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

DIGITAL CHANNELS
From: Frank E. Tennis

E4, Play UK and BBC Choice could provide a breeding ground for exciting new comedy. E4 is commissioning new comedy, such as sketch show (nobleandsilver): get off me! and Show Me the Funny. However, E4 head of programmes Andrew Newman admits that smaller budgets are likely to preclude him from commissioning a sitcom.

A quote from Newman: "While part of our role is to do some R&D for C4 and discover new talent, it's more likely that will be in sketch shows. When it comes to new ideas and talent, sketch shows are more likely to work."

Sioned Wiliam, ITV controller of comedy has also commissioned a sketch show from Henry Normal and Steve Coogan indie Baby Cow and Avalon TV. Other projects are in the pipeline says Wiliam whose stated aim is 'to make the broadly popular as good as possible'.

I found the E4 website at www.e4.com - but there's not much there. I could not find a website for PlayUK.


SCRIPT OFFER
From: Lorraine Ellis

I have written two patomime scripts, one for family viewing and one for adults only. The pantomime is Snow White and the eight dwarfs.

They are both original versions and rhyme throughout. I would like them to be produced for a charity event. If any acting group from the North of England is interested could you please e-mail me at ellis_lorraine@hotmail.com Or at thespianflo@hotmail.com

If anyone from the Hull area is interested in producing my work I would be willing to take part.


COMEDY EVENT
From: Alan Stafford

Received today from Claire Bartlett, BBC Light Entertainment Radio:

Writers wanted for question and answer comedy event.

Aspiring writers are being given the unique chance to meet producers and commissioners of BBC Drama and Comedy and get their questions answered on how to write scripts for the BBC, where to send them, how the commissioning process works.

The Liverpool Playhouse and Everyman Theatres are hosting the event at the Liverpool Everyman, 13 Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BH on 6th June at 6pm. Tickets are free and can be obtained from the Box Office on 0151 709 4776.

Kate Rowland, the BBC's Creative Director of New Writing, John Pidgeon, Head of Radio Entertainment and comedy writer/performer Jon Holmes [Dead Ringers, The Now Show, The 11 O'Clock Show] will be on the panel.


IF YOU KNOW OF A COMEDY RELATED EVENT OR OPPORTUNITY, DO SEND IT TO MAILBOX AND SHARE IT WITH YOUR FELLOW MEMBERS / SUBSCRIBERS.