How NOT to write a sitcom

HI all.
90% of the scripts that I receive fail on simple form, format and content issues. Many of these are fixable. Script editors can tell within ten pages if a script is going to work or not.

I am running the first HowNOTtowrite a sitcom workshop for £60 (discount for pair or block bookings) on Saturday March 7th 2009 10am- 4.30pm. Bond st W1 location.

It will be intensive. Concept, character relationships, scene and line by line breakdowns of scripts. Please bring an idea, a pitch (you will pitch) and up to ten pages of your sitcom. I want you to go away wih real clarity and purpose.

Sitcom is highly competative, but the rewards are huge. Two writers from this site sold to BBC and C4 and between them have made £12,000.

To book or for any further questions please contact me at marcgblake@hotmail.co.uk

Thanks Marc

Getting a bit silly now.

The content you say? Who would have figured that?

Quote: Marc P @ February 7 2009, 10:53 AM GMT

The content you say? Who would have figured that?

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I know, and only £60 to fix it! Must be worth it!

Quote: Marc Blake @ February 7 2009, 10:36 AM GMT

Sitcom is highly competative, but the rewards are huge. Two writers from this site sold to BBC and C4 and between them have made £12,000.

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I wonder who? It's not Seefacts and/or Tim Walker is it?

Quote: Matthew Stott @ February 7 2009, 11:44 AM GMT

I wonder who? It's not Seefacts and/or Tim Walker is it?

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Simon Blackwell? - The Old Guys.

See Marc Blake's post on The Old Guys thread about 'a former student of mine'.

Simon B was from one of my courses. Yes to Tim Walker (C4) and Stevie Rose (BBC)

Can't 100% fix content for £60. Can guide you......

Quote: Marc Blake @ February 7 2009, 1:18 PM GMT

Yes to Tim Walker (C4) and Stevie Rose (BBC)

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Ah, both Screenplay people.

Quote: Marc Blake @ February 7 2009, 10:36 AM GMT

fail on simple form, format and content issues.

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This reminds me of a line from The Homecoming by Harold Pinter, where a character says: "The trouble with you is you don't know how to defend and you don't know how to attack. Apart from that you're a first class boxer."

Sitcom is highly competative, but the rewards are huge. Two writers from this site sold to BBC and C4 and between them have made £12,000.

I'd want a tad more than £6000 for a whole series of a sitcom.

Quote: Marc Blake @ February 7 2009, 10:36 AM GMT

HI all.
90% of the scripts that I receive fail on simple form, format and content issues. Many of these are fixable. Script editors can tell within ten pages if a script is going to work or not.

I am running the first HowNOTtowrite a sitcom workshop for £60 (discount for pair or block bookings) on Saturday March 7th 2009 10am- 4.30pm. Bond st W1 location.

It will be intensive. Concept, character relationships, scene and line by line breakdowns of scripts. Please bring an idea, a pitch (you will pitch) and up to ten pages of your sitcom. I want you to go away wih real clarity and purpose.

Sitcom is highly competative, but the rewards are huge. Two writers from this site sold to BBC and C4 and between them have made £12,000.

To book or for any further questions please contact me at marcgblake@hotmail.co.uk

Thanks Marc

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Here, Mr. Turpin, you've dropped your mask.

Quote: Mikey J @ February 7 2009, 5:38 PM GMT

I'd want a tad more than £6000 for a whole series of a sitcom.

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I don't think he means for a whole series; from what I understand the two writers he mentioned are working on pilots.

I'm sensing a bit of a backlash against Marc here. What's the story?

Def/

Quote: Deferenz @ February 7 2009, 6:42 PM GMT

I'm sensing a bit of a backlash against Marc here. What's the story?

Def/

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Maybe they sent him their sitcoms and he told them the truth!!!

I don't think he means for a whole series; from what I understand the two writers he mentioned are working on pilots.

Ah, I see.