Comedy Writers Initiative 2023
Are you an aspiring comedy writer? Are you ready to take the next step in your writing pathway? Are you keen to have your work reviewed by industry experts? If yes, ITV’s Comedy Writers Initiative is for you!
ITV will be inviting 8 writers to take part in our Comedy Writers Initiative. The successful applicants will join us for a day’s workshop in London to meet with our comedy writers and learn more about writing for comedy. Following this, the writers will be asked to deliver a selection of comedy scenes - for which they will each receive a fee of £750 (inclusive of workshop attendance and any additional fees and expenses).
We are particularly interested in hearing from writers who are currently underrepresented in the comedy space - including those who are People of Colour and/or those who are Deaf, Disabled and/or neurodivergent.
The 8 writers editorial feedback on their scenes and the opportunity to work on revisions for their work within a limited time frame.
We are mostly interested in writers whose humour originates from the way people truly behave and think, rather than delivering stand-alone jokes. But of course, funny lines are essential! We are looking for a blend of observational humour and lines that make us laugh out loud!
If this sounds like you/your bag/up your comedy street, and you want to be considered to participate in the workshop, we’d love to see some examples of your work! Ideally, this should be material that shows a keen understanding of character and an irrepressible urge to be funny - and original. (We will NOT be accepting full-length screenplays).
The deadline for submission is 16th June 2023.
We will let you know if you are successful and if we would like to invite you to join the workshop by 24th June. The workshop will take place in London on Wednesday 12th July. Due to the high number of applications anticipated, if your application is unsuccessful, we will be unable to give individual feedback on submissions. Please note, we will only be accepting one application per writer to this Google form.
Complete your application here.
If you have any access requirements to submit your application or have any other questions, please email nasreen.hajat@itv.com.
Please read our Privacy Notice for more information about how ITV uses personal data. Please note by submitting your application, you are consenting to the processing of your personal information in accordance with that Privacy Notice.
FAQs
1. What is the Comedy Writers Initiative?
ITV will be inviting up to 8 writers to join us for a day’s workshop in London to meet comedy writers and understand the process of team writing for comedy. Following this, a brief will be given to write some comedy scenes. For this initiative, we are particularly interested in hearing from writers who are currently underrepresented in the comedy industry, including those who are People of Colour and/or those who are Deaf, Disabled and/or neurodivergent.
2. If I am invited to join the Comedy workshop, what is expected of me?
We will ask the 8 writers to deliver some comedy scenes after the workshop within a fixed time frame.
3. Will I get paid if I join the Comedy workshop?
Yes, each writer will receive a payment of £750 to attend the workshop, to write some comedy scenes, and to complete a set of revisions. The payment will be made on completion of the comedy scenes in accordance with ITV standard payment terms.
4. When is the Comedy workshop?
The Comedy workshop takes place on Weds 12th July in London. If you are selected, you MUST be available to attend the workshop in person.
5. Once I have written my scenes after the Comedy workshop, what happens next?
If we like your scenes and we use them in any comedy series, we will give you ‘additional writing by’ credit and receive an additional fee.
6. What if you don’t like the scenes that I have delivered?
If they are not right for us, we won’t use them but you will receive feedback on the work.
7. Why is this initiative being targeted to underrepresented groups?
We want to work with voices we haven’t heard from before and particularly welcome applications from People of Colour and/or those who are Deaf, Disabled and/or neurodivergent. In the latest Diamond 5th Cut report, Black talent represented only 3.7% contributions in the comedy industry and Asians just 3.1%.
8. What do I have to do to apply?
You can apply via this google form.
9. What do I need to submit with my application?
To consider your application, we are asking for one writing sample in any form - sketches, scenes, stand up material etc. but we are only asking for a short submission. Ten pages maximum. We also are asking for a ‘creative’ CV or you can tell us why you would like to be part of this initiative.
10. What is the deadline for the application?
The deadline is 16th June 2023.