Film Office backed BBC Comedy project launches to support Liverpool’s next sitcom star writers

Aspiring comedy writers from across the Liverpool City Region are being given the chance to turn their ideas into the next big BBC sitcom thanks to a major new development project launched by BBC Comedy, supported by Liverpool City Council’s Film Office.

The BBC Comedy Liverpool Script Development project aims to uncover, support and develop the most distinctive new comedy voices from the Liverpool City Region, building on the huge success of this year’s BBC Comedy Festival in Liverpool.

Funded in partnership with Liverpool Film Office via the LCR Production Fund, the initiative will commission five 30-minute original comedy script developments with at least one project progressing to further development.

The aim of the project is to have a returning sitcom that captures Liverpool’s unique voice, humour and talent for audiences across the UK.

To be eligible, writers must either be from or currently based in the Liverpool City Region and must apply with the support of a UK-based production company.

The project forms part of the legacy of the BBC Comedy Festival, which brought some of the biggest names in British comedy to Liverpool earlier this year, cementing Liverpool as a hub for creative talent and screen production.

This is just one of the many development initiatives from Liverpool Film Office this year. The team recently launched Action! Next Take, delivered in partnership with Lime Pictures’ L16 Studios Media Academy and Channel 4’s 4Skills, offering placements in post-production, design and accountancy while Foot in the Door Liverpool with the Andy Taylor Foundation will give 12 young people the chance to kickstart their careers in film & TV and digital media in a fully paid training and work placement programme.

Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Cllr Harry Doyle, said: “Liverpool’s wit and humour are famous around the world, but behind every great comedy is a great writer.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring writers to develop their ideas with the support of BBC Comedy and bring authentic Liverpool stories to the screen.

“We’ve got incredible creative talent across our city and I can’t wait to see the ideas that emerge from this project!”

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram, said: “It is inarguable that our sense of humour is recognised right across the country. But we all know that great comedy often starts with talented writers who know how to tell brilliant stories. That’s why it’s so important we’re creating opportunities like this to help local people break into the industry and get their ideas in front of the right people.

“We’ve already shown what this region can do when it comes to film and TV, and we’re investing to make sure even more homegrown talent can build careers right here.”

Emma Lawson, Interim Director of BBC Comedy, said: “Liverpool has long been home to some of the UK’s most distinctive comedy voices. Following the success of this year’s BBC Comedy Festival, we’re delighted to be working with Liverpool Film Office to find funny, original stories that reflect the city and region, with the potential to become the next iconic BBC sitcom.”

So, how do you apply?

Projects must be submitted through a UK-based production company. While companies may be based anywhere in the UK, priority will be given to those based in the Liverpool City Region or with a significant presence in the North West.

· Production companies should have a proven track record in television comedy or be working in partnership with a company that does.

· Applications should include:

– A project pitch (approximately two pages)

– A writer biography

– A sample script or examples of previous work

– A production company overview, including details of the editorial support that will be provided – Applications should be sent to comedynw@bbc.co.uk

– All submissions and contact information will be shared with LCR Production Fund as part of the assessment process.

The submission deadline is Monday 9th November. Five projects will be commissioned for development by the end of November 2026, with successful teams expected to deliver final script drafts by the end of March 2027.