BBC Comedy and the Liverpool Film Office have launched the BBC Comedy Liverpool Script Development project. This initiative is part of the BBC Comedy Script Partnership Project and targets writers and writer-performers from the Liverpool region. The project focuses on character-led sitcom ideas reflecting the humour and communities of the city.
The scheme is funded by BBC Comedy and the Liverpool Film Office through the LCR Production Fund. Applicants must submit original 30-minute comedy concepts. The deadline for these submissions is Monday 9 November. Five projects will be selected for development by the end of October 2026.
The selected teams must deliver final script drafts by the end of March 2027. At least one of the five projects will receive additional tailored support. This support includes the possible commissioning of a second script, a table read, or the production of a short film or taster tape.
Emma Lawson, Interim Director of BBC Comedy, and Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, are overseeing the partnership. The project follows the BBC Comedy Festival held in Liverpool in May. The LCR Production Fund provides the financial backing for the Liverpool Film Office portion of the partnership.