Submitting Chorts – 2018

Full submission details and FAQs

Chorts! are 2 minute comedies that show potential to be developed into a series of superb episodes or sketches. You can see them in their full glory on the Chorts channel.

How the submissions work:

Chorts 2018 submission window is now closed, but you can find out what it was all about and how it works below so you are ready for the next one.

All 270+ submissions to the 2018 competition can be seen, liked, loved and laughed at right here

#Chorts2018 sponsored by offering a new BA in Comedy in September 2018.

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What to submit:

All submissions must be in the following format:

• YouTube or Vimeo url link (not private or password protected)
• Videos must be max 2 minutes in length
• Submissions must be in English or subtitled
• Include a description of how your Chort could develop into a series of episodes or sketches
• Include details of your creative team
• Describe who is the target audience for this and how you would engage them (be specific, not just “comedy fans”)

If your submission is selected for the shortlist, we will ask for the original .mp4 video file to upload to the Chorts channel.

During the judging process, all Chorts entries get their own unique page on The Comedy Crowd site where they can be shared, liked, loved and laughed at.

Judging:

Team Comedy Crowd will select a shortlist of 10 Chorts based on those that are best at getting across their humour in 2 minutes, and have greatest potential to be developed further.

The shortlist will be reviewed by our fantastic industry judging panel, and a final 5 will be chosen as the winners.

Prizes:

The 5 winning Chorts will be taken on a unique journey together to help turn the Chort into a series of episodes or sketches. If you already have a series, we will help enhance it, grow your audience, or plan the next stage of development.

We will give expert advice and support with performance, scripting, casting, production, audience building, and raising funds. Plus you will be doing it alongside the other winning creators and learning from each other.

• And Team Comedy Crowd will connect you with the people and skills needed for everything else.

• The winning Chorts will also have their series shown on Comedy Crowd TV later in 2018.

• Plus all shortlisted Chorts will be screened at a special Comedy Crowd event. And be able to boast about being a Chorts finalist of course. Not to mention being seen by our industry judging panel. Lots of very good things.

Want to know more about Chorts? Here’s some FAQs to help you out:

Is this open to anyone anywhere in the world?

Yes. Yes it is.

How do I get my Chort to stand out?

First thing is rather obvious – make it funny. We watch all of them so entertain us. It needs to demonstrate the comedy and character(s) straight away. 2 minutes isn’t long, but if it has 1 minute 45 seconds of build up most people won’t make it that far.

Also give some thought to how you envisage it being a series of short episodes or sketches, and who the target audience is.

Why max 2 minutes?

We’ve spent years working with comedy creators, speaking to producers, and sharing content with fans. It comes down to this:

• Creators – 2 minute videos are very accessible. You don’t need filming and editing expertise. You need a short script, an actor (or animator), and a computer or smart phone. Anyone can do it. In 2 minutes you have the chance to quickly convey who your character is and why they are funny, a vital skill for getting the attention of your audience

• Producers and fans – short attention span. No one wants to watch a long video from someone they don’t know. BUT if people like a short video, they will watch more. If they are only committing to 2 minutes, there is less resistance to watching

I’m a writer and don’t want to get in front of the camera

Performing isn’t for everyone, and there are many examples of highly successful comedy writers who have never been seen on camera. If this is you then fear not. You can now find actors to play your Chort on our Facebook group here

What should I focus on in my Chort?

Comedy is all about the characters, and Chorts makes developing characters the main focus of your time and effort. Producers and commissioners are looking for good comedy characters as a sign of potential, so this is your chance to try them out and let them shine.

Your Chorts should focus on one or two main characters and use the 2 minutes to demonstrate how they interact.

This does not mean you need to film lots of characters to show interaction. Be creative. Even having someone shout off camera, or an interaction told as part of a story helps showcase your main character.

Remember we are looking for something that has potential to be a series of short episodes or sketches, so keep that in mind too.

Is there a limit to the number of Chorts I can submit?

Yes. You can submit one video per Chort idea or character. If you are working on 2 or 3 different characters, then you can submit one Chort video per character / idea.

If I have entered a previous Chorts comp, can I enter again with the same character / idea?

Yes but we would like to see a different video, not the same one entered previously, and this time we are looking for more details about the proposed series and audience alongside the submission.

If you have entered before and not been selected as a finalist, consider how you could improve your character(s) and idea before submitting it again.

Can you give me some help?

Yes. Comedy Crowd members can check out the Comedy Academy links below for info on:

• Creating comedy characters

• Filming and editing

Be sure to also check out the feedback from producer People Just Do Nothing producer Jon Petrie following our recent 2 minute comedy character competition – click here to read it

We can also give some advice. Watch your favourite comedy show before writing, performing, and editing. See how sharp it is, how punchy and strong the comedy is. Your Chort should be aiming to do the same thing. Hit us with the humour and concept straight away.

Do I retain full creative ownership of my content?

Yes absolutely. We are helping you share your comedy in a way that reaches an audience of engaged fans. We have non-exclusive distribution rights so we can share any Chorts submitted to us, but you retain ownership of the content.

Any more questions? Just send us an email to theccteam@thecomedycrowd.com