Previous winners have gone on to secure agents, land script commissions and make TV series

The BBC Comedy Collective bursary scheme opens for applications on 13 January, for mid-level creatives looking to further their careers in scripted comedy.

Now in its third year, the bursary scheme offers 10 places, and is open to writers, producers, directors and editors – although this year the organisers would like to see more submissions from writer/performers.

Each bursary winner will receive up to £10,000 worth of paid shadowing on a BBC Comedy production, along with an allocated production mentor, plus a £5,000 development grant to put towards the individual’s development at the end of the placement. They will also have a dedicated point of contact within the BBC Comedy Commissioning team, and access to the Collective ambassadors

In addition to their shadowing opportunities, the 2024 delegates attended the BBC Comedy Festival, the Belfast Media Festival, an Editing for Comedy session with Gareth Heal, a Producing the Comedy session with Ash Atalla and an event celebrating the work of Galton & Simpson, Caroline Aherne and Felix Dexter, with a panel discussion with Sophie Willan, Mo Gilligan and Tom Walker.

Other events planned for the 2024 cohort include a Directing Comedy session with Gavin & Stacey’s Christine Gernon, and a round table with Stephen Merchant.

Previous bursary winners and delegates have gone on going on to make TV series, land multiple script commissions, secure agents, write and produce radio shows, and gain directing credits.

Jon Petrie, director of comedy at the BBC, said: “The BBC Comedy Collective offers an incredible opportunity for some of the most exciting comedic talents – both on-screen and behind the scenes – to become an integral part of the comedy production community. We’re excited to kick off our search for the 2025 cohort.”

More information on the scheme and how to apply will be available via the BBC Commissioning website; the submissions window closes on 31 January 2025.