AGHHHH! I've been writing a sitcom for a while now set around an aspiring music band. Ok, so a sitcom about a record label isn't exactly the same, but it's still annoyingly close for comfort! I was all smug about it being something new yet still recognisable.
All I've got to say to this is... *&%HT$^£*)!
Do you think it's too similar to bother continuing writing?
Quote: Rebecca Davies @ May 14 2008, 9:14 PM BSTAGHHHH! I've been writing a sitcom for a while now set around an aspiring music band. Ok, so a sitcom about a record label isn't exactly the same, but it's still annoyingly close for comfort! I was all smug about it being something new yet still recognisable.
All I've got to say to this is... *&%HT$^£*)!
Do you think it's too similar to bother continuing writing?
Wasn't someone in the industry quoted as saying never write a sitcom about a band?
I wouldn't say so. Keep going and see how it goes.
Quote: Seefacts @ May 14 2008, 9:41 PM BSTWasn't someone in the industry quoted as saying never write a sitcom about a band?
They say you shouldnt write about all kinds of things, only for sitcoms to appear again and again where something like a band, or the media, or whatever is the central premise.
the rules only apply to rejected scripts
Or when someone else that idea.
I was going to write a sitcoe about a record lable then I realised nobody would be able to top "Lovemonkey."
People "in the industry" are always telling us to avoid various subjects. I was told specifically to avoid flatshare concepts by a BBC producer. I now know of half a dozen flatsharing scripts in development so...
Having said that I started writing a sitcom about a band and was told that the problem is, eventually they have to play music which is an extra headache apparently. I dunno - never did the Monkees any harm!
I say if it feels right, write. Right?
I just get effin' p*ssed off with all these effin rules. The producers/editors are just drunk with their own power/importance, I am totally p*ssed off. How these power mad people sleep at night beats me but they are totally up their own arses and full of themselves. Do they know what they want? Or do they get a pin and just select by that method.......one wonders
Quote: Perry Nium @ May 14 2008, 10:51 PM BSTPeople "in the industry" are always telling us to avoid various subjects. I was told specifically to avoid flatshare concepts by a BBC producer. I now know of half a dozen flatsharing scripts in development so...
Having said that I started writing a sitcom about a band and was told that the problem is, eventually they have to play music which is an extra headache apparently. I dunno - never did the Monkees any harm!
I say if it feels right, write. Right?
But would it be fair to say a flat share and sitcom about a band or both very different - to mean a flatshare, you've got people with jobs and relationships. It not about living in a flat normally. It's very broad. But in a band you're kind of tied down with the 'music' aspect. Writing, gigs, recording. Those things will invariably have to come up every time.
I try to never write about a workplace type situation (though one of my pilots IS set in a workplace), because I find it a bit claustrophobic as you're tied to 'work, work, work'. Like real life.
I think the flat share sitcom will never die.
See my "Hitmen for Hire".
Is it worth rewoking it?
Quote: Perry Nium @ May 14 2008, 10:51 PM BSTHaving said that I started writing a sitcom about a band and was told that the problem is, eventually they have to play music which is an extra headache apparently. I dunno - never did the Monkees any harm!
Well I wouldn't have the problem of them having to play, as it's part of the scripts... quirk, that you always just miss them playing etc.
I've heard you shouldn't write about the media, mainly because it's been done before, in one way or another. A lot. However, I guess I don't really see my imaginary band as "the media". They are just a bunch of 20 somethings who are just pissing around pretending to be grown ups. As with all sitcoms, really it's to do with the relationships, which is more relevant. I mean, literally, the way I'm writing, it's more relevant. Hence why I'm hoping it won't actually be too similar to the record label idea anyway.
Perry and David, I think you're right. That, or, you two just happened to say what I wanted to hear. Either way I'm happy. I'll keep at it. Even with my genius, the odds on any script getting picked up is unlikely anyway.
Quote: Rebecca Davies @ May 15 2008, 12:23 AM BSTPerry and David, I think you're right. That, or, you two just happened to say what I wanted to hear. Either way I'm happy. I'll keep at it. Even with my genius, the odds on any script getting picked up is unlikely anyway.
That's why we all keep going - on the off-chance.
It's like doing the Lottery.
Quote: David Chapman @ May 15 2008, 12:28 AM BSTIt's like doing the Lottery.
Just less likely 
It's terrible when this happens. I heard that Johnny Vaughan pitched 'Top Buzzer', his sitcom about two small-time cannabis dealers sharing a flat, to BBC 3, just after they'd agreed to make 'Ideal'. It was eventually shown on Channel 5 (someone on here said it was also shown on MTV, but I'm not sure about that), and finished after one series. 'Ideal', on the other hand, is into it's fourth series.