Never to be made...

Have any of you ever written a script knowing full well that it would never be made?

I ask the question as a friend and I came up with an idea for a sitcom (or potentially comedy drama) which covers a subject that would never get picked up for production due to the number of people it would offend. However, we think it's funny, and I would like to write it anyway, to use as an example of what we could do.

Is it even worth pursuing? Does EVERYTHING get read in terms of "could we put this on TV or radio", or is it useful to have some 'calling card' type scripts to hand to illustrate your writing style? (I guess it would be treated like a spec-script for a show that has never been made?)

I actually think it would be refreshing to write something without perpetually wondering whether it would get made, and to not worry about it being rejected. There would obviously be a lot more freedom in this process.

Any thoughts?

I should think if it's controversial and you are aware of that yourself that it would never get produced, it seems an awful lot of work for nothing.
I would assume when readers of production companies get hold of a script, they are looking at it with a view, hopefully, that they can produce it.

I wouldn't worry.

Your early work will act as a calling card for you.

Once you're working and you've got contacts, then you can start to think about getting stuff made.

yeah, but no but, what if it's say, racist

It's not racist, but it does satirise religion quite severely. Hence my expectation that it would never get made.

Sounds good to me.

Monty Python team got away with that. The only thing is, you can't even border on knocking Islam

You haven't seen American Dad then...

Quote: Paul W @ April 26 2008, 6:29 PM BST

You haven't seen American Dad then...

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No, I haven't

Quote: bushbaby @ April 26 2008, 6:41 PM BST

No, I haven't

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Well you should.

Funniest think to come out of the States since Naked Gun films.

Family Guy also satirizes Islam. It's not a biggy.

Always write with the intention of having your script produced. Don't ever expect it to, no matter how good it is. Try and view each script as a chance to show range and improve your writing. Once you produce an 'industry standard' script, doors can start to open.

If you read any books about writing then they always tell you to write every day, so even if nothing happens with this script at least it is given you practice also while writing it other ideas or characters that you might be able to use in the future may come out of it...so whats the harm and worse that could happen. Go for it.

Quote: Lee Brown @ April 27 2008, 11:43 AM BST

If you read any books about writing then they always tell you to write every day, so even if nothing happens with this script at least it is given you practice also while writing it other ideas or characters that you might be able to use in the future may come out of it...so whats the harm and worse that could happen. Go for it.

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This is the attitude I have decided to adopt. And Hey, if mocking Jesus suddenly becomes trendy I am laughing.

Don't suggest to my brother that it is, or we might have some less than amazing pieces submitted by him!