Re: Sketch writing, there is next to nothing specifically about writing sketches. The only thing that I have is an A4 Binder of 'The comedy sketch writer's handbook' by Andrew Barclay.
Writing Courses Page 3
Nigel - absolutely right, we've had a thread on that very subject before now. I was joking, obv. But I am amazed there isn't a specific sketch-writing book out there.
STEPHEN KINGS "ON DOG RAPE IN TOPICAL GAGS," was life changing for me.
Quote: Griff @ September 24 2008, 11:46 AM BSTBut I am amazed there isn't a specific sketch-writing book out there.
Speaking of books, I only know of two sitcom writing books; How to be a Sitcom Writer by Mark Blake, and Writing Sitcoms by John Berne & Marcus Powell. Except for a few US books I do not know of any more.
Quote: Nigel Kelly @ September 24 2008, 9:54 AM BSTTony Kirkwood offers a distance learning service to those who are unable to attend classes. The material that he emailed me was very helpful.
Did you do the sitcom writing course, if so how useful was it and how good was Tony? On his site he doesn't give a price but asks you to telepohne him.
Def.
Quote: Deferenz @ September 24 2008, 1:37 PM BSTDid you do the sitcom writing course, if so how useful was it and how good was Tony? On his site he doesn't give a price but asks you to telepohne him.
Def.
No I didnt do the sitcom course. I did one about quickies.
Quote: Deferenz @ September 24 2008, 1:37 PM BSTDid you do the sitcom writing course, if so how useful was it and how good was Tony? On his site he doesn't give a price but asks you to telepohne him.
Def.
Hey Def
I did it. Before Tony taught me I'd never written any sort of comedy before and I got the chance to see two of my sitcoms acted out (albeit by the drama group who were studying at the same time downstairs, but a performance is a performance of your work). One was a 'writing for' sitcom (One Foot in the Grave and the other was an early draft of our original sitcom (which you've read already).
It helped me a lot, and Tony is a good, encouraging tutor. I'd recommend it. Email him if you're unsure -- he won't mind at all and will be happy to answer any questions. Website is http://www.tonykirwood.co.uk/
Dan
There's another one starting over here next month, it's £120 for 8 weeks, every Thursday evening, 6.30pm to 9pm, I'll have to go after uni. It's taught by Graham Lester George who's a writer for a long running tv series.