Online

COMEDY WRITING MA

Duration: 2 years Mode of study:Online, part-time Direct line: 01223 447713

Do you want to push the boundaries of comedy writing to its limits? Are you on a mission to interrogate big ideas like sex, politics, religion and family through comedy? Or do you just want to write a show that’s unashamedly stupid? Whether your preferred comedy genre is sitcom, comedy drama or sketch shows, the world is in a state right now and we all need a laugh. And crucially, it’s your unique and hilarious interpretation of the world that’s required.

We want to equip new and emergent comedy writers with the skills, tools and industry-focus which will push their projects to the top of the commissioning editor's pile and see their scripts green-lit. This course has been developed by award-winning comedy producer and executive producer Simon Nicholls. Simon has 20 years' comedy industry experience, developing and selling comedies in the UK and US. You’ll study the work of renowned writers and directors, reflect on professional trends and learn how to seize market opportunities. You’ll develop a comedy scriptwriting portfolio which will act as a calling card with which to approach comedy producers, comedy commissioners and get agent representation.

Why Falmouth Flexible?

□ Learn how to write comedy sketches, sitcoms, comedy dramas and develop a body of work for multiple platforms including radio, TV, film and online □ Develop a comedy writing portfolio consisting of scripts, treatments, synopses and your responses to professional comedy briefs which can be used as a calling card to gain agent representation and to present to commissioning editors □ Structure your working practice as a comedy writer, plotting your day, dealing with writers’ block, working to tight deadlines while remaining funny □ Understand the role of a commissioner, the criteria by which they assess new writing and what it takes to get your project green-lit

Assessments

Written assignments (no examinations) Combination of visual, verbal and written works, tailored specifically to each module

Entry requirements

We welcome applications from those with an honours degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification, and proof of proficiency in English (minimum overall score of IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in reading, writing, speaking and listening). You’ll need to submit up to five pages of a comedy script for either radio, TV or film, as well a 300- word piece of writing considering an old sitcom, which is no longer running. The piece of writing should clearly tell us why you've picked this show for reinvention now, describing how you'll modernise and reinvent the show to be a relevant must-watch for today's audience. You should give consideration as to who will star in this production, and your vision for the show to apply.