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Updated: UK Broadcasters and Vision+Media to host Comedy Conference

The Comedy Conference in Salford on Wednesday 12th October 2011 marks the first time that the four broadcasters – BBC, Channel4, ITV and SKY - have collaborated to establish a conference for UK Producers. Supported by Vision+Media, the event consists of five strong sessions that will inform the comedy community of the broadcasters strategic plans and aims to open a debate on how we can maximise opportunities for new content and developing production talent.
 
Sessions include a commissioner’s panel made up of Cheryl Taylor (BBC), Shane Allen (C4), Claire Zolkwer (ITV) and Lucy Lumsden (Sky) chaired by John Bishop, Danny Cohen (BBC) interviewing Jimmy Mulville (Hat Trick), a discussion on monetizing content chaired by Saurabh Kakkar (ITV) and featuring Henry Normal (Baby Cow), a debate on how to grow producers of the future chaired by Peter Salmon (BBC), plus a panel including Ben Cavey (Tiger Aspect), Nerys Evans (C4) and Mark Freeland (BBC), and a session about what makes successful TV comedy featuring Damon Beesley (Bwark), Ash Atalla (Rough Cut), Kenton Allen (Big Talk) and James Corden.
 
Since the press release announced the event we have been inundated with requests for delegate places. The free event is now over-subscribed with a significant waiting list of hopeful attendees. At this stage although you can join the waiting list it is unlikely there will be available places.
 
All four broadcasters and Vision+Media are looking forward to the day that promises to be an exciting and unique event.

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Published 4th August 2011

The BBC, Channel 4, ITV and Sky have today announced they will be working with Vision+Media to host a pan-industry Comedy Conference in Salford, Manchester.  The event will take place on Wednesday October 12, 2011 at The Lowry, Salford Quays which is home to the new media hub of the North, MediaCityUK.

The free event will be open to all comedy producers across the UK and will seek to offer lively debates and insightful sessions around the issues affecting broadcast comedy.

The running order of the day is yet to be finalised but it is envisaged that the day will be packed with sessions led by various faces from the comedy world, both on and off screen, as well as commissioners and media critics.  

Maureen Walker, Sector Lead, Broadcast, Vision+Media said “we are delighted to support the bringing together of key commissioners, Indies and regional talent in this north west based conference.” 

Cheryl Taylor, BBC Controller of Comedy Commissioning said:  “This is a brilliant opportunity for the box-fresh MediaCityUK to play host to what promises to be an informative and entertaining gathering of the Comedy Community.”

Elaine Bedell, ITV Director of Entertainment and Comedy, said: “As we build on the success of Benidorm at ITV and extend our comedy output, it will be a great opportunity to discuss the issues and our aspirations with the comedy community.”

Lucy Lumsden, Head of Comedy, Sky, added: "With Sky's huge investment in comedy this exciting event provides a great opportunity to share our vision across all the channels for the next few years."

C4’s Head of Comedy, Shane Allen said: “Discovering and nurturing new talent on and off screen is an incredibly important part of what C4’s comedy does. We’re acutely aware that up and coming comedy producers need huge support from broadcasters so it’s in all our interests to aid the next generation. It's a boom time for comedy and this conference will be a brilliant opportunity to come together and discuss the future and focus on the challenges we face.”

“Some of the greatest comedy and comedic talent, past and present, come from across the North of England,” added Peter Salmon, Director, BBC North.  “This conference underlines our commitment to supporting emerging and forging new relationships.”

To register you interest in the conference please email:

ComedyConferenceAdmin@BBC.co.uk