There’s a popular myth in TV that commissioners are there to say “No”. In the space of an hour, Gregor Sharp comprehensively debunks this and explains why he feels the BBC could be the perfect home for your next comedy project.
He expands on the joys of commissioning and the optimism it entails. Every day and every pitch is approached with the hope that it could be the start of something great. He explains the hallmarks of a good pitch from succinctness to the demonstrably “unique voice and attitude of the comedy” in every document, not just the script.
Given the current situation, the potential impact of Covid-19 on the industry cannot be avoided but Gregor enthuses that, if anything, it has reaffirmed the importance of projects with potential for returning commissions and repeat viewings.
About Gregor Sharp
Gregor Sharp is the longest-serving member of the BBC’s comedy commissioning team and is the commissioning exec for titles including Famalam, This Country and Inside No. 9. Before joining the team, he was a freelance writer, director, and producer, working across the BBC and the indie sector.
About this event
This is a recording of an event that took place on Monday 6 July, 2020. It was supported by the ScreenSkills Television Skills Fund which invests in training for the freelance television workforce thanks to contributions from the BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
The session was chaired by Emily Allen, development producer, BBC.
It is part of a ScreenSkills programme managed by the Indie Training Fund to support freelancers to upskill and stay connected, helping keep the industry resilient during the coronavirus crisis.
Learn about careers in film and TV
If you’re interested in a career in scripted comedy or commissioning, find out more with the ScreenSkills’ film and TV drama job profiles.