Meet the Commissioner (Scripted): Sarah Asante, Commissioning Editor, Scripted Comedy, UKTV

In this event host Janet Awe, Development Consultant at Merman, will be in conversation with Sarah Asante, Commissioning Editor Scripted Comedy at UKTV, discussing the current landscape of scripted comedy in TV, her thoughts on what makes a great show and sharing insights on how to get a project commissioned.

Sarah's recent commissions include sketch show FAMALAM and comedy pilots Behind the Filter, written by Phoebe Walsh, and Dreaming Whilst Black, written by Adjani Salmon.

Sarah Asante joined UKTV as Commissioning Editor in April this year to drive the multi-channel broadcaster's scripted comedy ambitions. She is responsible for seeking out, developing, commissioning and executive producing brand-new scripted comedy shows for both Dave and Gold.

Sarah joined from the BBC and has more than 16 years’ experience working in commissioning. She started in the public service broadcaster's comedy team as a Development and Digital Content Editor in 2015 and was later promoted to Commissioning Editor in 2018 - providing editorial oversight on a slate delivering short form series and long form sketch and sitcom ideas for BBC Two and Three. Sarah's recent commissions include cult hit sketch show FAMALAM and comedy pilots Behind the Filter, written by Phoebe Walsh, and Dreaming Whilst Black, written by Adjani Salmon.

Before joining the BBC, Sarah spent over a decade working in commissioning teams across Factual and Entertainment at Fox International Channels, Scripps Networks, ITV and Channel 4

Host

Janet Awe helps broadcasters, production companies and writers develop and produce their original TV shows and films, particularly specialising in comedy. Her screenwriting background gives her a real affinity with writers, and she really loves helping them blossom alongside their scripts. Her passion for championing emerging talent, led her to set up a new writer and producer initiative when she worked in Sky’s comedy team. The resulting comedy drama commission gave 20 people their first TV credit in that role. After freelancing as a development producer and script editor for the last three years – working with some great writers – Janet is delighted to have recently joined the brilliant team at Merman as a development consultant.

Event Schedule

17:55: Please join the webinar waiting room

18:00: Janet Awe in conversation with Sarah Asante

18:45: Audience Q&A

19:00: Finish

How will the online event work?

This event will be live streamed via Zoom.us. Viewing details will be sent via your confirmation.

Attending participants will not be visible to others and will be muted throughout the session. After the talk, there will be an opportunity for audience members to ask their questions to the panel by using the Q&A feature.

This event is for existing WFTV members only.

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