This is an entry level job for someone at the start of a promising career in writing comedy.  The staff writers work closely with producers and contribute to scripts across the output of the department as needed. They write funny content for all types of show, from links for the hosts of panel shows like The Museum of Curiosity, and The News Quiz to sketches for topical shows like The Now Show and Dead Ringers. They help producers to develop ideas for new formats, help with story structure in sitcoms and punch up scripts with extra jokes. The staff writer jobs are one way we find and encourage exciting new comic writers with the ambition to create their own series.  They will work on their own narrative and sketch ideas during the year, and by the end of the year with support from producers in the team, they hope to be pitching their ideas to commissioners. If you love comedy and are brimming with ideas you want to get made, this is your dream job!

Key Responsibilities

To write for any show as required; they produce a wide of variety of formats and styles. You’ll be a versatile writer who can create one-liners, host links, sketches, narrative and more.

• To contribute as required to long-running topical series, working to tight deadlines
• To script edit sketch and narrative comedy shows
• To write to a brief set by a producer or another writer
• To contribute to idea generating sessions
• To work in a team and also independently
• To develop scripted and non-scripted podcast ideas for development
• To write on behalf of the BBC Studios Audio social media accounts
• To write trails and promotional material
• To be fully aware of the Health and Safety responsibilities of this job role as stated in the department’s Health and Safety Policy and always act responsibly when working on productions
• To comply with the BBC’s policies on Diversity and Inclusion

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, you must be able to demonstrate the following –

• At least two professional credits that are not just one-liners. These could reflect any work you have had produced (or self-produced) including podcast, short film, online or on-stage as well as radio and TV credits
• Good knowledge of Comedy and a passion for both the Comedy world and writing comedy
• Ability to work with our performers and writers, creating material that showcases them at their best
• Able to write to a brief set by others and write in other people’s voices
• Self-starter who is able to instigate projects and take an active role in their development
• Good communication skills with the ability to express all issues and ideas clearly and concisely
• Ability to treat colleagues with respect and inclusivity and support and encourage others
• Demonstrate original, imaginative ideas that are well written and funny
• Able to originate and develop their original ideas, working to notes and briefs from commissioners
• Demonstrate an ability to think ahead in order to plan and prioritise work and ensure meetings are attended on time and agreed deadlines met

PLEASE NOTE: The BBC are holding a short Q&A Webinar on Tuesday 14^th of December 2021 @ 13:00 to provide you with an insight into this role.  In order to register for this event in advance (which is required) please copy and paste the following link into your browser https://bbc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WtCrqWCOTI2VEc6lYuj6Zw