Are “blaps” the link between digital and TV comedy?
Channel 4 comedy are opening the 2016 submission window for “Comedy Blaps” from 1st September, but this is more than just another submission window. This represents a shift in the way comedy is developed, and a link to the modern way in which media is consumed.
We have all heard about scientific studies on our ever decreasing attention span, from 1 minute to 10 seconds to 5 seconds. Almost as if we are in a race to see how quickly we can turn something on and turn it off again.
This is amplified in the world of comedy, where we must draw laughter very quickly to avoid our creative efforts being deemed a failure. The online world of choice has altered our approach to consumption of content.
But it has also enabled a new generation of “do it yourself” creators, going beyond a script and being able to demonstrate something closer to a finished product. A generation that can start growing their own audience on digital platforms in the absence of a commissioning budget.
This YouTube clip is a great example of a simple, fairly poorly shot video that brilliantly showcases a character and has built an audience of millions.
So how has this impacted mainstream comedy channels?
Well up until recently it hadn’t. But things are starting to change.
As we no longer have to consume what major TV channels broadcast, the risk to commissioning channels of getting it wrong has increased significantly.
Traditionally production companies and commissioning bodies would film a full pilot episode of a script that they believed had potential, in order to test viability and audience response. This is expensive and filming a full episode of something takes a big commitment. Plus one stand alone episode is often not a very good barometer for how a series will turn out.
Being able to gauge reaction to a series of short clips can be significantly more powerful and reduces the risk for those providing the budget. To borrow an analogy from script editor Andrew Ellard, an architect doesn’t showcase his or her blueprints. They show off a physical prototype or the finished building. So why only show off a script if you can produce clips to visualise your comedy?
We believe the use of short video clips or “comedy Blaps” on Channel 4 are an exciting step towards opening doors to new creators by major commissioning bodies, as they give writers and performers a chance to really show what they can do far more creatively than is possible from a single script submission.
Channel 4 Comedy Blap submission details
The 2016 submission window runs from 1st September to 30th November 2016.
Each Blap commission takes the shape of an online mini-series of three or so films, with each episode being approximately 4mins in length.
Here is a detailed description of what Channel 4 are looking for:
- Blaps are entry level, grassroots series of 3 x 4 minute pieces, for brand new comedy ideas and talent to find their creative feet. We’re looking for ideas that work brilliantly as shorts, but have the scale and potential to develop further and possibly get a full pilot
- Blaps are open to anyone – so as well as taking submissions via production companies, we’re also open to ideas that come in via individuals or talent themselves.
- No more than one entry per person. In terms of bigger production companies, this means one idea per producer. Make sure your submission is your passion piece.
- We need a full treatment that explains and sells the idea, detailing who will be involved on and off screen, and a clear breakdown of what the three separate Blaps will be. One line about an idea with no supporting material won’t be enough to catch our eye in a sea of pitches. Be creative to help stand out from other pitches.
- Additional supporting materials are essential – scripts, links to taster clips, example scenes, show reels, previous work online. The more information you can throw at us to get a sense of your ideas the better.
- We aim to get back to everyone as soon as possible. We are a small team so bear with us. We like to give each submission the time it deserves so sometimes it takes us a while to get back to you. Please understand that we cannot always give personal feedback to everyone.
Fully formed ideas (including short clips, scripts, and links to other relevant content) should be submitted to comedyblaps@channel4.co.uk.
Channel 4 recommend that you take a look at the existing blaps to get an idea for what they are looking for before submitting. You can find and view current comedy Blaps on the C4 website at these addresses:
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/comedy-blaps
http://comedyblaps.channel4.com/#/outsiders1
An example of one of the more successful Blaps is Chewing Gum, that has since been commissioned into a full TV series.
It is also well worth listening to this episode of Sitcom Geeks podcast in which script editor Andrew Ellard talks about working on the Outsiders comedy Blaps.
This is a great opportunity to get your work seen by a commissioning channel and really show what your comedy is about beyond a single script. Best of luck to everyone entering.
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