I'm looking at the program Montage for the mac that is uses for writing screenplays and tv shows. What is the difference between a BBC sitcom and a TV sitcom format? And with one of those formats are being accepted when writing for the BBC for example??
André
BBC I'm sure uses double spacing between characters dialogue, for notes 'n stuff, the rest are pretty much the same. But I'm no expert.
Andreas, can you make these kinds of threads inside the Writers' Discussion forum, please? They'll get a better response there, and quicker. Thanks. 
(Moving...)
They're both valid here in the UK.
The BBC like both.
Double spacing doesn't matter really.
Quote: Aaron @ April 13 2008, 5:23 PM BSTAndreas, can you make these kinds of threads inside the Writers' Discussion forum, please? They'll get a better response there, and quicker. Thanks.
(Moving...)
Sorry for that, I will post it here now.
ANdré
Quote: Andreas van Haren @ April 13 2008, 5:17 PM BSTI'm looking at the program Montage for the mac that is uses for writing screenplays and tv shows. What is the difference between a BBC sitcom and a TV sitcom format? And with one of those formats are being accepted when writing for the BBC for example??
André
A lot of these formats are simply what particular production companies use. Every company probably has its own favorite format. The BBC is just one of the companies in this context. The double spacing exists so that directors/script-editors/special-effects etc etc members of the team can scribble notes on the script in the appropriate places.
Is the MAC software that you speak of a UK program or is it a USA program? If it is a USA program the 'sitcom formats' in it are unlikely to be used in the UK. Was the program intended for use by prospective writers or is it a production tool for use by a TV production team?
As a prospective writer you are supplying a SUBMISSION script, not a PRODUCTION script.
EXACT FORMAT DOESN'T MATTER MUCH IN THE UK! because the production team will almost certainly re-type it in their own format once production starts.
IF IN DOUBT... ASK THE PRODUCTION COMPANY(ies) that you expect to submit to WHAT FORMAT THEY WANT!
Quote: billwill @ April 13 2008, 7:11 PM BSTA lot of these formats are simply what particular production companies use. Every company probably has its own favorite format. The BBC is just one of the companies in this context. The double spacing exists so that directors/script-editors/special-effects etc etc members of the team can scribble notes on the script in the appropriate places.
Is the MAC software that you speak of a UK program or is it a USA program? If it is a USA program the 'sitcom formats in it are unlikely to be used in the UK.
EXACT FORMAT DOESN'T MATTER MUCH IN THE UK! because the production team will almost certainly re-type it in their own format once production starts.
As a prospective writer you are supplying a SUBMISSION script, not a PRODUCTION script.
IF IN DOUBT... ASK THE PRODUCTION COMPANY(ies) that you expect to submit to WHAT FORMAT THEY WANT!
This program is USa made. But it uses templates like BBC drama, BBC Film, BBC sitcom, TV drama and TV sitcom. Next to this it is using a couple of screenplay templates. I want to focus onthe UK marcet because I believe there is more chance to get someting acceted there then in the USA. On the bbc website it says: "
Send us your work. We read all unsolicited scripts for BBC Films,TV Drama, Children's Drama,TV Comedy, Radio Entertainment and Radio Drama. We accept unsolicited scripts written for film, television, radio or stage."
So maybe I can stick with the TV sitcom format for now, looks good to me.
André
Maybe I'm a cheapskate, but I can't see any reason to pay for Montage, when Celtx is free. It works great on My Macbook, using Leopard.
Montage seem to have a nicer looking interface, which I'd expect from software developed specifically for the Mac. Beyond that, what benefits are there, Andreas?
What software, if any, do the rest of you use?
I tried Celtx, but can't find anything related to sitcom writing.
It really doesn't matter too much about the correct sitcom format. I recommended Celtx because it's a neat little package with tons of features to help aid your script development.
If you really want a correct BBC format, get yourself Final Draft, it has many different templates including BBC, British sitcom (commercial, I'm guessing) and U.S Sitcom and many others if I remember correctly.
I do believe you should focus on other areas more at this stage though.
The main difference I've found is that when you use a transition eg 'CUT TO:' on BBC format, the next scene starts on a fresh page; on general sitcom format it doesn't.
Ah yes, I remember that.
I use Celtx for Screenplays and TV ideas... I think most British Prod Co's are just happy if the script is neatly laid out and legible.
For Radio scripts, short sketches (NR, Treason Show, Tilt), and Stage plays, I always use The Scriptwriter Toolkit as designed by our very own BillWill...
kjs
Quote: graham @ April 13 2008, 7:49 PM BSTWhat software, if any, do the rest of you use?
I use the free software 'Script Smart' which you can download from BBC writers room. It does the job and lays your work out nicely.
Def.
Quote: Deferenz @ April 14 2008, 9:43 AM BSTI use the free software 'Script Smart' which you can download from BBC writers room. It does the job and lays your work out nicely.
Def.
Only for windows, it seems.