios. Each successful script will have a director attached, will be fully cast and will have several days rehearsal prior to the performance. The performances will not be broadcast, though they may be recorded for internal use only. The BBC will fund the 6 scripts and associated costs for those projects which are selected to be showcased in this event.

This is what we say:

We are prepared to work with you on scripts we believe, given the current BBC Comedy thinking, have a chance of selection. Please remember - we are a rare beast in being an out of London Indie which has supplied Comedy. Please do not submit something already submitted and not progressed. Our investment will be in time and knowledge and of course the contacts we have built up with Cheryl and her team. Do let me know if you are up for the challenge and submit scripts to:

Will Hanrahan

8 Grove Business Park,

Atherstone on Stour

Stratford on Avon

CV 37 8DX

Or - preferably - by email to:

will@hanrahanmedia.com