OPEN GATE COMEDY IS A NEW INDEPENDENT TV PRODUCTION COMPANY AND INITIATIVE
We're dedicated to removing the barriers to producing and working in the world of recorded comedy. We make shows for broadcast, streaming and online and are on the hunt for the best undiscovered talent. We want to work with comedians, directors, performers, producers and writers who are looking to put their ideas on screen.
We will be open to submissions for scripts and ideas for TV shows - either one offs or series and will be publishing details in the coming weeks.
If we like your idea, we will either option your script or offer you a development deal with a view to making and selling your show to a broadcaster or streamer. If we win the commission, we'll make the show with you. You'll receive a credit and a full fee in line with BECTU rates.
We also offer high-end low-cost filming services for comedians looking to record their sets or specials as well as sketch groups who want to film their content. As well as filming we offer video editing including transcription, captioning, subtitles and social media video production.
Aside from TV commissions, releasing a documentary and filming some stand-up specials we have BIG plans.
We’re planning a video hosting & streaming service where acts can monetise and sell their content and have a lot of other exciting things in the pipeline. We’ll be establishing a talent and casting agency for TV & Commercial work as well as representation for voice over and audiobook work. Plus we’ll be creating a new national campaign to find the comedy stars of the future.
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In addition, we’ll be running writing workshops, alongside offering a script reading and feedback service, comedy routine development as well as fringe show direction. Not only that we’ll be offering free career advice for those looking to work behind the scenes in film and TV. We’ll also be providing free tutorials on how to shoot video, record sound, edit footage & mix audio. We’ll be doing gear reviews & equipment recommendations for those who want to record their own content - covering a range of budgets.
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Alongside all this we’ll be working with comedians and performers who are looking to film and release their own independent shows and specials. We aim to be a one stop shop for capturing and creating recorded comedy. Please subscribe to the mailing list for more info and follow our social media channels. Or as they say in the biz WATCH THIS SPACE
WON'T YOU JUST STEAL MY IDEAS?
Absolutely not. We're seeking out the most creative and talented individuals who currently feel overlooked by TV comedy and want to build long lasting creative relationships. Those relationships must be built on trust and respect.
Any ideas we commission will involve the original creator in a fully paid producer role in the development and production process. Besides it wouldn’t do our reputation very good if we went around knicking ideas. Like joke theft - we're very much against it!
WHAT'S THE CATCH?
Even though me might love your script or idea we can't guarantee we can get it on TV. Competition is extremely high, and slots are limited. Like every other production company we're subject to the decisions of commissioning editors. They'll have their own ideas, pet projects and tastes. But we'll certainly give it our best shot. There are always other options to getting things produced and made but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. As we often say, when one gate closes, another one opens. OK, we've never actually said that out loud... but you get the idea.
