Aspiring comedy writers from across the Liverpool City Region are being given the chance to turn their ideas into the next big BBC sitcom thanks to a major new development project launched by BBC Comedy, supported by Liverpool City Council’s Film Office.
The BBC Comedy Liverpool Script Development project aims to uncover, support and develop the most distinctive new comedy voices from the Liverpool City Region, building on the huge success of this year’s BBC Comedy Festival in Liverpool.
Funded in partnership with Liverpool Film Office via the LCR Production Fund, the initiative will commission five 30-minute original comedy script developments with at least one project progressing to further development.
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The aim of the project is to have a returning sitcom that captures Liverpool’s unique voice, humour and talent for audiences across the UK.
To be eligible, writers must either be from or currently based in the Liverpool City Region and must apply with the support of a UK-based production company.
The project forms part of the legacy of the BBC Comedy Festival, which brought some of the biggest names in British comedy to Liverpool earlier this year, cementing Liverpool as a hub for creative talent and screen production.
This is just one of the many development initiatives from Liverpool Film Office this year. The team recently launched Action! Next Take, delivered in partnership with Lime Pictures’ L16 Studios Media Academy and Channel 4’s 4Skills, offering placements in post-production, design and accountancy, while Foot in the Door Liverpool with the Andy Taylor Foundation will give 12 young people the chance to kickstart their careers in film & TV and digital media in a fully paid training and work placement programme.
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram, said: “It is inarguable that our sense of humour is recognised right across the country. But we all know that great comedy often starts with talented writers who know how to tell brilliant stories. That’s why it’s so important we’re creating opportunities like this to help local people break into the industry and get their ideas in front of the right people.
“We’ve already shown what this region can do when it comes to film and TV, and we’re investing to make sure even more homegrown talent can build careers right here.”
Emma Lawson, interim director of BBC Comedy, added: “Liverpool has long been home to some of the UK’s most distinctive comedy voices. Following the success of this year’s BBC Comedy Festival, we’re delighted to be working with Liverpool Film Office to find funny, original stories that reflect the city and region, with the potential to become the next iconic BBC sitcom.”
Image: Stan Boardman at the Floral Pavilion Theatre, New Brighton, Richardc39/Creative Commons
