Want to kickstart a career in comedy?

Paper Owl Films is on the lookout for 10 of the funniest young people in Ireland today.

In partnership with BLOC TG4, as part of the Glúin Nua mentorship scheme, Na 2020s is a new comedy initiative unlike any other.

The scheme offers 10 rising stars in their 20s a range of training and experience, including mentoring from high profile guest speakers from the world of comedy and entertainment. Workshops, writers' rooms and production labs will take 10 talented comics right through the comedy production process, with the funniest sketches and content going into full production for broadcast on BLOC TG4’s social platforms and the TG4 player.

BLOC is TG4’s youth brand showcasing some of the best original content made by young people for young people and is available on Instagram, YouTube, Tik Tok and Twitter.

Each week there will be a Q&A with various inspirational and motivational guest speakers. These will include people who have been recognised on a national and international stage for their writing, directing and performing abilities. They will chart their careers plus give insights into the industry by sharing the highs and lows.

Unlike other schemes, the application process will accept various demonstrations of contemporary comedic and performance abilities, including Tik Tok videos, short monologues, short sketches recorded on phone, short scripts, memes and tweets.

Producer/director Siobhán Ní Chiobháin said: “As the seanfhocail goes, ‘Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí’ (praise the young and they will flourish). This scheme aims to inspire and lift up young Irish speaking comedic talent to a level where they are confident in their abilities and their unique voice and that that they too are capable of national and international success.”

TG4 commissioning editor Laura Ní Cheallaigh added: ‘TG4 is always keen to provide opportunities to new generations of storytellers and content creators, and this new and exciting scheme is what we are all about – bold and creative ideas, new talent, fresh perspectives, contemporary content and having a laugh!”

This scheme gives up and coming talent in their 20s a platform to create content in the 2020s. This diverse range of people will bridge the gap between their natural ability, professional execution, and national exposure. They will be creating content for their peers.

Na 2020s will continue to expand on TG4’s ‘Súil Eile’ approach, using comedy to view and analyse Irish society and Irish language culture in a contemporary, distinctive and alternative way.

Applications are open now and close on October 8. Click on to https://tinyurl.com/488cbev4 to apply.