Find Me The Funny

The Programme

Find Me The Funny is a new television series being produced by Wild Rover Productions for BBC Northern Ireland.

American comedy supremo, Kurtis Matthews, has just eight weeks to find and train a group of new Northern Irish stand-up comedians for a show at the Edinburgh Festival 2009. Does he have what it takes? More importantly, does Northern Ireland?

Kurtis Matthews is CEO of the San Francisco Comedy College and has been performing and teaching comedy for 25 years. He has toured with Bill Hicks, Jim Carrey, and Adam Sandler. Local budding comedians will be sourced from all over Northern Ireland, and the final stand-up comedy show will take place at the Edinburgh Festival 2009.

Who Can Apply

Any UK or Irish resident with a direct connection to Northern Ireland who is over 18 can apply. You may have tried your hand at stand-up before, or you may not -but don't worry, Kurtis will provide all the necessary support and training if you can convince him that you've got what it takes. But remember, serious dedication is required - even if you make the initial selection, we cannot guarantee you will make it to the Edinburgh show - if Kurtis decides you're not up to scratch, he can ask you to leave the production at any time.

The Application Process

If you would like to audition for the Programme, you must complete an application form (available online at bbc.co.uk/findmethefunny) making sure that you read the terms and conditions carefully. Application forms will also be available on the day at the audition venues (currently scheduled to take place on 27th June in Derry and 28th June in Belfast). No applications will be accepted after the scheduled audition days are complete. Please note: you are responsible for your own expenses during the entire audition process.

Once you have submitted your application you will be interviewed by a member of the production team who will determine, according to the Terms and Conditions, whether you are eligible for the next stage. If your application is successful, you will be sent an e-mail or letter confirming the date and time of your initial audition (or, if you have come to the audition venue on the audition day, you will be told this in person). You will then be sent or given a detailed questionnaire, which you will need to complete.

Please be aware that your initial audition may only take a few minutes, but it is essential that you come to the audition well prepared and ready to be on camera, knowing why you think you should be selected to take part in the Programme and being prepared to demonstrate this. You need to make yourself available for the entire day.

The Selection Process

Initial auditions are filmed in front of a panel (usually three people, including Kurtis Matthews). Although all panellists may express opinions, Kurtis Matthews' decision will be final. During the auditions you may choose to perform some comedy, which must be no more than three minutes long. You will also be asked questions by the panel about yourself, your ambitions, your life, your past and your hopes for the future. Initial auditions are scheduled to last approximately six minutes, but this will be at the discretion of the panel.

If you are successful in your initial audition you may be called back to take part in a group audition class and/or a final interview. Before these take place you will be required to provide the Company with more detailed information about yourself. If you are chosen to take part in the Programme you will receive confirmation no later than close of business on Thursday the 2nd July. The decision as to which performers are finally selected to take part in the Programme will be made by Kurtis Matthews alone.

Information for Selected Performers

Filming and training dates

Selected performers will be required to make themselves available for filming and stand-up training between Friday 3rd July and Thursday 20th August. Prior to going to Edinburgh, we will endeavour to restrict filming and training to evenings and weekends, but you may on occasion be required at other times - where possible this will be agreed in advance.

Midweek comedy classes

You will be required to attend comedy classes held on mid-week evenings (normally one a week), exact dates and locations will be arranged after the initial selection.

Belfast residential weekends

You will be required to attend five residential training and filming weekends in Belfast. We will provide basic accommodation with shared bathroom facilities. These weekend events will usually commence at 7pm on Friday night and finish at 3pm on Sunday, although exact times may vary.

Edinburgh residential trip

You will be required to be in Edinburgh for a number of days (TBC) between Friday 14th August and Thursday 20th August - exact dates to be confirmed. We will provide basic accommodation with shared bathroom facilities. The final show will be filmed in Edinburgh on Tuesday 18th August 2009.

Filming permission

In taking part in this programme, you agree that we may film you at any time during the production period (including any public performances you may give). You will be required to sign a further contract assigning all rights to the Company.

Expenses

The Company will cover your reasonable travel and accommodation expenses related to your involvement in the Programme. Prior approval from the Production Manager is required for any expenses you think you may need to incur yourself. Please note: where prior approval has not been given the Company may refuse to refund any claim for expenses.

Leaving the production

Kurtis Matthews has the absolute right to ask you to leave the production at ANY stage, if, in his sole judgement, he believes you do not fulfil his criteria for the final event.

Winners

There are no overall winners in this Programme, the aim of the Programme is to encourage all of the Performers who take part. The only prize is in taking part - there is no other prize, although we hope that the Programme will encourage some of the Performers involved to establish a career in comedy.