Wanna write a sitcom with Leevil?

I've got to be careful here, I want to make it clear that this is NOT a sitcom writing forum project thing, this is what I want to write and it to be by ME (and maybe a few others) I'm looking for a little help basically.

Okay now I've drawn you in ...

I really do want to write my own sitcom, something I can send off and see how well it does. I'm not desperate to be plucked from obscurity yet (you may leave now if that turns you off) I just want to get something finished, I have never finished a sitcom episode and it's pissing me off.

I'm looking for someone to help me but to those people who are interested and eventual end up working with me, let it be known now - I'm not that easy to work with and I am a very lazy writer, I'm also going to be stubborn with my ideas and direction (you may leave now if that turns you off).

Anyway, my basic idea is that I want to write something which embodies the same type of humour you see in films like Airplane or tv shows like Police Squad, I want to make sure it has my own unique voice though, I want it to be thorough, spewing with jokes. Something that can hopefully be compared to the sheer quality of Arrested Development, which is crammed packed with lots of great, clever gags.

I need someone to help me come up with situations, characters, plots and stuff like that. A plot writer is very important as I'm shiiite at it. I need someone to bounce ideas off, I need someone to discipline me to (oo err).

If you are interested and have any ideas based purely on the fact that all I know is that I want a Police Squad style comedy, please PM me the idea(s) or email them to me and I'll reply and tell you if that's what I'm looking for. My decision will also be based upon the way you present yourself on here (whether I like you or not ) and the sketches you've posted in critique.

Thanks for taking the time to read it (yeah like your time is precious )

email: lee@leevil.co.uk

So, Leevil, it's fair to say you want to write a spoof-style sitcom in an American vein? What kind of ideas have you had so far?

Hmmm.

"come up with situations, characters, plots and stuff like that. A plot writer is very important as I'm shiiite at it."

Isn't that just writing it for you? I have to say I like your style though.

Quote: wayne lewis @ March 24, 2008, 10:30 AM

Hmmm.

"come up with situations, characters, plots and stuff like that. A plot writer is very important as I'm shiiite at it."

Isn't that just writing it for you? I have to say I like your style though.

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Leevil, do you realise that a sitcom doesn't necessarily have to be plot driven? The one going around in my head is entirely plot-free, as this would make it horribly contrived. It relies only on its basic premise (a situation that's awash with naturally occurring humour), plus the characters themselves. There's not a whiff of a plot in sight.

Leevil, would it involve coming and sitting in your bedroom for some 'hard work'? 'Cos I don't wanna do that again.

Never write in the bedroom. It puts you off your stroke.

It is a very good thing that you are getting clearer & clearer about what you can do and not do and what you want. It is bringing you that much closer to having what you want.

But it does very much sound like you want to HIRE a team of writers who will listen to your ideas and flesh them out and then you can suggest changes and "funny up" the lines you don't like.

"Hire" is the word for the day---as you will not get anyone to work for you for free (not in a dependable way).

Nothing wrong with hiring a team of writers if you can afford to do so.

Best of luck to you.

It does sound a little lazy, leevil!
Just knuckle down and write a complete episode on your own. It's a great learning exercise.

I think that's a bit unfair, no? All he's asking for is someone to brainstorm with, and help develop the basic skeleton. Then he's intending on fleshing it out and writing the actual episode(s) himself. I totally understand what he means, because I'm like that - tricky to get something started, but once there's something to work from then he'll fly with it and build it up to new levels. Just needs a bit of a kick. I think.

Skibb and Aaron, especially Aaron are spot on.

Thanks for the replies. I'll rty and get back to you all ASAP.

Working in advertising as a creative, I know the value of brainstorming. You pan the shit until you hit gold. Takes time, though. Best of luck, Leevil.

May give it a go Lee.

How about though just taking a random subject for a setting and then take it from there.

Like maybe a farm.

Personally I'd say if you haven't got a co-writer now. Then you don't have a co-writer.

You have to write, at least your very first script out on your own.

I'd say plan 4 characters. Then draw a rough plot as a flow diagram. Then write the first, middle and last scene. Then fill in the gaps between them.

Seriously if you can't write 30 pages of script, you'll have a hard time keeping up in a writing partnership.

Some time's it's easier to write it as 10-12 loosely linked skits, with the same cast, and then fill in the gaps.

Agree with most points here. If anything of mine gets picked up then I would want to have a co-writer. But I would want to see that any co-writer could at least write a full episode themselves.

sootyj, go on iPlayer and watch Mark Lawson's interview with Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.