Is it true...

that in order to get noticed as a comedy writer you must also be a comedy performer? And if so what does this mean for moody cows like me with absolutley no aspirations to perform and certainly not in the possession of the all important 'comic timing'. (Except on paper.)

I can't help but think there is a grain of truth in this because a lot of successful sitcoms are by comedy writers/performers; The Office, Nighty Night, AbFab, Dinner Ladies, Extras, Little Britain, Little Miss Jocelyn, TittyBB and yadda yadda!

Tell me it ain't so.

(Spot the dud?)

Not true at all. Not saying it wouldn't help though.

John Sullivan didn't act. Look at the stuff he produced.

Not true, but it is easier.

As said above, writer/performers can have a distinct advantage. But there's also been tons of highly successful non-performers in comedy too. So don't worry and keep writing.

If you don't want to perform your self, could be a good idea to find performers out there looking for material.

There's a surprising number of talented performers who dislike writing.

Easier eh? Helling christ...

Also if what I've read is true, all 6 students for the Comedy College are performers.

This really is a sign of the times. I mean, what the f**k's wrong with just wanting to write ffs! We don't ALL want to have our mugs on screen or gurning from magazine racks.

Sake!

If you goto McDonalds to order a burger. You don't want to see a picture of a cow.

If people can see what things look like they can get a handle way faster.

Pisses me off as I am butt ugly writer.

Quote: sootyj @ May 18 2008, 8:12 PM BST

If you don't want to perform your self, could be a good idea to find performers out there looking for material.

There's a surprising number of talented performers who dislike writing.

View original

Good point, sooty. I was recently advised that I should run my ideas by other people to read to see if it reads well out loud and not just in my head. If you catch my drift.

Ever tried the London Comedy Writers meeting?

They have actors read stuff, and then your fellow writers disect it.

You have to wait a few months, but I found it helpful.

Quote: sootyj @ May 18 2008, 8:23 PM BST

Ever tried the London Comedy Writers meeting?

They have actors read stuff, and then your fellow writers disect it.

You have to wait a few months, but I found it helpful.

View original

Yeah I have actually when I attended a course in comedy writing, a complete waste of my time because the tutor clearly wanted to be somewhere else and gave us a "character development" exercise whereby we had to howl like werewolves. (I have no idea either but it's true.)

Anyway he did throw a nugget of useful info our way and it is the London Comedy Writers meeting you've mentioned.

Ah I'm a regular. Comedy courses can be quite mixed.

I mean if you're that good why aren't you rich and all that.

I think courses are good for the basics, but thats it.

Quote: sootyj @ May 18 2008, 8:39 PM BST

Ah I'm a regular. Comedy courses can be quite mixed.

I mean if you're that good why aren't you rich and all that.

I think courses are good for the basics, but thats it.

View original

I never said I'm THAT good, I can't be seeing as I am a complete beginner (last year) but I know I have an instinct for writing comedy. Still need to work on it though.

Oh and as far as richness goes as far as I'm aware writing comedy doesn't equal richness. Unless of course, I perform too.

Oh I'm fabulously rich as a writer. Currently I am typing this from my personal jumbo jet, in a hot tub filled with warm champagne, and bunny girls with PHDs.

I was planning on buying a second island, but Australia is still to expensive.

Oh the rich line, was directed at the tutours of these courses.

The eternal embittered riposte of the pupil.

Those that can't do teach.

Quote: Perry Nium @ May 18 2008, 8:10 PM BST

As said above, writer/performers can have a distinct advantage. But there's also been tons of highly successful non-performers in comedy too. So don't worry and keep writing.

View original

What? free funnies for me to use? I'd say yes please.

Quote: oldcowgrazing @ May 18 2008, 5:10 PM BST

I can't help but think there is a grain of truth in this because a lot of successful sitcoms are by comedy writers/performers; The Office, Nighty Night, AbFab, Dinner Ladies, Extras, Little Britain, Little Miss Jocelyn, TittyBB and yadda yadda!

Spot the dud?)

View original

When I saw Titty Bang Bang I thought what???????????

Then I realised.

I'm like you and have no aspirations to act or perform.