The Funny Women Awards 2013 are now open. And as well as looking for the funniest female stand-ups in the UK, the awards are also on the hunt for comedy writing talent.
Now in its third year, the Funny Women Comedy Writing Award aims to shine a spotlight on those whose interest lies in writing rather than performing comedy. As in previous years, the prize includes a £500 script option for a 12-month development period with production company The Comedy Unit - which also includes three weeks' intensive mentoring with a professional script editor.
Last year, Sarah Courtauld’s winning script 'The Slush Pile' was a comedy loosely based on her own experiences working in the publishing industry. Courtauld has gone on to win the BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Initiative and is now a rising star in the comedy writing world.
Inspired? Here's how to enter:
Funny Women is looking for a short synopsis of the idea (maximum one page) along with an entry of 8-15 pages maximum of script for television or visual production. The submission may be of any comedy genre- sitcom, sketch etc., but must feel coherent over a 30-minute audience experience.
Entrants must be registered for the Funny Women Awards in order to enter. However, if you have entered under a performance category, you do not need to register a second time.
As part of Funny Women’s ongoing commitment to new talent, only those who have not previously had a paid script commission are eligible to enter.
Submissions must be sent to awards2013@funnywomen.com with ‘Comedy Writing Award’ in the subject bar. The closing date for submissions is 31st August 2013.
A shortlist of six scripts will be presented to industry judges. Three selected finalists will then be invited to the Funny Women Awards Final on Monday 23rd September at the Leicester Square Theatre, where the winner of the 2013 Award will be announced.
We here at The Huffington Post UK are big advocates of championing women in comedy - which is why we, along with The Comedy Unit, are proud to be associated with this award. Go to the Funny Women website to find out more information - and in the meantime, be inspired by previous winners over the years - including Sarah Courtauld - in our slideshows below: