It's a fresh concept and IMO has potential. As Griff said the idea of modern PR spinning applied to historical figures has mucho potential for good comedy.
Imagine if Saachi & Saachi had been about to spin Guy Fawkes for example.
I'd crack on and plot some stories then punt the concept around to various prod comps. I agree with others' comments that it might be easier to get it considered for radio.
TV commissioners are terrified of high concept ideas, especially - and I do mean ESPECIALLY - from new writers. So I'd definitely say it's an interesting idea, but probably for radio, where commissioners are much more likely to take a chance on something out of the ordinary.
Folks,
Thanks to everyone for the excellent thought provoking comments. Sorry to reply so late as I've been away from the net for the day.
I must admit I hadn't really thought about the cost angle so thanks for that prompt especially.
I also have a lot of sympathy with the idea it might work better on radio and possibly as a series of sketches.
Thanks again for the comments.
Quote: Deferenz @ January 10 2009, 10:31 AM GMTA sitcom project for BBC Three which is currently in development by Baby Cow Productions called 'Brave Young Men'
A new sitcom pilot described as a comedy take on Quantum Leap. Tom Basden will play a school caretaker who has to save the world each week. The caretaker is helped by a civil servant who has travelled back in time.
A pilot episode, which is based around a beer that contains a virus which will wipe out humanity, will be filmed in 2009.
Is it me or is the PR idea WAY funnier and more original than the one currently in production? I'm sure if Baby Cow are doing it it'll be great, but just putting "a comedy take of" in front of an established show strikes me as lazy.
Top idea! Lovely potential of the modern nature of PR and spin applied to "old-world" figures.
Like people have said above, one way of avoiding cost problems would be to go the radio route. Though I do also like the idea of bringing historical figures to the present.
The latter could work as either skethes or a sitcom; the first being essentially a kind of "rebranding interview" type-thing, with the figure sat in the PR office.
The sitcom might work with another thread of the relationship between the PR people.
Especially keen on the idea of interspersing old and more modern figures together, or perhaps having them meet each other. For example, Tony Blair & Winston Churchill, or Eisntein and Newton, or modern star (Jade Goody-type) and anyone they hadn't heard of, so thinks they're the more famous one and want more attention).
So many possibilities, but do get going on it - don't waste it
Quote: glaikit @ January 11 2009, 11:10 AM GMTIs it me or is the PR idea WAY funnier and more original than the one currently in production? I'm sure if Baby Cow are doing it it'll be great, but just putting "a comedy take of" in front of an established show strikes me as lazy.
You might find that 'a comedy take on Quantum Leap' may have been the pitch for the show.
As for the PR idea, yeah I think it's great and I wish Ponderer the best of luck with it. I do think he should have kept it to himself though. As ideas cannot be copyright it is unfortunately just ripe to be used elsewhere. Whether this is right or wrong I'll leave for another debate. I guess that is the chance you take when you put ideas on a forum though.
Def.
Quote: Deferenz @ January 12 2009, 8:36 AM GMTI do think he should have kept it to himself though. As ideas cannot be copyright it is unfortunately just ripe to be used elsewhere. Whether this is right or wrong I'll leave for another debate. I guess that is the chance you take when you put ideas on a forum though.
Def.
Yeah, for your own benefit, you should just delete that first post to be on the safe side. You never know.
It's an interseting idea and one that I worked on a few years back called 'THE SULTANS OF SPIN'. It was my take on spin doctors throughout the ages. Here's what I wrote about Adolf Hitler.
S/DOCTOR:Now then Adolf, if I can just stop you there. The hairstyle's got street cred. Love the boots, the uniform's a hit and they love you. But, and this is only a small but, mind, so don't go off the deep end, but my gut feeling tells me it's the face. I mean, don't get me wrong because it's a lovely face, a caring face but there's something missing. (PAUSE) I can't put my finger on it but…. CLICKS FINGERS) Got it!
THE SPIN DOCTOR PRODUCES A COMB AND HOLDS IT UNDER HITLER'S NOSE THUS CREATING A MINI MOUSTACHE EFFECT.
S/DOCTOR:And you never know, Adolf, this just might just get you the Jewish vote.
End
Thanks to all for the great encouragement. And thanks in particular for the advice and comments re other stuff in the same area.
As I have now had 3 bits of advice to remove the original. I shall now do so.
Quote: Ponderer @ January 10 2009, 12:11 AM GMT
It's even better now. Keep going with it.
Under some advice and reading the thread.
I am now going to close this.