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Laurence Marks Comedy Writing Masterclass

  • Opening soon
  • Applications open
  • Judging underway
  • Shortlist announced
  • Winners announced

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Set by:
IdeasTap

What you win

Twenty IdeasTap members will win a two-day sitcom writing workshop with TV comedy legend, Laurence Marks.

Judging

IdeasTap

Description

Do you want to learn how to write for television? Do you want to earn a living from making people laugh? Do you have a brilliant idea but nowhere to take it?

Whether you’re currently developing a project and need some inspiration, or are a journalist or stand-up keen to give TV writing a go, we’re offering you a TV comedy masterclass with one of Britain’s most successful comedy screenwriters: the indefatigable Laurence Marks.

The man behind comedy behemoths like Goodnight Sweetheart and the recently resuscitated Birds of a Feather will be sharing his insider knowledge on breaking into the industry and how to write a successful script, in particular focusing on character and plot structure.

The masterclass costs just £50 and will take place at a London venue  on 22 and 23 November 2014. We’re offering 20 places for our best, most ambitious writers.

Previous participant, IdeasTap member Sarah Page, said:

“I learned how to generate sitcom ideas, create engaging characters, structure a pilot, terrify Members of Parliament and the best way to take a nap in an Estonian lap dancing club. Laurence is a legend in the television comedy writing industry and I really appreciated the opportunity to pick his brains and get some insider, professional advice. We spent two days sharing ideas on what we found funny, which will hopefully inspire our own comedy writing.”

The judges are looking for writers who have an idea for a comedy script and want help to develop this further. You need not have had your work made, but must have a strong idea. You might have skills in journalism, scriptwriting, fiction writing, or stand-up comedy. This weekend will give you a chance to sharpen up your idea, and give you tips and hints about how to improve it.

Having problems applying? Please read our quick troubleshooting guide before contacting us or leaving a comment – or for more information, visit our help centre.  

This brief closes on Monday 10 November 2014 at 5pm BST and is open to IdeasTap members aged 18 and over. Late entries will not be accepted under any circumstances, including technical issues – so make sure you don’t leave your application to the last minute.

Image used under Creative Commons from Sham Hardy.

How to apply

Comments

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  • Does your piece of work need to be published for your application to be considered or can it be set to private?

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    Shapour , Playwright , 06/11/14 , 372 AP

    5a907c4b-9373-46e2-8cef-a3db0172993a

    • It can be set to private if you like. The judges will always be able to see the work in your portfolio, no matter what your privacy settings.

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      Joe IdeasTap , Writer , 10/11/14 , 8,367 AP

      2c9e726f-8bc9-4b31-821c-a3df00c80e67

  • Hiya, accidentally sent the wrong link in my first sub - have sent an 'amended submission', could you ignore / dump the first please? Many thanks, Vicky

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    Victoria Taylor Roberts , Writer , 04/11/14 , 762 AP

    1e86c735-925c-449e-86c8-a3d900b76781

  • Min/max page limits on 'extracts'/supporting material?

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    Claire MJ , Writer , 02/11/14 , 39 AP

    7daf5031-b696-4d42-8a80-a3d70160801b

    • It's up to you in terms of how far you are with progressing your sitcom idea, or what other writing you have done. If you have say 10 pages of this idea written up, or another script, ti would be helpful to see. Thanks!

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      The IdeasTap Team , Editor , 05/11/14 , 12,193 AP

      2113e293-b41f-4fa7-82b9-a3da00994352

  • hello, I'd like to know too - can I enter this with a writing partner?

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    redjamyellowjam , Writer , 23/10/14 , 263 AP

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  • Are we allowed to submit more than one idea or is it just one per writer? Thank you :)

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    Amanda Richardson , Scriptwriter , 20/10/14 , 969 AP

    7c14290c-0da6-4587-a1a5-a3ca017f9166

    • You can apply more than once - please submit a separate pitch if you do.

      avatar

      The IdeasTap Team , Editor , 21/10/14 , 12,193 AP

      c0227fc6-b5a9-41ae-b1c0-a3cb00e89137

  • Every time I try and submit it tells me I am over the 100 word limit, which I am not. I've tried different browsers and computers and am still having no luck. Any advice?

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    danhooper86 , Comedian , 20/10/14 , 525 AP

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    • Hi Dan, our word counter counts characters slightly differently to some other software (e.g. Microsoft Word), however there is still a little bit of leeway. We can't find a technical bug so we'd suggest cutting down your pitch but another word or two and submitting that. Thanks

      avatar

      The IdeasTap Team , Editor , 05/11/14 , 12,193 AP

      460a40fb-9e39-4215-8f80-a3da0098feb6

  • I am want to apply, but how do I: Provide a link to a set in your IdeasTap portfolio containing an extract of your comedy writing and your CV. I don't see a way to attach a pdf of my entire script or do I copy a paste a bit of my script and add it to my portfolio; if so, how long should it be (so many words, etc)?Please advise.

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    Cynthia Garbutt , Scriptwriter , 11/10/14 , 1,154 AP

    e89953a8-8130-4487-ac23-a3c1018451a7

    • You can upload a PDF or word doc to your portfolio. Then copy the URL for your portfolio and paste it when requested.

      Thanks!

      avatar

      The IdeasTap Team , Editor , 14/10/14 , 12,193 AP

      b557fd46-275c-496a-89e7-a3c400aeab75

  • Can I enter this with a writing partner?

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    Rachel Goth , Scriptwriter , 25/09/14 , 693 AP

    0309d3d7-b831-4d7c-96b8-a3b100c8d4fb

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