Learning from Sitcom Critique

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who post sitcoms and extracts on the critique board. Not only is it a brave thing to put you hard work in front of others to get feedback, but you also help those who read it too. I find that reading the work of others, and digesting the postive and negative comments, really helps me with my own work. It's almost like being part of a tutorial.

Hmmm, now there's an idea for someone to take up - 'Sitcom writing tutorials' ...and this weeks lesson - How to show characterisation in dialogue...

Def.

How to show characterisation in dialogue...

It's all to do with attitude Def. Get the characters attitude and the character comes through even with single words of dialogue.

GRANT: Give us a pint, sweetheart.

BARMAID: And what's the magic word?

GRANT: Lager.

Quote: Marc P @ June 30 2008, 2:11 PM BST

How to show characterisation in dialogue...

It's all to do with attitude Def. Get the characters attitude and the character comes through even with single words of dialogue.

GRANT: Give us a pint, sweetheart.

BARMAID: And what's the magic word?

GRANT: Lager.

View original

And Marc P nails something in three lines, I'm yet to see in about 6 sitcoms this weekend in Crit.

Quote: Deferenz @ June 30 2008, 2:05 PM BST

I find that reading the work of others, and digesting the postive and negative comments, really helps me with my own work. It's almost like being part of a tutorial.

View original

I think it has been a terrific learning exercise, and it has really inspired me to give it another crack.

Now when do we see yours?

Quote: Seefacts @ June 30 2008, 4:23 PM BST

And Marc P nails something in three lines, I'm yet to see in about 6 sitcoms this weekend in Crit.

View original

Yes, Marc. Give yourself a pat on the back. What a marvellous piece of advice.

Quote: Marc P @ June 30 2008, 2:11 PM BST

How to show characterisation in dialogue...

It's all to do with attitude Def. Get the characters attitude and the character comes through even with single words of dialogue.

GRANT: Give us a pint, sweetheart.

BARMAID: And what's the magic word?

GRANT: Lager.

View original

That's what I call brill dialogue.
Reminds me of my daughter when asked for her autograph she said ...'what's the magic words'...the person said 'please may I?'....my daughter answered...'No, they're... Now bitch!'

Quote: bushbaby @ June 30 2008, 11:53 PM BST

That's what I call brill dialogue.
Reminds me of my daughter when asked for her autograph she said ...'what's the magic words'...the person said 'please may I?'....my daughter answered...'No, they're... Now bitch!'

View original

Go on - who is your daughter?

No...give us a clue!

Which year was she in there (and what's Davina really like?)

I daren't I'd identify myself!!

Critique is a useful learning tool, some times in what not to write.

Quote: sootyj @ July 1 2008, 1:23 AM BST

Critique is a useful learning tool, some times in what not to write.

View original

A lesson that you have taught us again and again and again.......

P.S. Thanks for the easy set up Joel

It's the orange that Mr Delmonte leaves on the vine, that makes Delmonte the best.

You gotta write the shit to get to the gold.

Tweak that analogy and have the tree as your mind .... only pick the best ideas from it to write in the first place.

It was an advert, from the 70s.

I'm sure the Delmonte corporation will appreciate your feedback.

Quote: bushbaby @ July 1 2008, 1:19 AM BST

I daren't I'd identify myself!!

View original

Everyone knows she's Goldie Hawn...

Dan