The NFTS is launching the UK’s first industry recognised comedy course.
The exciting new 18 month part-time NFTS Diploma in Writing and Producing Comedy will be run in partnership with Channel 4 and its advisory board includes Sam Bain (Peep Show, Fresh Meat, Rev), Graham Linehan (Father Ted, IT Crowd), Caroline Norris (Horrible Histories, The Armstrong & Miller Show, Dead Ringers), John O’Farrell (Spitting Image, Have I Got News For You, Novelist) and many others.
Students will develop all forms of scripted comedy including, sketch shows, sitcoms and comedy dramas taught by NFTS writing and producing tutors supported by guest sessions from the people responsible for some of the UK’s most iconic UK shows. It will combine both theory and practice.
Channel 4 will provide facilities for teaching sessions at their London HQ and C4 commissioners will review material produced by the participants as well as deliver workshops and masterclasses.
Phil Clarke, Head of Comedy at Channel 4 said: “Producing comedy is a serious business. Inherent comic talent is important, however, acquiring the craft of making comedy is the only way to sustain a career. Channel 4 has a long tradition of engaging with, and encouraging, new talent but the more experience you can gain when starting out, the better. If you are considering a career in comedy, then the NFTS is a fast track for acquiring those career sustaining skills.”
The award-winning comedy duo Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong have co-written two films (Four Lions, Magicians), six hit TV shows including Peep Show and Fresh Meat and the Radio 4 show That Mitchell and Webb Sound.
Sam Bain, who has been a course adviser since it was first proposed by the NFTS, said: “Jesse and I met on a creative writing course - they're a great way to learn your trade. A course provides deadlines and feedback - the bread and water of a writer's life. And there's always the chance you'll meet the writing partner of your dreams. Keep a dozen roses in your in your carrier bag on the off-chance."
Applications are now open for the NFTS Comedy Course that starts in January 2014. Applicants must be able to: demonstrate a knowledge of television/film; provide details of past achievements; demonstrate a clear focus for their future ambitions; and, crucially, show one or more examples of material that demonstrates comedy capabilities.
However, the NFTS Director, Nik Powell said: “The main entrance requirement is that applicants must be funny and have a passion for comedy.”
He added: “People often question whether comedy can be taught. We take the view that a sense of humour is innate but being able to write comedy for film or television is a skill that is honed through practice. That’s why we’ve got some of the UK’s best comedy writers on board - like Sam Bain and Graham Linehan - to advise on this course and be guest tutors.”
The course costs £7,000, is part-time over 18 months and applications need to be submitted by October 3, 2013. To apply for this course, visit the course page or contact the NFTS Registry by email info@nfts.co.uk
