Hi Perry
Thanks for the advice, i have looked at the bbc and channel 4 they both say they don't read unsolicited scripts, but will look at other agents production companies
Cheers
Lee
Comedy Script Page 2
Think you're mistaken on the BBC front - http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/ - is dedicated to people sending in unsolicited scripts.
Hi Pilot
BBC do take scripts but not for sketches
Lee
Quote: Perry Nium @ September 13 2008, 12:55 AM BSTLee
Anyone can write for tv comedy shows as long as you have funny ideas and a complete pig-headed refusal to accept defeat. As others have already said, rejection plays a major part in comedy writing and if you're in any way thin-skinned you'll give up and fail, like 99% of would-be writers do. It's the 1% that keep soldiering on and getting their stuff out there who eventually succeed. Unfortunately that's also why we have so much shit on the telly, because we have successful writers and producers in positions of authority who got there not through talent, but because they shouted loudest. BUT if you have genuine talent and shout loud enough, you'll get noticed, everyone will want to work with you, then you can f**k the UK right off, and move to the US and get rich with all the other truly talented people. Simple!
As to who to send your stuff to, don't ask first, just send. Send to BBC, Channel 4, Baby Cow, Hat Trick, Objective, agents, producers etc. Just watch programmes you like and start making notes of producers and company names on the credits. Then send them your shit. Keep doing that for weeks, months and years, try to get on first name terms with important-sounding people, write at least one thing every single day, and you'll get there in the end.
Good luck!
Yeah, I was going to say that but I went to bed.
Hello Lee.
Why not post some of your sketches in the Critique forum?
I for one would like to read them.
You'll find the forum VERY useful as you'll get comments and advice from fellow writers.
Is it best when sending work to agents etc to send the scrip i'm writing or the story of the idea,This way they may like your idea but maybe not the wording i put in the script.
Lee
I'd only worry about sending work to agents once you've sold work. They're only interested in writers with a proven track record for making money.
Quote: Winterlight @ September 13 2008, 11:53 PM BSTI'd only worry about sending work to agents once you've sold work. They're only interested in writers with a proven track record for making money.
You don't necessarily have to be making pots of money as a writer to get an agent. It's often enough to just have interest in your work. So if you went to an agent and said for instance "So-and-so at the BBC likes my stuff" or "I've just had some material read by X at Channel 4 and they said they want to work to work with me on this new project", then that may be enough to pique interest and allow you to send the agent some material for review.
Of course the real question might be "Why do I want an agent in the first place"? And that's where it comes down to who you go choose to go with (if any). A crap agent is nothing but a millstone round your neck who does very little to help further your career yet takes 10% of your dosh. Whereas a good, well-connected agent can launch you.
The fact is most pro writers / performers have agents but they're mainly there for bashing out the best deals when contracts arise.
It's all a load of bollocks and I suggest you become a welder.
Quote: Perry Nium @ September 14 2008, 1:35 AM BSTIt's all a load of bollocks and I suggest you become a welder.
But surely, even then he'll need an agent.
Being a Welder can make you rich.
I became a welder and changed my surname to Marcos.
I then moved to the Philipnes and introduced myself
as
"I'm Welder Marcos,"
They gave me 2,000,000 shoes and a palace.
I'm still convinced it's not what you know it's who you know. The business is rife with the old pals act and 'A' list people that can get your script noticed. The 'A' list keep their friends in work.
How many times has David Jason been in dramas for instance?
He's not the best, it's just lazy casting. Another is Martin Clunes [I hate the bugger] and so it is the same with writing...unfortunately. Yes, occasionally a new writer breaks in.
How many new writers have you seen get their work on in the past years? Dramas/comedies/sketches...go on list them
On the topic of money how much do writers get paid for writing sitcoms , sketches etc
Lee
Well the mythical figure for the BBC is £200 a minute, including the first set of repeat fees. With supposedly the big boys like Casualty paying £20,000.
To be blunt if you're asking a question like that, then like most of us you're at the beginning of the ladder.
And it's a long ladder, frankly right now I'd worry about perfecting your craft making contacts and getting your stuff seen.
Quote: sootyj @ September 14 2008, 1:47 AM BSTBeing a Welder can make you rich.
I became a welder and changed my surname to Marcos.
I then moved to the Philipnes and introduced myself as"I'm Welder Marcos,"
They gave me 2,000,000 shoes and a palace.
For info:
On March 10, 2008, Judge Silvino Pampilo acquitted Welder Marcos, 30+, in a case regarding 32 counts of spell-check and libel offences (involving The British Sitcom Guide) - due to reasonable doubt. Welder stated: "First of all, I am so happy and I thank the Lord Aaron that the 32 cases have been dismissed by the regional court here in Islington. Does that mean I can keep the shoes?"
You've written better.