BBC Comedy Collective

Deadlines & fees

Dates and fees checked against the official site 9 Aug 2026.

Key facts

Formats

TV Pilot

Eligibility

UK residents18+

Open to

United Kingdom, Ireland

Required materials

A personal statement of up to 500 words · For writers, a minimum of 20 pages of script with a logline on the title page; narrative comedy is encouraged over sketches or multiple extracts · A declaration of any prior development through an agent, production company or training scheme · Submitted through the BBC Writers e-Subs system, in English with subtitles where needed

Open to anyone 18 or over based in the UK or the Republic of Ireland, with at least one professional credit in writing, producing, directing or editing; credits may come from any genre or platform, so theatre, radio, podcasts, commercials, stand-up and music videos all count. A strong commitment to comedy is required. Writers submit a minimum of 20 pages of script with a logline on the title page, and the BBC encourages narrative comedy over sketches or multiple extracts. Writers and directors may apply as a duo; producers and editors apply individually. One application per person and one role only, though reapplication in later years is welcomed. Materials that have undergone development through an agent, production company or training scheme must be declared. Not accepted: novels or prose, adaptations of another writer's idea, poetry, under-18s, ideas or outlines without completed material, multiple role submissions, and infringing work. Right to work is not addressed anywhere, which is a gap given this is paid work.

Prizes

Up to 10,000 pounds of paid shadowing on a BBC comedy production, which is a ceiling rather than a guarantee, plus a 5,000 pound development grant to invest in creating new material or further professional growth. Expenses are paid to attend up to three BBC Comedy events including the Comedy Festival. Payment schedule and tax treatment are not published, and travel and accommodation are named as covered only in the BBC's trade-press-quoted launch statement rather than on any BBC-hosted page. THE RIGHTS CLAUSE IS THE THING TO READ, and it is broader than usually reported. In consideration of the bursary fee, the entrant grants the BBC an exclusive first option over the material samples AND any further materials created as a result of the bursary fee, for 18 months from the date of selection, to undertake further development work subject to a separate agreement. During that option period the entrant undertakes not to grant any rights in those materials to any third party, which is exclusivity rather than merely a first look. The BBC is not bound to exercise the option and has no liability if it does not. Copyright itself stays with the entrant. One drafting ambiguity worth noting: the clause reads as binding every entrant on submission, yet both the consideration and the 18-month clock key off selection, so on its face it bites only on the ten selected.

Judging

A three-stage process: external professional script readers assess stages one and two, the BBC Comedy Commissioning and Nations commissioning teams shortlist, and interviews are conducted by members of the BBC Comedy team, Nations Commissioning teams and the Creative Diversity team. No individual selectors are named. Scheme ambassadors include Ash Atalla for producers, Christine Gernon for directors, Gareth Heal for editors, and representatives of the Galton and Simpson, Felix Dexter and Caroline Aherne estates. No feedback policy is published either way. Applicants must be available for possible interviews, required events and publicity, and the BBC Comedy Festival in May 2027.

Frequently asked questions