BBC and Expectation return to regional partnership comedy scheme
BBC Comedy is embarking on a second scheme with Creative Wales and Expectation to support a slate of original comedy projects.
Expectation will work alongside Sixteen Media, a Wales-based indie, to co-develop the raft of titles, thus strengthening a local pipeline of talent and supporting Welsh production companies.
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.
Nerys Evans, creative director of scripted at Expectation, said: “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, added: “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.”
BBC director of comedy Jon Petrie remarked: “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 [the inaugural scheme was in the north east in 2022], and excited to see what brilliant talent and projects the Welsh partnership will bring.”
The 2024 BBC Comedy Festival will take place in Glasgow, with similar opportunities being created for Scottish production companies.
