Mailbox

A round-up of the latest news, gossip and other information from members. Health warning: Anything in this article should not be relied upon as gospel. 

Got something to share? Send it to mailbox@bscw.co.uk

SITCOM TRIALS MOVE TO BWB
From: Kev Sutherland, Producer - Situations Vacant

Situations Vacant, the sitcom development company have confirmed a new online deal with British Web Broadcasting.

Their monthly sitcom showcase The Sitcom Trials - in which the audience at Soho's Comedy Pub watch a series of new sitcom excerpts live and vote for which, if any, should be seen again - will be webcast on the new comedy web channel, with online voting deciding the ultimate fate of the comedies.

Situations Vacant's creations have gone on to be piloted and developed by the BBC and independents including Talkback and Hat Trick. They work, on the internet and in workshops, with new comedy writers and performers to devise and test on stage new comedy concepts for all media. Their shows were formerly webcast by the comedy portal hahabonk.com.

British Web Broadcasting was founded in 2000 by author and actor Robert Llewellyn and media entrepreneur Jonathan Cole, and currently webcasts a series of shows including Barry Humphries' Les Patterson and the Search For A Comic competition.


ADVERT
Spotted by: Alan Stafford

From "The Stage" Classified Ads January 4 2001:-

Comedy Sketch writer/performer (had some success, but not enough) seeks simliar(s) m/f 30ish(?) to form ultimate team. Must be committed and fame hungry. York area. 01904 643000.


SITCOM TRIALS
From: Kev Sutherland, Producer - Situations Vacant

A reminder that you're invited to this coming Monday's (Jan 15th) SITCOM TRIALS at The Comedy Pub in Soho.

As we do every time, we shall be showcasing a series of sitcom excerpts by new writers and performers - none longer than 10 minutes, some as short as 2, so you're never more than 9 and a half minutes away from something you might prefer - and giving the audience the chance to decide which, if any, should be seen again.

The show is recorded for webcast by our new online partners British Web Broadcasting <http://bwebb.tv> who would be as delighted as I to see you there. It's possibly worth noting that the sitcoms showcased at the Trials remain open for option and development for TV as, currently, does the format of The Sitcom Trials itself.

Oh, and we have a late bar till 1am for ticket holders. To confirm your names on the guest list, reply by email or ring 01275 871856. We look forward to seeing you there.

THE SITCOM TRIALS, Mon Jan 15th at The Comedy Pub, 7 Oxendon St, London
SW1. Doors 8pm, show 8.30, late bar till 1am for ticket holders.


SITCOM WORKSHOP
From: Geoff Parfitt

Fellow BSCW members,

In case you didn’t know, from next Tuesday January 16th, I will be presenting a course of ten Sitcom Writing Workshops at Stratford-upon-Avon College (7-9pm). I’ll be guiding participants through the stages of writing a situation comedy script, and if you’re interested in writing sketches, I can also help with that.... AND SELLING them. I sell a few and I know the current markets.

Why don’t you come along? What better things could you do on a Tuesday night? Come on. Phone the college today (or tomorrow, if it’s getting late) on 01789-266245 and enrol. Check it out. Stratford is probably closer than you think. Your life could have been leading up to this opportunity. Just think of the regrets you might have in ten years time.

I'll see you all next week. If you can forward this message to anyone else who might be interested in my course, please do so.

Geoff


BANZAI/GAME SHOW NEWS
From: David Bodycombe

New entertainment channel E4 launches on 18th January. Premiering on the first night at 10.30pm is Banzai, the interactive show where viewers can bet on the outcome of a range of daft stunts. A number of games have been supplied by BSCW members. As you may have seen from the Forum, the BSCW have been active in ensuring that members have been treated fairly, as Banzai had been going through production difficulties. This meant that some members had not received replies from their submissions.

The following page, which I contribute to, may be of interest to members interested in game show formats. The UK Game Show Page can be found at www.qwertyuiop.co.uk/gs/