NBC Launches Comedy Initiative

PASADENA: NBC has embarked on a grassroots initiative in an effort to discover fresh comedic voices, with an advisory board that features A-list talent such as Aziz Ansari, Jason Bateman, Mindy Kaling and Amy Poehler.

Dubbed NBC Comedy Playground, the initiative is designed to invest in new cutting-edge comedy through a national campaign that offers aspiring comedy writers from across the country the opportunity to take their concepts from pitch to broadcast. Beginning May 1, aspiring comedy writers are asked to submit their ideas to be considered for both digital and network comedy shows.

Up to ten finalists will be chosen by the NBC Selection Panel, and NBC will provide funding for each finalist to produce a full pilot presentation based on the original pitch. Two winners will be selected by the all-star comedy advisory board, in consultation with NBC. Each of the winners will have their show broadcast on NBC. The remaining finalist presentations that aren't selected will be posted to the NBC Comedy Playground website, where the public will vote for their favorites; the one receiving the most votes will then be developed as a digital show.

"We are taking a bold, alternative approach in what we hope will uncover original comedy minds who are looking for a way to get into the television business," said Jennifer Salke, the president of NBC Entertainment. "We love that an incredible A-list roster of producers, writers and performers have jumped in to help us find that untapped talent."