The official launch of the British Society of Comedy
Writers went very successfully, with a lot of positive responses from
potential members and the press. On Friday 7th July members of the
BSCW gathered at the Groucho Club on London's Dean Street, to find out
more about the society. It was attended not only by television
producers, but also by actors, writers and comedians.
Ken Rock, BSCW President and Jason Browne, BSCW
Co-ordinator introduced the society, and outlined its goals, as well
as the need, in the comedy and light-entertainment industry, for such
a society. The BSCW aims to support each writer in learning new
skills, and selling their work to suitable markets, in the UK and
abroad. Producers from various European countries attended the launch,
to find new writers, and meet those they have worked with before.
The Society also offers up to date market and
contact information, discounted books and software, a regularly
updated website, including members-only discussions and information,
an annual conference and web space allowing each member to showcase a
web CV to anyone in the industry.
After this explanation, a question and answer
session followed, in which actor and writer George Layton expressed
his surprise that the society, and its experienced members could be so
supportive to up-and-coming comedy writers. Ken explained that British
comedy is considered the finest in the world. The BSCW has this
reputation to maintain and support. Being part of such one of comedy's
most globally significant societies attracts more experienced writers
to the BSCW, as well as novices searching for advice and support.
Training courses could benefit experienced writers as well as new, and
Ken expressed the hope that across the world BSCW membership would be
recognised as something to be extremely proud of.
The aim is to maintain and attract further active
membership, who will be able to attend events, meet producers, work
together, and who are committed to writing the best comedy possible,
across a variety of different genres. Membership is restricted to
those who can demonstrate the ability to uphold professional
standards, and demonstrable work in comedy or light entertainment. It
will be rigidly maintained to ensure that membership of the BSCW
continues to be understood within the industry as a significant
achievement on the part of the writer.
Once the question and answer session has finished,
the group broke for lunch and drinks. The Groucho Club put on a spread
of nibbles and drinks, including a popular house red. Members mingled
with producers and press, making contacts and meeting new people.
In the afternoon, Ken introduced the various
speakers. First was Jacques Vermiere, the top Belgian comedian. Many
British comedy writers sell visual comedy sketches to his shows, and
his producers, D & D Productions sent representatives of both
their Belgian and their German teams. Jacques explained how pleased he
was to be able to come to England and meet some of those who wrote for
him, and how important British comedy is to him, and his show.
He was followed by an inspiring speech from Honey
Kalaria, director of Diva Entertainments. Honey set up Diva
Entertainments in order to bring Asian dance and drama to a higher
profile in British life. She explained her company and her excitement
at projects involving both Diva Entertainments and the BSCW. Honey
introduced a major Bollywood producer, Bappi Lahiri, who was then visiting the UK.
He told the audience a little about working in Bollywood.
Following Honey was Ronnie Wolfe, co-creator of 'On
the Buses' and 'The Rag Trade.' These have been sold around the world,
both the original series, and as a format for a sitcom. This has
included Norway, Sweden and Portugal, and even 'The Rag Trade' South
African style - 'Fishy Fashions'!
John Gough then spoke on television formats. John is
a director of Distraction Formats, which covers a range of genres.
Popular formats that have made their creators rich include gameshow
Fifteen-to-One and the ever popular 'Who wants to be a Millionaire?'
To find out more, look at the website www.tvformats.com,
or to the European Broadcasting Union (www.ebu.ch)
for a format competition.
John was the final speaker, and after questions and
general chat, the meeting was wound up. The launch was a great success
in bringing together writers and producers, as well as giving the
comedy and light entertainment industry and press a clear idea of what
the BSCW is all about.
Photographs from the event are available from the
home page of the BSCW web site
