British Comedy Guide

Writing Goals for 2009

1. Have something on TV, whether that be a twenty second sketch or a full half hour of my own stuff.

That's basically my sole goal. Radio, lovely, I'll do it. Stage, lovely, I'll do it. But getting stuff on TV, that's my whole reason for writing comedy; I want to write for television. I've gotton within touching distance a couple of times, but nothings quite worked out yet.

Other than that, just to try harder; to spend more time and energy actually writing and not just flicking between a load of websites that end up eating away hours of each day!!!! Focus boy, focus!

I have no specific goals, other than to continue soldiering on in the same manner I did in 2008. A Comedy Lab or similar would be nice though. So close this year and yet no cigar...

Still, this time next year, Rodders...

Get down the first draft of my planned novel. Anything else is a distraction. So hopefully you will be seeing less of me on here...

Quote: Matthew Stott @ December 27 2008, 7:32 PM GMT

1. Have something on TV, whether that be a twenty second sketch or a full half hour of my own stuff.

That's basically my sole goal. Radio, lovely, I'll do it. Stage, lovely, I'll do it. But getting stuff on TV, that's my whole reason for writing comedy; I want to write for television. I've gotton within touching distance a couple of times, but nothings quite worked out yet.

Other than that, just to try harder; to spend more time and energy actually writing and not just flicking between a load of websites that end up eating away hours of each day!!!! Focus boy, focus!

I thought you had a sitcom pilot in development?

Sootyj's ambitions are decidedly prosaic.

1 Complete radio comedy course at City Lit and put packages of sketches for development. Hopefully identifying current critical problem preventing accessing broadcast media.

2 Do a remedial english through creative writing course.(yes they exist).

3 Learn to write poetry.

4 Restart standup career and make at least 3 people walk out or cry.

5 Do dyslexia therapy for free, I'm sure I can wnagle this.

6 Carry on writing for 118 118, News Revue and Treason show. Hopefully getting a passable hit rate whilst writing alot less.

7 Get an e-mail from the BBC, I'll settle for an abusive one.

8 Carry on writing for peculiar stage shows and getting stuff recorded.

9 Find an other commercial outlet for gag writing and develop a constant income.

10 Give up.

11 Resent every one else.

What is dyslexia therapy?

Oh there's a whole bunch of exercises and stuff you can do to develop your compromised literacy skills.

That or you can get the funny coloured glasses which apparently help.

Irlen lenses. They can help but are more of a palliative measure whilst getting the rest of it sorted.

Are we going off topic? What are your ambitins for next year?

I kinda hope relearning the basics will make most of the diference?

Sorry, I was interested in your aim re dyslexia so not really off topic. Just trying to suss out if you were joking. I have worked with dyslexics for 23 years so I am always interested in what people have to say about the subject. :)

Quote: sootyj @ December 27 2008, 7:49 PM GMT

I thought you had a sitcom pilot in development?

More than one, but they're not on TV yet are they? And there's no guarantee they ever will be; things fall apart.

Really how interesting, seriously what would your advice be?

I have a diagnosis of a none specific learning disability, which I suspect what makes me crash and burn at every BBC talent contest or writing contest.

Quote: Matthew Stott @ December 27 2008, 8:09 PM GMT

More than one, but they're not on TV yet are they? And there's no guarantee they ever will be; things fall apart.

The centre can not hold.
And what beast it's hour come round at last.
Drag's its self to Bethlehem waiting to be born.

Quote: sootyj @ December 27 2008, 8:14 PM GMT

Really how interesting, seriously what would your advice be?

I have a diagnosis of a none specific learning disability, which I suspect what makes me crash and burn at every BBC talent contest or writing contest.

The centre can not hold.
And what beast it's hour come round at last.
Drag's its self to Bethlehem waiting to be born.

I am very familiar with that term but if I were to answer here we really would be off topic! I wouldn't attempt to give any advice without knowing more first.

Write and record as much as possible whilst making as much money as possible doing "other things". In 2009 if it's not "writing, recording or making money" then I won't be doing it. Period. :)

Same as many of the rest really.

More radio work.

Something on telly-Any channel really not too fussed.

Do a lot more writing than I have done this year.

Rewrite one of my comedy drama scripts and tout it around again.

And finally...

Rooney on the wing...passes it to Ronaldo. What footwork this boy's a genius. He crosses it...Rooney on the volley. What a goal!!!!!

Winston Churchill, Lady Diana etc etc.

If I have a fault I can be a bit too literal in my interpretation of certain things.

Happy New Year all on here!

My goals are:
Get my film script accepted.
Marry my girlfriend.
Smoke hash out of Melanie C's bottom.

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