The Felix Dexter Bursary aims to make a positive intervention to address an under-representation of black, Asian, minority ethnic professionals in comedy production and development in the broadcast industry. This training scheme is designed to find writers with fresh and unique points of view, who can help shape the future of comedy, whether in the BBC or elsewhere in the industry. It will provide a unique opportunity to gain experience in the programme making world with access to top tier production facilities where participants can learn and hone their writing craft across radio comedy, television comedy, panel shows and comedy entertainment shows.

You need to submit a sample comedy/sitcom script of 30 pages/30 minutes maximum and you must have a comedy/sitcom script idea or early draft that you wish to develop during the bursary.

Eligibility:

• A good knowledge of British comedy and comedy television in general
• Experience of writing a script either a spec or commissioned
• Some experience of writing to a brief set by others – to be outlined in your Writing CV
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to express all issues and ideas clearly and concisely
• Experience of working to a deadline – to be outlined in your Writing CV
• Single and Duos can submit, but no writing teams
• Entrants must submit a Writing CV document as well as a short profile bio
• Entrants must be over the age of 18 at the time of submitting
• Entrants need to be located in London for the duration of the traineeship
• Entrants must be available to interview in London in early December 2019
• They encourage applicants from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds
• Applicants must be a UK resident or entitled to live and work in the UK for the dates of the scheme
• Submissions must be in the English language
• You must not be employed by or be a live-in partner or immediate relative (i.e. mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, nephew or niece) of somebody employed by the BBC, by a BBC Group company or any person connected with the Felix Dexter Bursary or in a financial relationship with them.

Deadline:

Friday 29th November 2019

https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunities/felix-dexter-bursary