Getting would-be comedy writers to become train drivers is probably the best idea you've ever had. It would turn Britain around over night.
Where to send sitcom script Page 3
There is no such thing as would be comedy writers... there are people who write comedy. It's not complicated. You want to earn a living from it is a different matter and f**k all to do with art. I think it was Socrates who said that but he never was hired at forty five million or whatever to play for Arsenal.
Quote: Marc P @ September 2 2013, 7:38 PM BSTThere is no such thing as would be comedy writers... there are people who write comedy. It's not complicated. You want to earn a living from it is a different matter and f**k all to do with art. I think it was Socrates who said that but he never was hired at forty five million or whatever to play for Arsenal.
Socrates the Brazilian international, Marc?
I have respectfully to disagree with Godot. In my experience, everyone is looking to discover the next big writer of the next big hit, because having hits makes a reputation. Whether or not they have the instinct to recognise the next big hit is something else.
If I have to explain a joke Micheal.... 
People nowadays also are just looking to keep their jobs more than it used to be pre John Birt who had nice suits. So it's a bit of both. The majority of broadcasting output is not the next big hit and isn't over years and years.. so safe and useless is quite a good position for a lot of non creatives. Things will change though... because there is an equation that over time always works. It has been a shame to see the BBC go... maybe it will come back. Sky seems to be going the way of the US of A and who knows?? As Bob sang.. the times they are a changing.
Quote: Marc P @ September 2 2013, 9:17 PM BSTIf I have to explain a joke Micheal....
People nowadays also are just looking to keep their jobs more than it used to be pre John Birt who had nice suits. So it's a bit of both. The majority of broadcasting output is not the next big hit and isn't over years and years.. so safe and useless is quite a good position for a lot of non creatives. Things will change though... because there is an equation that over time always works. It has been a shame to see the BBC go... maybe it will come back. Sky seems to be going the way of the US of A and who knows?? As Bob sang.. the times they are a changing.
As I sit here waiting for Özul to be confirmed...
I don't think that Shane Allen pitches safe shows, nor Phil Clarke, or that Stuart Murphy commissions safe shows, nor indeed Peter Fincham. I don't think that producers and commissioners I know across the different channels are attracted by safe and useless. I don't know anyone working in comedy as a producer or commissioner who doesn't care passionately about finding and promoting shows which excite them.
Of course, a lot can happen to a script once someone likes it, positively or negatively, because once a script is submitted to someone who sees possibilities in it, they want to mould it, ideally in a way which helps writers deliver their vision, sometimes not. Which means that producer and commissioners may be seen as non-creative by writers, but that's not the way they see themselves. Which is another discussion.
Tony Pulis is a deeply unpleasant man.
Interesting, I suppose it's us uncredited writers snuffling in the outer darkness like hungry jackals, wonder how to get our off the wall scripts noticed.
Quote: sootyj @ September 2 2013, 9:57 PM BSTInteresting, I suppose it's us uncredited writers snuffling in the outer darkness like hungry jackals, wonder how to get our off the wall scripts noticed.
If it's that odd, you prob have to work out some way of presenting it yourself, so people can see it working. Whether that's live/vids/podcast/whatever.
Quote: sootyj @ September 2 2013, 9:57 PM BSTInteresting, I suppose it's us uncredited writers snuffling in the outer darkness like hungry jackals, wonder how to get our off the wall scripts noticed.
I think off-the-wall will never work unless it's a script from an established writer/performer, or a writer with a track record. Better to put a spin on a familiar world - eg family, workplace, odd couple, contrasting friends. Give people a setting which makes them feel safe but with an original treatment. My Family, Outnumbered and Modern Family are all about families but very different shows.
Quote: Micheal Jacob @ September 2 2013, 9:48 PM BSTTony Pulis is a deeply unpleasant man.
I agree TP has a lot to answer for but the dumbing down of light entertainment?
Quote: Micheal Jacob @ September 2 2013, 10:08 PM BSTI think off-the-wall will never work unless it's a script from an established writer/performer, or a writer with a track record. Better to put a spin on a familiar world - eg family, workplace, odd couple, contrasting friends. Give people a setting which makes them feel safe but with an original treatment. My Family, Outnumbered and Modern Family are all about families but very different shows.
Yeah. The weird stuff, often, has come from people doing it live and showing it working and earning their chance; like The Boosh, or Vic & Bob.
Quote: playfull @ September 2 2013, 10:09 PM BSTI agree TP has a lot to answer for but the dumbing down of light entertainment?
Sorry, completely off topic. Dividing my time between comedy and transfer deadline day. Apologies for polluting the thread.
Per adua ad astra.
Quote: sootyj @ September 2 2013, 10:35 PM BSTPer adua ad astra.
Indeed.
or even
viae eius durus transcurrentibus stellis
(apologies used Google translate)
Quote: Micheal Jacob @ September 2 2013, 9:48 PM BSTI don't think that Shane Allen pitches safe shows, nor Phil Clarke, or that Stuart Murphy commissions safe shows, nor indeed Peter Fincham. I don't think that producers and commissioners I know across the different channels are attracted by safe and useless. I don't know anyone working in comedy as a producer or commissioner who doesn't care passionately about finding and promoting shows which excite them.
Of course, a lot can happen to a script once someone likes it, positively or negatively, because once a script is submitted to someone who sees possibilities in it, they want to mould it, ideally in a way which helps writers deliver their vision, sometimes not. Which means that producer and commissioners may be seen as non-creative by writers, but that's not the way they see themselves. Which is another discussion.
Tony Pulis is a deeply unpleasant man.
Oh yes but these are creative people Micheal, I don't just put 'writers' in that category. Television is a collaborative business as you know. I was talking about safe being broadcast content. Look at prime time on saturday night and you will see what I mean. Eleven years plus now of Opportunity knocks but just for singing and come dancing without Angela Rippon but some fading celebs. Seriously... Vanessa Feltz dancing??