This opportunity has now closed
We鈥檙e partnering with 大象传媒 Radio 4 on a new comedy development opportunity for UK-based independent producers. We want to find more accessible, funny shows like Ghosts, Two Doors Down, Here We Go, Motherland and Black Ops that can be enjoyed by a wide audience and have the potential to be the next big comedy hit.
We鈥檙e initially aiming to commission around five or six audio scripts before we move into any TV-focused development. We鈥檒l progress each audio script in different ways depending on the idea, such as further script commissions or an audio pilot or series.
We鈥檙e keen on big, funny shows which audiences can鈥檛 help but binge with their flatmates, families and (silent but often discerning) pets. We want to hear ideas for shows that feature a range of characters and go to the greatest lengths to make us laugh.
Some things to think about:
- We鈥檙e interested in ensemble shows that don鈥檛 rely on one central character, as well as shows which do.
- Originality of premise is less important than characters.
- As this will develop through the audio route, the core cast shouldn鈥檛 be more than six main characters.
- Workplace sitcoms can work in this space, even if the workplace is 鈥榟idden鈥�. For example, Motherland is in some respects a workplace comedy.
- We don鈥檛 do many studio (audience) sitcoms, but that鈥檚 not to say we wouldn鈥檛.
- Diversity in cast and portrayal is key - we鈥檙e not as interested in shows set in a middle-class London milieu.
- Performers 鈥� tell us who could play these parts.
Process and key dates
The initial deadline for ideas was 20 September 2023.
Submissions to this brief will be reviewed by Julia McKenzie in Radio 4 and Ben Caudell and Navi Lamba in TV Comedy Commissioning.