Heads up, comedy scribes: UK network UKTV has partnered with Female Pilot Club for a new program in search of comedy scripts from women writers that feature leading parts for women over 45. According to the latter’s website, four finalists will have their scripts selected for development by UKTV and Female Pilot Club, and read for an industry audience in London.
“We’re looking for authentic-feeling, relatable, warm, and upbeat stories that reflect modern life in the UK. And although we love a good sci-fi, fantasy, mockumentary, or period comedy, that’s not what we’re looking for this time,” read the guidelines. “Also, as important as these stories are, we’re not looking for scripts about cancer or terminal illness right now.”
Female Pilot Club was founded by “Shaun the Sheep” writer Kay Stonham with the aim of amplifying female voices, and has previously produced sell-out readings of comedy pilot scripts by the likes of actor-writer Arabella Weir (“Two Doors Down,” “Posh Nosh”).
Entrants must submit one pilot episode TV script (35 pages maximum) with a leading character or characters that are women over the age of 45, and a pitch for the series (no longer than one paragraph) including the name/s of the character/s. Entrants must be a resident of — but do not need to have been born in — the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Republic of Ireland.
The deadline for submissions is midnight (GMT) on September 11, 2022.
Head over to Female Pilot Club’s website to apply, and see here for the full terms and conditions.
