The second annual COFILMIC festival, showcasing the best in short comedy films, sitcoms and sketches is rapidly approaching. It’s being held once again at Manchester’s Comedy Store and will be taking place on Monday 29 th and Tuesday 30 th of October.
The much anticipated programme of events has now been finalised and there’s plenty for comedy lovers and aspiring writers and filmmakers alike to sink their teeth into, including a range of talks involving expert panellists.
Events include:
Writing and Selling TV Comedy : An exclusive opportunity to hear Jason Cook, local comedian and writer, talk about his amazing experience in writing and selling his first sitcom, Hebburn – due to be aired on BBC2 in October and starring Vic Reeves. He will be in discussion with Matt Tiller from Channel X, who co-produced the show.
The Future of Comedy Feature Films : Some of the freshest new talent in comedy feature films share their views on the current state of the British independent film market and its attitude towards comedy. Featuring clips from British comedy drama Black Pond. The panel will include Andy Riley, writer of Black Books, Little Britain, Hyperdrive and Gnomeo & Juliet and Black Pond writers Will Sharpe and Tom Kingsley.
Local Talent Spotlight : A screening of Photoshopping, directed by local director Mark Davenport and starring Joan Kempson (Early Doors and Coronation Street) and Fern Britton (of morning TV fame), followed by a chance to speak to both Davenport and Kempson in a Q+A session.
Digital Comedy Content – Live Pitch Event! : Six, pre-selected, digital comedy pitches will be presented live to a panel of industry experts. Hear the pitches, and the feedback and see who is selected for a face to face meeting with The Digital Fiction Factory at MediaCityUK. The judging panel will include the likes of Will Saunders, executive producer of BBC Comedy Online.
Sketch writing Competition : The best of Sketch in the City scripts, performed live to a judging panel, including live comedy and an audience vote. The panel includes the likes of Sarah Farrell, director of content at Comedy Central and Catherine Higson, producer of Extras and Life’s Too Short and Derek.
Then, each evening there will be a packed Film Programme showing the best comedy short films, sitcom and web pilots and comedy sketches as well as live comedy acts. The Tuesday night will also feature the COFILMIC awards ceremony where a host of prizes must be won.
Admission for the daytime events is either £3 or free and the evening film programmes are £8 or £6 for concessions. A full festival pass which allows access to all events is also available for £15.
For more information visit the COFILMIC website : here
