The scheme is open to anyone who has had at least one previous credit in writing, producing or directing in any genre, across any platform – such as radio, theatre, podcasts, stand up or commercials. The aim is to develop the best up-and-coming talent into the comedy space, so applicants will also need to demonstrate a clear commitment to comedy.

Each bursary winner will receive up to £10k worth of paid shadowing on a BBC Comedy production, along with an allocated production mentor, plus a £5k development grant to put towards new material at the end of their placement. They will also have a dedicated point of contact within the BBC Comedy Commissioning team to help guide them through their year, as well as access to the Comedy Collective representatives.

In addition, the bursary winners will have their expenses covered to attend up to three BBC Comedy events over their year on the scheme. Events next year will include the BBC Comedy Festival in May, plus short film and networking evenings across the country, with other events to be announced in due course.

At least one place will be ringfenced for an individual based in Scotland, one from Northern Ireland, one from Wales and one from Newcastle (the 2022 City of Comedy). BBC Comedy are actively encouraging individuals from diverse and under-represented groups to apply.

Guidelines 

• The bursaries are open to anyone over 18 who is based in the UK and looking to further their career in writing, producing or directing for scripted comedy.
• Applicants must have one previous credit in their chosen field. This can be across any genre, not just comedy, and any platform. They don’t have to be TV credits, although these are welcomed. For example, you could have written, produced or directed theatre, radio, or podcasts, directed music videos, produced comedy nights or written for commercials.
• Applicants don’t have to have representation, but this is also welcomed.
• Applications are welcomed from under-represented groups, and BBC Comedy are actively targeting people from all corners of the UK.
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate a commitment to their chosen field and a commitment to comedy.

Deadline

Monday 30 January at 5pm.

BBC E-Submissions – BBC Comedy Collective – Submissions close at 30 Jan 17:00