You don't get any kind of formal contract with either Treason or Newsrevue. You can send the same stuff to either and they may both use the same sketch. Their audiences don't overlap, so it's not a problem.
As I understand it, you're agreeing to let them use your stuff in that current run, but you're free to send it elsewhere. It's all pretty informal. Topical comedy has a pretty short shelf-life, so you basically need to sell it wherever you can.
It is very common for writers to submit material to The Treason Show and NewsRevue simultaneously. Quite often the same sketch ends up in both shows at the same time.
However Treason are a bit more proprietorial about sketches than NR, and have asked me not to submit sketches to broadcast shows such as Tilt if they have already been performed by Treason. Obviously they can't make you do anything you don't want to - there's no legal contract or anything - but this game is all about forging good relationships, so I generally respect their wishes.
Generally send them on separate e-mails.
In fairness, Tilt and Treason/NR are very different types of topical comedy.
Dan
Quote: sootyj @ June 17 2008, 11:50 AM BSTGenerally send them on separate e-mails.
See, it's these little things that are so important...
In fairness, Tilt and Treason/NR are very different types of topical comedy.
True, although I am pretty sure that I have seen at least one sketch at Treason which I had heard on Tilt the previous week.
Anyway, I'm just reporting what I wuz told by Treason. You guys must negotiate your own complex web of writer-producer relationships as you see fit.
BTW Anybody sending the same material to more than one producer using one single email, so they can all see who else has been copied in on it, is being a bit thick.
I knew I should have added a smiley to that last message.
Sorry, Timbo, I did suspect you were taking the piss out of that rather-bloody-obvious helpful hint.
Hey only trying to be helpful. Treason regular sends out e-mails on can new writers, please not do this. Including missing names, not attaching documents, sending in unreadable format.
Obvious advice isn't always unhelpful.
Gawd you'd think this was a site full of embittered, hack, comedy writers.
Quote: sootyj @ June 17 2008, 12:27 PM BSTHey only trying to be helpful. Treason regular sends out e-mails on can new writers, please not do this. Including missing names, not attaching documents, sending in unreadable format.
Really?! I honestly thought you were joking!
Never underestimate stupidity,
I'm delighted people suspect me of low key sarcasm.
n.b. NR is about half way through it's run, so it's a tough time for getting stuff in. Also TS is looking for new stuff for August, so any stuff won't get in the current run.
Unless it's super short e.g. voice over caption, or under half a page.
None sarcastic advice.
n.b. the current NR director seems to be taking new stuff up until Wednesday evenings. Poor bloody actors.
Wahey! Just got the newsrevue running order and i've finally got one in. Does that make me a 'proper' writer now? lol Also was just wondering if you get paid for your sketches and if so how much? (I know that isn't really that important but I guess it's a nice bonus.) Also, do you think there is a good chance that I might be the youngest person to get a sketch into Newsrevue? (I know that isn't really important either but would be a cool little thing to say lol)
Well done, Paul! Was it that one that I said had a good chance of getting in?
I think you get about £5 for each run the sketch is in. Once you earn over £10 they send out payment. I've had one performed so far, but not got paid as all I've earnt is £5!!!
Yeah it was the Queen's Honour sketch that got in.
Yeah I noticed your name in the list Paul, well done!!
Yes you are a proper writer now!