misfit
Monday 2nd November 2015 6:56pm
45 posts
Quote: Perky @ 27th October 2015, 7:13 AM GMT
Request for Help
I'm writing an MA about comedy.
Research Question;
"Our TV screens are filled with various types reality TV What has been the response of the TV comedy writer and producer" ?
One of the points would like to make is that thee aren't very many Sketch shows on any more ? Does any one have any idea hay this is ? It can't be just reality TV shows! I'm looking for an ideas and quote.
Many Thanks
I think as they are hit and miss TV producers are not taking a chance on them especially after Watson and Oliver did not do well.
I listen to Sketcharama on Radio 4 when it is on and it is clear that sketch comedy is in wild abundance on the radio. There was one group whose sketch included a burglary and at the end the girl said How was your burglary today? Was it a .......... Hilarious. I just wish I could remember all the names but if you like new sketch comedy this is the radio programme to listen to I would say.
One troupe who should have had their own BBC2 show by now are the Penny Dreadfuls with Humphrey Ker, David Reed and Thom Tuck. Hilarious. I laugh out loud to everything they do.
Also surprised John Finnemore has not been tasked with writing something as the man is so talented he can turn his hand to anything. Serious two handers, sketch comedy and sit coms. He can write anything well.
I have also been listening to The Pin on Radio 4 and only singling these out as they are on the radio now.
Quote: sootyj @ 27th October 2015, 8:38 AM GMT
Perky I'm working on a reality TV show about a guy who gets a job at McDonalds because he crowdsourced the research for his MA.
But a few answers.
1 More expensive, they require multiple sets most sitcoms only need a couple. Also improvements in technology make it easier to film outside.
2 You're on the wrong track. It's not reality shows that killed sketch shows, it's panel shows. One set, one writer (for the host) filmed in a studio, cheap as chips and about as funny.
3 The format was looking dated. It's hey day was in the 1970s-80s there's only so many sketch shows jokes you can come up with.
4 It's alive and well on radio 4.
I disagree it is dated but do agree it is alive and well on radio 4. Good sketch comedy is excellent.
Live at the Electric gave Wit Tank, poor name for such a good group, and Jigsaw an outing but I have heard very little from these since.
I am sure if the Penny Dreadfuls, Wit Tank or Jigsaw were given their own show they could make it work but they need to be given the chance first.
TV needs to listen to the radio as radio have had great sketch comedy and sit coms such as The Castle and Cabin Pressure.