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best before 30 — Help Us Make “The Next Best Comedy Series” *
*self proclaimed
Hi, we’re Eleanor and Charlie — two West Midlands girlies edging dangerously close to 30, navigating daily struggles of aging, careers and identity. So naturally… We decided to write a sitcom about it.
best before 30 follows Ettie, a cynical 29-year-old, as she faces careers, relationships, and life pressures while tackling a “30 before 30” list. A sharp, heartfelt comedy about growing up on your own terms and the pressure to meet life’s milestones.
This show is for anyone who’s ever:
- Felt behind while everyone else seems to be smashing life
- Been told “you’ll figure it out” and waited patiently for that to happen
- Wondered if they missed a deadline they didn’t know existed
Why this story?
Coming-of-age stories usually stop in your early 20s. But what about the quiet panic of 29? The pressure and unexplainable grief for versions of yourself you never became. That space is chaotic, funny, and wildly underrepresented — and that’s where best before 30 lives.
Set in present day Birmingham, best before 30 encompasses the messy, mundane and surprising moments in millennial adulthood. Think Fleabag, This Way Up, Chewing Gum — but with a late-bloomer twist.
What we’re making (and why)
This funding is to create a proof of concept pilot episode — a professionally made 25-minute episode that shows exactly what best before 30 is, how it looks, and why it deserves to exist.
This proof of concept will allow us to:
- Showcase the tone, characters, and visual style of the series
- Pitch the project to broadcasters, streamers, and commissioners
- Demonstrate audience interest and industry viability
In short: this pilot is the key that unlocks the next stage of this show’s life.
Where the budget goes
Our £900 budget will go directly toward making this proof of concept to a professional standard, including:
- Location hire
- Equipment hire and production costs
- Food, travel, and logistics during the shoot
We’re proud to say we already have a sponsor on board, which has helped us get this project off the ground — but to deliver a proof of concept that truly does the show justice, we need a bit more support.
Why we need your help
Independent TV doesn’t happen without community. Every donation — whether it’s £5 or £50 — is a vote of confidence that stories like this deserve to exist.
You’re not just helping us raise the standard for this proof of concept; you’re helping us prove there’s an audience for honest, funny, female-led stories.
As a thank you, all named donors will be credited in the final credits of the pilot — your name on screen as someone who helped bring best before 30 one step closer to a full series.
Can’t donate? That’s ok!
If you’re not in a position to donate, supporting us is still incredibly valuable. Simply following and sharing our social media helps more than you know:
Instagram & TikTok: @bestbefore30
Sharing the project, tagging friends, or spreading the word helps us reach new audiences, funders, and future collaborators - and for this we are beyond grateful.
If you’ve ever felt too old, not old enough, behind, lost, or just deeply confused — this show is for you.
Whether you donate, share, or just cheer us on, thank you for backing independent storytelling.
— Eleanor & Charlie
Organizer
