Its great when a character takes on a life of their own and surprises you
Its great when a character takes on a life of their own and surprises you
Plotting Page 2
Quote: T.W. @ August 22 2013, 1:31 AM BSTUnless, of course, you find Seinfeld (and Frasier, whilst we're at it) often smug and contrived in the comedy and predictable/trite when it comes to the plotting, in which case... don't.
('Seinfeld' is, of course, possibly the most unjustifiably deified sitcoms ever made.
*Kramer bursts through the door, to once again set-up the "wacky" C-story... "Hey Jerry! I just met a guy who's selling contrived sitcom plots for under ten dollars a piece!"*)
Yes it is 'of course' .... 
Nice to see you back Tim
Quote: T.W. @ August 22 2013, 1:31 AM BSTUnless, of course, you find Seinfeld (and Frasier, whilst we're at it) often smug and contrived in the comedy and predictable/trite when it comes to the plotting, in which case... don't.
('Seinfeld' is, of course, possibly the most unjustifiably deified sitcoms ever made.
*Kramer bursts through the door, to once again set-up the "wacky" C-story... "Hey Jerry! I just met a guy who's selling contrived sitcom plots for under ten dollars a piece!"*)
Obviously if you don't care for them, find some show that you do like and see what they did.
As for Seinfeld itself, I love it; am I wrong to*?! Oh, the doubt... 
*NO 
Quote: T.W. @ August 22 2013, 1:31 AM BSTToo many comedy nerds (and that includes writers/producers) seem to think that you can't write the episode without the plot worked out in advance. This is (imo) misguided and doesn't take into account how really good writing works - i.e. inspiration coming during the process of writing.
I personally wouldn't start without having worked out a roadmap first. This doesn't mean you have to stick to it once you start writing, as obviously other, hopefully better, ideas should naturally occur, but it's nice to have. Forcing yourself to do that because you think that's how a writer has to work is misguided, for sure; you have to find the process that works best for you.
Basically anyone telling you 'This is how you MUST go about writing scripts' is wrong. That's how they must do it, not necessarily how you must do it.
Same here - I start writing with only a vague idea of what might happen, and construct the plot as I rewrite. If you've got good writing software, this is easy. People should write in the way that works for them - there are no set rules.
One idea I find helpful is the idea of the "gap" between action and reaction.
I.e. the main character takes some action (in response to an inciting incident of come kind), but instead of the expected (and boring) reaction something surprising happens. (Basil hires some cheap builders.... to his surprise if not Sybil's they block off the wrong door etc). Then the main character reacts to this "gap". (Basil tries to hide the mistake from his wife, gets O'Reilly over to sort it out) and this then drives the plot as it unwinds.
The difficult part is 1. making sure that the reaction is unexpected and so not boring and 2. making sure that it still flows naturally from the characters and situation (not "Oh look! A unicorn just walked in!")
The trick is to have a good story.
Quote: beaky @ August 22 2013, 9:13 AM BSTSame here - I start writing with only a vague idea of what might happen, and construct the plot as I rewrite.
That's how I do it. Usually building something from a single phrase or line.
Quote: Matthew Stott @ August 22 2013, 9:12 AM BSTBasically anyone telling you 'This is how you MUST go about writing scripts' is wrong. That's how they must do it, not necessarily how you must do it.
These are words of wisdom.
Certain musts are a given. A sitcom isn't performance or installation art. There are structures that have existed since story telling began and are used for a reason. There is craft as well as art in the beast.
Quote: Marc P @ August 22 2013, 1:48 PM BSTCertain musts are a given. A sitcom isn't performance or installation art. There are structures that have existed since story telling began and are used for a reason. There is craft as well as art in the beast.
That's not what I was talking about though, just the process each writer goes through to write. Such as whether you plot it all out before hand, or just get an idea and head straight off into script-writing town.
Quote: Marc P @ August 22 2013, 1:48 PM BSTCertain musts are a given. A sitcom isn't performance or installation art. There are structures that have existed since story telling began and are used for a reason. There is craft as well as art in the beast.
So what are the 'certain musts' in plotting?
Must engage the audience so that they suspend the willing suspension of disbelief and care how it all comes out in the end.
Quote: Matthew Stott @ August 22 2013, 1:51 PM BSTThat's not what I was talking about though, just the process each writer goes through to write. Such as whether you plot it all out before hand, or just get an idea and head straight off into script-writing town.
Yes that is true!
You make it sound so simple 
It is simple. Simple things are hard to do well.
Quote: Marc P @ August 22 2013, 2:03 PM BSTIt is simple. Simple things are hard to do well.
Not entirely true.
Breathing.
Talking.
Making a fool of myself.
All simple things that come naturally to me 