Just a quick note to say that the 6th Windsor Fringe Marriott Award for New Drama Writing, as previously plugged in our opportunities section, has now been awarded.
Two of the three winners entered via the writersroom opportunity page, and three of the six people on the shortlist as well.
Not too shabby.
To all the winners and shortlisted writers: well done.
Attention if you're planning on entering the CBBC New Writers Competition.
We've got a new interview with the head of CBBC Drama Steven Andrew and Children's writer Elly Brewer live on the site.
Our very own Paul Ashton also pops up in the middle to answer a couple of format questions, and to answer the question that these competitions are all very nice, but has anyone ever got something on the telly off of one? He's good like that.
Anyhow, there's lots of good stuff in there. Check it out.
Newsjack is now open for business, accepting comedy sketches and jokes for your aural entertainment.
To get you in the mood for funny, we've got a new interview with Jocelyn Jee Esien and Gareth Edwards talking specifically about writing sketch comedy, and writing for Newsjack. Though it was known as 7 on 7 when we did the interview. We thrive on confusion here.
You might also be interested in reading our earlier interview with Sanjeev Kohli and Gareth Edwards, or checking out the recent writeup of a 7 on 7 masterclass with David Mitchell.
Newsjack masterclass. Whatevs.
If you missed the pilot, the first episode of the series goes out tomorrow at 11pm. Find out more dates and times and use iPlayer to catchup from the Newsjack programme page.
Deadlines for sketches are noon on Mondays.
Good luck!
A news release is being issued today with some information on this year's scheme. And here it is...
Following last years successful College of Comedy scheme, the BBC has recruited six writers to take part in its development programme over the next ten months.
Once again the writers will be mentored to produce original work, attend a residential workshop where they will explore technique and craft with established writers and producers, and be attached to a current series to learn how production works.
The scheme is run by Micheál Jacob, formerly the BBC's Creative Head of Mainstream Comedy, and executive producer of My Family, 2 Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps and The Smoking Room.
He combines running the college with developing and executive producing programmes.
He said "This is an exciting group. They all have very different styles and voices and experience, ranging from a writer who has sold a single sketch to a writer who has had a show piloted for BBC3. Working with them on their scripts is going to make it an exciting year."
The six candidates selected are:
Donna Harle, based in London, who has contributed to a forthcoming BBC3 sketch show pilot.
Gerry Howell, a London-based comedian and writer, who was a finalist in Channel 4's The Play's the Thing competition and is preparing his first Edinburgh fringe show.
Rosemary Jenkinson from Belfast, an experienced theatre writer, who has published short stories and poems, as well as receiving a number of writing bursaries.
Colin McQuaid from Scotland, who is on the writing team of BBC Scotland's Ellis & Clarke Show, and has written comedy for Radio Ulster.
Dale C. Phillips, from Hull, a novelist, screen and sketch writer, and a finalist in the BBC BANG! Theatre Play writing competition for new generation Asian writers.
Henry White, from London, has won a number of animation awards, and contributed to several sketch shows. His pilot, The Site, was transmitted on BBC3 in 2008.
When the scheme was launched in 2008, it attracted support from many leading writers, including Armando Iannucci, Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong, Simon Nye, Jeremy Dyson, Susan Nickson and Hugo Blick, some of whom did sessions for the college.
The scheme, is designed for people who have already begun their careers and can demonstrate some achievement, such as broadcast material, a script commission or performance of their work.
The chosen candidates will be given writer and producer mentors for their original work, which will be showcased when the scheme ends in March 2010.
There will be one residential workshop and ad hoc events during the year, with sessions from leading writers, producers and directors.
There are still spaces for our Q&A with new Head of Drama at CBBC and writer Ellie Brewer - if you would like to come, just turn up!
We have some new dates for BBC writersroom roadshows.
If you don't know what it's all about, basically we send our Top People around the country to talk about what we do in the office.
So they'll get up on a stage to tell you about how the BBC writersroom works, what we do with your scripts, and what the script readers are looking for when they assess them. And then there'll be a chance to ask us any questions you might have at the end.
You can also hand in a script to us in person rather than sticking it in the post. That's a couple of quid in postage saved right there.
Dates and places:
Sheffield - Wednesday 17 June 2009
Liverpool - Wednesday 1 July 2009
Nottingham - Friday 3 July 2009
Norwich - Wednesday 16 September 2009
So if you're interested in coming along to any of these, head along to the roadshow page to book your free ticket.
We've got a couple of Q&A sessions coming up which you might like to check out.
First up is Steven Andrew, CBBC Head of Drama. He's going to be talking on Monday 15th June at the Royal Court Theatre in London about what CBBC are looking for in their drama.
An excellent place to be if you're thinking about entering the CBBC New Writers competition, I reckon.
Then on the 23rd June Phil Collinson and Hilary Martin will be talking about BBC Drama North at the Culture Lab in Newcastle.
Phil is the head of BBC Drama North, and Hilary is the Development Executive there.
Tickets are free to both sessions - book 'em via the links above.
Well, the word is out, and the word is Newsjack.
That's the new name for The Open Call Topical Comedy Show Formerly Known As 7 on 7. Or TOCTCSFKA7O7 if you prefer. Most don't.
Newsjack has been commissioned for six weeks in the first instance, and airs on Thursday and Sunday nights at 11pm on BBC Radio 7.
The pilot is aired tomorrow evening, Thursday 4th June, with the series proper starting a fortnight later. Don't forget that you can listen to it on iPlayer after transmission if you miss it.
To submit material, you'll need to get it to the production team before noon on the Monday before the programme - so the first deadline is Monday 15th.
You can also improve your chances by reading David Mitchell's tips for writing sketch comedy and putting them to work.
More details about where to send your sketches will appear on the Newsjack website after the pilot airs.
It's a completely open call, so best of luck with your submissions.
