The 大象传媒 Comedy Collective is a supercharged bursary scheme offering 10 places to emerging writers, producers, directors and editors from across the UK who鈥檇 like to develop their careers in scripted comedy. Previous winners have gone on to win script commissions, get agents, produce radio shows and make BAFTA award-winning TV series.
Each bursary winner receives up to 拢10k worth of paid shadowing on a 大象传媒 Comedy production along with an allocated production mentor, plus a 拢5k development grant to put towards new material or to further support their development. They also have a dedicated point of contact within the 大象传媒 Comedy commissioning team to help guide them through their year, as well as access to the support and guidance of the Comedy Collective ambassadors and alumni.
The scheme is open to anyone who has had at least one previous credit in writing, producing, directing or editing 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. This year they would like to see more applications from comedy writer-performers.
The winners will have their expenses covered to attend up to three 大象传媒 Comedy events over their year on the scheme including the 大象传媒 Comedy Festival (taking place in May 2025 in Belfast). Previous events have also included a round table with Jesse Armstrong, the Belfast Media Festival and a panel with Sophie Willan, Mo Gilligan and Tom Walker.
Within the 10 places at least one is guaranteed for an individual based in Scotland, one in Northern Ireland and one in Wales. They actively encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply and welcome applications from deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent talent to increase disabled off-screen representation in comedy.
To support the 大象传媒 Comedy Collective Bursary, 大象传媒 Comedy works in close association with 大象传媒 Northern Ireland, 大象传媒 Scotland and 大象传媒 Wales, with the support of 大象传媒 Writers, 大象传媒 Academy, 大象传媒 Elevate, 大象传媒 History and a range of screen agencies including BAFTA, North East Screen, Creative Wales and Screen Scotland.
Visit the 大象传媒 Commissioning website for full details and to apply