BBC Comedy is undertaking a second Regional Partnership Scheme in partnership with Creative Wales as part of the BBC Comedy Festival commitment to Wales.
Expectation will work with Sixteen Media, an emerging indie based in Wales, to co-develop a slate of original comedy projects.
The aim of the Regional Partnership Scheme is to strengthen and enhance an indigenous production company, local talent and project development in the region; and to help diversify the production pipeline from Wales, putting more Welsh talent in front of and behind projects on BBC Comedy’s slate.
In addition, BBC Comedy and BBC Wales are also supporting Sixteen Media to house a part time development producer for 12 months to maximise the partnership opportunity and upskill a producer based in Wales.
The job listing will go live on Monday 8 April and close on Monday 22 April. Details on how to apply can be found on the BBC Comedy commissioning website.
Nerys Evans, Creative Director of Scripted at Expectation says: “We’re really excited to be working with Sara Allen at Sixteen Media. Sara is already working with a brilliant array of Welsh Talent. We’re looking forward to collaborating on some exciting developments with her. She has a great eye for comedy and a track record in championing new writers and performers, which is what we love to do at Expectation too.”
Sara Allen, Sixteen Media says: “I am delighted that Sixteen Media has been chosen to be part of the Comedy Regional Partnership and I’m looking forward to working with the brilliant team at Expectation. There is so much comedy talent in Wales and with the help of a Development Producer, I’m eager to see what we can all achieve in the next 12 months and beyond.”
Gerwyn Evans, Deputy Director, Creative Wales, said: “We were so pleased that BBC named Cardiff as its City of Comedy last year and that Creative Wales has been able to support a programme of events and initiatives that have helped to showcase both our wealth of Welsh comic talent and our thriving comedy scene. The news that BBC will be working be with Sixteen Media on developing a slate of original comedy projects is another real boost for the sector here in Wales. We looking forward to seeing and supporting some of the exciting, home grown projects that result from this collaboration and to them further cementing Wales’ reputation as a place where great creative projects are developed and delivered.”
Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC says: “The regional partnership scheme is an important part of BBC Comedy’s commitment to creating pipelines for production companies and supporting more homes for comedy talent across the UK. We’re very proud of the work to date in the North East, and excited to see what brilliant talent and projects the Welsh partnership will bring.”
This follow’s on from the success of the inaugural Regional Partnership Scheme in 2022 which saw BBC Comedy and North East Screen supporting Hat Trick Productions as the established comedy supplier to work with an emerging indie based in the North East of England. Hat Trick selected Hartlepool-based indie, Sea & Sky Pictures, to develop projects and talent, while providing business support and mentorship to help bolster the company. The partnership remains active and is mid-development on a script commission and character development work.
The 2024 BBC Comedy Festival will take place in Glasgow, with similar opportunities being created for Scottish production companies. More details to be announced in due course.
Pippa Considine
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