Beryl Vertue season at the BFI

James Burns

James Burns

Throughout February, the British Film Institute on London’s Southbank will be hosting a TV season dedicated to legendary TV producer Beryl Vertue. Vertue is unknown to many people outside the comedy industry, and we are delighted that the BFI are celebrating the behind the camera work that has helped to launch some of the most successful British TV comedies in recent years. The season will be a great opportunity for audiences to explore the highlights of her career – from its early successes to the present day – with a series of screenings and talks.

Having represented the likes of Tony Hancock, Spike Milligan and Alan Simpson, Vertue joined the Stigwood Organisation in 1967 and was responsible for selling British comedies like 'Steptoe and Son' and 'Til Death do us Part' to the US market. She was also one of the first UK producers to form her own production company – Hartwood Films – in the 1980s. Early successes came with a variety of comedy shows, including 'Men Behaving Badly', My Good Friend and more recently, Coupling. She is also currently the Executive Producer of internationally acclaimed drama 'Sherlock.' In 2012 she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Royal Television Society, and the Harvey Lee award for outstanding contribution to broadcasting at The Broadcasting Press Guild Awards.

The season runs throughout February, but at Funny Women towers we are most excited about the fact that the 26th February will see a double bill of comedy highlights, with an in-depth look at some of her best work followed by a discussion with Vertue herself. Come and join us at:

The Comedies of Beryl Vertue – introductions by Simon Nye & Martin Dennis
Featuring: Men Behaving Badly, My Good Friend, Is It Legal?: Big Desk Bob

This event is a screening of three of Vertue’s comedies, chosen herself as particular favourites. The screening will be introduced by Vertue’s frequent collaborators, writer Simon Nye and director Martin Dennis, who will also discuss their experiences of creating the episodes.

Date: Tuesday 26th February 2013
Time: 18:15
Venue: BFI Southbank, NFT2
Tickets: £5 book HERE

Beryl Vertue In Conversation

Event presented in association with BAFTA. Vertue will discuss some of her biggest TV hits, as well as her successful career in selling British television programmes to the US, with Paul Jackson, the former Director of Entertainment & Comedy at ITV and current CEO of Eyeworks.

Tuesday 26th February 2013
BFI Southbank, NFT1 at 20:40
Tickets £5 book HERE

The Beryl Vertue season is taking place throughout February 2013.
For more information, see the BFI website HERE

Check these out

From the Funny Women Team

April Gig Guide

April’s back baby, and we are thrilled to hear it. Refreshed and chocolate-stuffed after the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, you should be in a prime state to enjoy some cracking comedy (promise that’s not an Easter egg pun).

Read More »

BIG Comedy Conference: Review

Funny Women joined in on the fun and knowledge-sharing at the British Comedy Guide’s Big Comedy Conference in London on Saturday 16th of March. By a show of hands, the majority of attendees were writers (and unrepresented ones at that). Also present were producers, directors and even stand up comics like me.

Read More »
Get notified when registration opens

Comedy Shorts Award Entry Requirements

The deadline for registration for the Comedy Shorts Award has passed.

Funny Women NextUp…Comedy Shorts Award

Are you a budding Director? Producer? Screenwriter? Are you collaborating with friends to make a funny video? Then we are looking for YOU!

If you have a short film or sketch that you think is hilarious, then enter your work for our Comedy Shorts Award to be in with a chance of winning some life-changing support and mentoring from comedy professionals.

WHAT KIND OF FILM ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

A 1- 6 minute film that can take the form of anything comical. It’s a great opportunity to show us your creative flair and have fun!

WHO CAN ENTER?

This award is open to all women filmmakers and content developers. The film must be an original narrative created, produced and devised by a woman, or women, although male cast and crew members are allowed.

ARE THERE ANY ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR MY FILM?

Yes – we require all films to be 6 minutes or under, to be entirely original dialogue, to not feature brand logos and most importantly, to only use music with the written consent of the performer and/or publisher either personally or via the PRS system https://www.prsformusic.com/ .

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH MY FILM?

We will broadcast selected entries on our Funny Women YouTube channel and social media (so keep an eye out) and the top 10 finalists’ films will also hosted on a dedicated Funny Women Comedy Shorts Awards page on our website. We will also broadcast the final 3 entries as part of the grand final night.

HOW IS IT JUDGED?

Films are judged for production, concept, delivery/performance, creativity, writing and overall funniness. The top 10 films are then viewed by an independent judging panel of top television and film industry professionals who will choose one overall winner and two runners up. The final three will be invited to attend the grand final in London on the 23rd September.

WHAT CAN I WIN?

2021 Funny Women Awards Prizes

The deadline for registration for the Comedy Shorts Award has passed.

If you need further information please contact us here