Comparing your first sketch to your last

I was just thinking about the first sketch I wrote and wondered how it compared to my last. I've been writing scripts for about 10 years now (since I was 13) trying to replicate the cool Tarantino style and failing miserably. It was only about 2 years ago I discovered the joy of writing comedy, getting good feedback and actually learning HOW TO do it properly.

My first sketch is totally inspired by 'That Peter Kay Thing' which at the time I thought was great, comparing that to today, I'm really not a fan of his anymore and I also cringe at my poor formatting and spelling and yeah, you decide...

The Frogman

My last (or at least I think this is my latest?)

Handjob Bob

Hmm... probably not the best example of me improving, but it shows I don't write scene descriptions in the slug line anymore! \o/. Things are a lot snappier and also a lot cruder... I think I've picked up a lot of bad habits along the way, like posting first drafts, going for cheap laughs and being generally lazy (although I always had that).

But since that first sketch I've sold some of my writing, been involved with several collaborations, made lots of contacts and learned how to be a better writer, in general and professionally.

Anyone else care to share theirs?

I recently found the first sketches I ever wrote. They still made me laugh, but were completely mental and probably didn't make much sense to anyone else.

I only started this year, and the first sketch I actually wrote out was the School of Comedy one. THe first idea I had was due to get filmed for it, but didn't.

Sitcoms, that's a different matter. First wrote 10 years ago aged 14, and I'd love to read it now - sadly, lost in the mists of time. But I can remember little snippets and it makes my arse clench with embarrassment.

The first sketch I wrote was in 1992, then I didn't write another one til 2007.

I can remember a fair bit of the one from 1992. It was inspired by the various double acts of day e.g. Fry and Laurie, Hale and Pace. I even had a name for the show - it was called 'The Plague of Sid and Scott'. Who Sid and Scott actually were, I just don't know.

The sketch involved a man in a nightclub (I might point out that I was 9 at the time and didn't know what a nightclub was like) trying to chat up a woman. For some reason, a dog ran into the nightclub and headbutted the woman as she was putting her makeup on. The woman then swallowed her makeup and started choking. And that was pretty much it.

Then I didn't write anything else for 15 years. I think I may have improved a little bit in that time.

Quote: Ben @ November 17 2008, 6:41 PM GMT

The sketch involved a man in a nightclub (I might point out that I was 9 at the time and didn't know what a nightclub was like) trying to chat up a woman. For some reason, a dog ran into the nightclub and headbutted the woman as she was putting her makeup on. The woman then swallowed her makeup and started choking. And that was pretty much it.

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Well that made me laugh!

Quote: Ben @ November 17 2008, 6:41 PM GMT

The first sketch I wrote was in 1992, then I didn't write another one til 2007.

I can remember a fair bit of the one from 1992. It was inspired by the various double acts of day e.g. Fry and Laurie, Hale and Pace. I even had a name for the show - it was called 'The Plague of Sid and Scott'. Who Sid and Scott actually were, I just don't know.

The sketch involved a man in a nightclub (I might point out that I was 9 at the time and didn't know what a nightclub was like) trying to chat up a woman. For some reason, a dog ran into the nightclub and headbutted the woman as she was putting her makeup on. The woman then swallowed her makeup and started choking. And that was pretty much it.

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Well, it made ME laugh!

Quote: Griff @ November 17 2008, 6:42 PM GMT

You were spot on. That is exactly like nightclubs in Wales.

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Hmm I started writing just over a year ago.

My first sketch wasn't very good, my latest one was worse.

Inbetween I wrote quite a good one about a racist chemist with a small penis.

Otherwise I'm waiting for the rest of the world to sink to my level.

Mind you someone just spent 4 days filming a script I wrote about an arsehole.

Quote: sootyj @ November 17 2008, 6:47 PM GMT

Mind you someone just spent 4 days filming a script I wrote about an arsehole.

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What's the project about? Animation? When will we get to see it?

If the links up I'll post it.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=samanddave2&search_type=&aq=f

It's documentary 1+2

My first ever sketch was written on 18th September 2006, about lunchtime, according to the file properties. It is this:

ATMOS: OFFICE NOISES IN BACKGROUND
F/X: PHONE RINGS, JANICE ANSWERS

JANICE:Hello, Demand Logistics Supply Chain Stock Scheduling Department, Janice speaking.

TOM: (D) Good morning Janice, did you get that email I sent you last night?

JANICEh, hello Tom. No, no sign of it. My computer is playing up a bit this morning, perhaps you could PDF it and then text the floppy disc to my mobile?

TOM: (D) Hmmm. I'm not sure my Blackberry is compatible but I could try copying and pasting it into a Powerpoint presentation so that I could send you it by fax in the afternoon post.

JANICE: That might be a bit slow. I have a half day today so I'm going home at 12. How about if you download it from your memory stick, blog it onto a DVD and send a bike courier with it through the internal mail?

TOM: (D) I'm still not sure that it will get to you by 12. I suppose I could scan it in, upload it to the e-room, hyperlink it across to the company intranet, take a photocopy of it from there and videoconference it over to you as a podcast if you're free at 11?

JANICE: If you want me to action it today then you'll have to get it to me by 10 I'm afraid, Tom.

TOM: (D) Hmmm. I suppose I'd better just bring it to you myself then. Bye.

F/X: PHONE RECEIVER BEING PUT DOWN
Followed immediately by:
F/X: A KNOCK ON AN OFFICE DOOR AND DOOR BEING OPENED

TOM: There you go Janice.

JANICE: Thanks Tom, what is it?

TOM: It's the travel and accommodation details for next week's ‘Effective Communications' seminar.

(D) = TOM is on the other end of the phone.

Quote: Dolly Dagger @ November 17 2008, 6:28 PM GMT

I recently found the first sketches I ever wrote. They still made me laugh, but were completely mental and probably didn't make much sense to anyone else.

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I just found them again they were written 2001. One is a sketch with the Child Catcher from Chitty doing his "lollipops! Sweeties!" bit down a street, where he is set upon by some modern kids who mock and jeer him, knock him down and steal his mobile.

The other stuff I did was for a spoof magazine. This was a personality quiz for an older person's mag. You might want to try it yourself!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

What Sort of Tool Are You?

Either wondered to yourself, "if I was a gardening implement, what one would I be?" as you trim your bush, dabble with your dibber or fiddle with your clematis? We know we have. Take our quick personality test discover which gardening tool you most closely resemble. Simply tick the box which most closely matches your answer to discover if you're a Sturdy Spade, Moaning Mower or Wistful Wheelbarrow.

1.How would others describe you?
a.Moaning
b.Wistful
c.Sturdy

2.Is your favourite job in the garden...
a.Cutting grass?
b.Carrying leaves?
c.Digging?

3. It's your birthday and God has granted you one wish; a new physical characteristic. Would you choose...
a.Cutting blades for your legs?
b.A wheel?
c.A long straight handle?

4.Stare briefly at the letters below and select which one you are most drawn to.
a.M
b.W
c.S

Now add up your scores to discover which garden implement you are!

Mostly As
Moaning Mower
You tend to drone on and on but cut grass rather quickly and effectively. However you have little patience with sandal-wearers and have been known to slice their toes off. Try to be less aggressive.

Mostly Bs
Wistful Wheelbarrow
You are a dreamer, forever thinking of what could be, but on a more practical note you are also quite good at carrying things. Look after your health - you often squeak when you walk – so try cod liver oil supplements or WD40.

Mostly Cs
Sturdy Spade
You are strong, reliable and good at digging things. You are also a bit simple. Try joining some adult education classes or you'll spend the rest of your life turning soil.

Quote: Afinkawan @ November 18 2008, 11:29 AM GMT

My first ever sketch was written on 18th September 2006, about lunchtime, according to the file properties. It is this:

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And it's quite a delight too.

Quote: Griff @ November 18 2008, 1:09 PM GMT

One is a sketch with the Child Catcher from Chitty doing his "lollipops! Sweeties!" bit down a street, where he is set upon by some modern kids who mock and jeer him, knock him down and steal his mobile.

That's a great idea!

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I might re-cycle it at some point.

Quote: Dolly Dagger @ November 18 2008, 12:56 PM GMT

One is a sketch with the Child Catcher from Chitty doing his "lollipops! Sweeties!" bit down a street, where he is set upon by some modern kids who mock and jeer him, knock him down and steal his mobile.

View original

I was actually fiddling about with something very very similar for RFTP but it wasn't really working. Knowing someone else has already done it gives me the perfect excuse not to bother.