10-pages...

I think it's really stupid that production companies ask you to submit the first 10 pages of a script. The best episode of my sitcom is written so that you have to see it all to understand the jokes earlier on.....it's kind of seeing the day through different characters POV, so there are gaps in the story and jokes that don't make sense till later on (if that makes sense)....

But if I sent the first 10 pages of that script off, they wouldn't understand it. How would I get around that? Just send off a different episode?

Send in the bit that best represents your show.

I think if your show is written well enough, those ten minutes should be able to stand on their own. But I have high standards anyway, so...

But surely it won't seem very funny? Are they only looking for the quality of writing or how funny it it?!

Hi Jeremy

Your script needs to stand alone from the first 10 pages. If I was watching and the first ten minutes didn't make any sense, I'd turn it over. You need to grab the viewer straight away and keep them involved. I'd suggest that if your script doesn't make sense from the first ten pages, that it needs a serious rewrite.

I don't think it needs to be joke-laden. If you're creating enough drama and intrigue to keep them interested, then they will ask you for the full script. The first ten pages should make them *want* to know what happens next (funny or not). If it fails in that respect, they won't want to read any more regardless of funny or not.

Hope this is helpful

Dan

Jeremy,

I'd like to echo Dan's comments. Look at it from your own point of view when you've watched a programme or read an article or a book. If the thing doesn't grip you, then you're not going to plough through in the hope that you're going to reach the 'really good bit' on the say so of the writer.

The fact that you know the opening isn't strong means you must go back and redraft or else there's only one place your work is going to end up, and it ain't going to be in the inbox.

Quote: swerytd @ July 2, 2007, 2:55 PM

Hi Jeremy

Your script needs to stand alone from the first 10 pages. If I was watching and the first ten minutes didn't make any sense, I'd turn it over. You need to grab the viewer straight away and keep them involved. I'd suggest that if your script doesn't make sense from the first ten pages, that it needs a serious rewrite.

I don't think it needs to be joke-laden. If you're creating enough drama and intrigue to keep them interested, then they will ask you for the full script. The first ten pages should make them *want* to know what happens next (funny or not). If it fails in that respect, they won't want to read any more regardless of funny or not.

Hope this is helpful

Dan

View original

Agreed, I have no probs with the 10 pages rule, you have to still be funny in the first ten pages as well as introduce characters. Its basically to see if you can write. They'll ask for the rest of the script to find out what happens. Plus you provide a synopsis as well which explains the rest.

The boys are right. Ten pages are just about the right amount to determine if you can write broadcastable material - not the same as being able to write. One page is enough to show if you can write.

Hamilton Cork can tell from one line.

Jeremy, I echo all the other advice above. If a joke is only funny at the end then it was only setup for a joke (and a long one at that). Hit 'em hard in the opening 3 pages. People have short attention spans so if we don't cater for that then we lose them.

One famous writer said "Start with a fight or a f#ck". She's the biggest writer on TV (She did all those bleedin' crime things but name escapes me) and few of her shows break that rule.

Not saying you need to do it but you need a strong gag, strong plot hook, and dramatic tension from first scene.

Now if only I could walk my talk eh?

I think the first 10 pages rule is okay, in 10 pages you should set the plot going and have a decent amount of laughs, this gives the producer an incline into how your writing is and if it's what they are looking for.

Although I do understand what you are saying in that sometimes things become funnier as they go on, Curb Your Enthusiasm for example all builds towards one huge laugh at the end, but of course Larry David has earned that privelidge of writing for all the years he spent writing the excellent Seinfeld.

Hi, just to wade in with another example, Arrested Development is another one of those "comes together at the end" but is still funny and engaging from the start.

I get what you're saying, cheers. It's not that it doesn't make sense, just that some funny bits aren't funnier till later on....so you look back at it and realise the more subtle humour...if that makes sense.

Actually this is useful advice - thanks to everyone!

As they say though Jeremy if it's on TV and nothing funny - or intriguing - happens in the first 10 minutes then, people won't stay on.

Also when I see a piece on here that's too long now I don't bother to even start to read it.

I like to be fair to everyone but there's so many critiques on here now that I can understand how a reader must feel.

Maybe give us it a chunk at a time.

Quote: Leevil @ July 2, 2007, 1:36 PM

Send in the bit that best represents your show.

View original

How well would that go down?
I totally agree that the first 10 pages should be amazing and therefore sendable, etc.

But could you send in '10 pages of your script', rather than 'the first 10 pages of your script'?

What I meant is you could use any episode, rather then the opening one. You could also write a short 10 minute episode. Just to pitch the ideas and characters.

Quote: SlagA @ July 2, 2007, 6:54 PM

Jeremy, I echo all the other advice above. If a joke is only funny at the end then it was only setup for a joke (and a long one at that). Hit 'em hard in the opening 3 pages. People have short attention spans so if we don't cater for that then we lose them.

One famous writer said "Start with a fight or a f#ck". She's the biggest writer on TV (She did all those bleedin' crime things but name escapes me) and few of her shows break that rule.

Not saying you need to do it but you need a strong gag, strong plot hook, and dramatic tension from first scene.

Now if only I could walk my talk eh?

View original

Yes! I have a f**k in one of my scripts. Well, it's what i call "the afterf**k."