Would you say that with in your script you would need to have a write up of all of the characters with detail in, or would you say that producers would find this too much to read?
do you have this with in your own scripts?
Characters with in scripts.
In long running scripts the characters are alreadys established. I don't bother writing them in script if someone new appears just a line with age, distuishing features then carry on. Everything else will come out in the script so no need to tell their life story.
Quote: Gavin @ May 26 2008, 10:58 AM BST..just a line with age, distuishing features ..
Yeah. In a script I would put just enough to let the reader make the pre-judgement a viewer would be able to make.
When characters are introduced in a 'Scene Action', something like:
TOM (45, Golf Sweater) ENTERS.
not
TOM (Sarcastic, University Dropout) ENTERS.
I saw in the Father Ted scipt that Ted is introduced as "a pleasant priest" and wearing a cardigan.
What more do you need to know?
Quote: Tom Cartin @ May 26 2008, 10:52 AM BSTWould you say that with in your script you would need to have a write up of all of the characters with detail in, or would you say that producers would find this too much to read?
do you have this with in your own scripts?
I'm not sure if you have to give a write up of characters for the producers but, one piece of advice I was given by someone in the know is that you should spend a lot of time on the psychology of your characters.
I found this very useful when writing my first sitcom earlier this year: I spent close to one month creating back stories/character ticks etc which helps to provide a unique voice for all your characters. One mistake some writers (according to Micheal Jacob) make when writing sitcoms is to give their characters identical voices.
So...to answer your question I think it's worth spending time on your characters' psyche so if they ask for character details, you'll have it to hand.
Also I was told it's a useful weapon to have if and when you need to prove intellectual ownership. 
Quote: oldcowgrazing @ May 27 2008, 12:24 PM BSTI'm not sure if you have to give a write up of characters for the producers but, one piece of advice I was given by someone in the know is that you should spend a lot of time on the psychology of your characters.
I found this very useful when writing my first sitcom earlier this year: I spent close to one month creating back stories/character ticks etc which helps to provide a unique voice for all your characters. One mistake some writers (according to Micheal Jacob) make when writing sitcoms is to give their characters identical voices.
So...to answer your question I think it's worth spending time on your characters' psyche so if they ask for character details, you'll have it to hand.
Also I was told it's a useful weapon to have if and when you need to prove intellectual ownership.
I suppose it's good for your own reference to make notes so you don't contradict things but I would think if they are good enough characters it will come out in the writing. Maybe a description of how they dress when they appear and tone of voice but not reams of stuff.
Quote: David Chapman @ June 12 2008, 1:06 AM BSTI suppose it's good for your own reference to make notes so you don't contradict things but I would think if they are good enough characters it will come out in the writing. Maybe a description of how they dress when they appear and tone of voice but not reams of stuff.
yep, spot on.
Quote: oldcowgrazing @ May 27 2008, 12:24 PM BSTI found this very useful when writing my first sitcom earlier this year: I spent close to one month creating back stories/character ticks etc which helps to provide a unique voice for all your characters. One mistake some writers (according to Micheal Jacob) make when writing sitcoms is to give their characters identical voices.
A useful exercise is to get some friends to give the script a read through. Cover the left hand side of the script and see how far they can get by guessing which character is saying which line purely by the tone and content of the dialogue.