British Comedy Guide

HowNOT to write Sitcom NORTH Page 2

To be quite honest Marc, the cost is prohibitive and a lot in the present climate. Why not put it at 15 quid and get 50 people in?
Advertise in the Manchester evening news too, or the Stage.
I recently went on a cruise and swam with dolphins. The photo of me kissing one was amazing but it was about 20 quid, so I wouldn't buy it on principle. Fifty others wouldn't either. Now, had they charged five quid each they would have sold £250 worth, as it was, they sold two....£40, does that make business sense?
Afterall, it is only done with a digital camera and costs buggerall. A rip off at 20 quid a time.

I think it's good value. For the money you get to spend the day with someone who understands the sitcom game and is there to impart all the info to you in a close nit environment. If the class or group is small there can be better interaction between those present.

I understand that an expense is relative to the particular individual, but I really think that £75 is a good price for what could be a fun and very informative day out.

Def.

Quote: Deferenz @ February 26 2009, 12:07 AM GMT

I think it's good value. For the money you get to spend the day with someone who understands the sitcom game and is there to impart all the info to you in a close nit environment. If the class or group is small there can be better interaction between those present.

I understand that an expense is relative to the particular individual, but I really think that £75 is a good price for what could be a fun and very informative day out.

Def.

Yes understood but 75 quid is a week's pension

Quote: Lee Brown @ February 24 2009, 8:26 PM GMT

If you are after numbers for the Midlands then I'm in Northampton and would be up for it.

Me too. Dare I suggest the Hilton at junction 15 on the M1? (Takes cover)

If £75 is prohibitive, don't spend it. Personally, I think sending off something that goes straight in the No pile is a bigger waste of time and money.

What we've learnt from doing the Sitcom Trials is that the people who are willing to immerse themselves in the industry and invest time and money into their talent have more chance of succeeding.

Cheers, Declan

Quote: Declan @ February 26 2009, 4:33 PM GMT

If £75 is prohibitive, don't spend it. Personally, I think sending off something that goes straight in the No pile is a bigger waste of time and money.

What we've learnt from doing the Sitcom Trials is that the people who are willing to immerse themselves in the industry and invest time and money into their talent have more chance of succeeding.

Cheers, Declan

Agreed......the bit about the 75 quid being a pensioners lot for the week was intended as humour...you know, the poor me syndrom of pensioners?

Just wondering what sitcoms Marc has written and had produced.

(genuine question)

Or is it just the How To Be... Sitcom and Comedy Writer books? (and a few novels)

Quote: bushbaby @ February 26 2009, 12:39 AM GMT

Yes understood but 75 quid is a week's pension

Actually the current weekly rate for the state pension is £90.70.

Damn, I feel like Aaron :P

Def.

Quote: Mikey J @ February 26 2009, 5:29 PM GMT

Just wondering what sitcoms Marc has written and had produced.

(genuine question)

Or is it just the How To Be... Sitcom and Comedy Writer books? (and a few novels)

I think he has written 11 and sold 4 to option, but none have been produced as far as I know.

Def.

Quote: Deferenz @ February 26 2009, 5:33 PM GMT

Actually the current weekly rate for the state pension is £90.70.

Damn, I feel like Aaron :P
Def.

Not for one that has to claim on there husband's 'stamps'/contributions.
But I was joking, Marc could verify that as I emailed him initially.
But I digress again, musn't keep hijacking the thread.....sorry

:$

Quote: bushbaby @ February 26 2009, 6:03 PM GMT

Not for one that has to claim on there husband's 'stamps'/contributions.

In that case you are probably looking at a max of half, say £45.

Ok, I'll shut up now...:D

Def.

Quote: Deferenz @ February 26 2009, 6:08 PM GMT

In that case you are probably looking at a max of half, say £45.

Ok, I'll shut up now...:D

Def.

:D :D try £57....whoops, I'll shut ma mouth

As for Midlands location how about Milton Keynes? it has good train routes to a lot of places. I know that there are a few people on this site from around the Northampton, Milton Keynes, Bedford, Notttingham area, so time to have a show of hands people............

Ahh. I am pricing this according to costs for travel, room hire (not cheap) and spending a lot of time on admin etc. I also want to undercut competitors. 50 people means a shoddy lecture and no one to one tuition. I have always prided myself on giving good value for money by writing 1500 word detailed crits in my consultancy service (see testimonials). My aim is to be honest and fair and informative. It's hardly profitable. Sitcom is really hard to get right. Yes, I have sold four. I have many rejection notes...in fact I'll link you to my blog sometime so you can read them all. I have had a TV drama produced that got 9 million viewers.
I have a sitcom out there with Harry Enfield, a comedy drama script doing the rounds and I am writing a comedy horror script.

What I offer is an experienced and only partially jaundiced eye. The other one is blue.

Ta taa

Quote: Lee Brown @ February 26 2009, 7:09 PM GMT

As for Midlands location how about Milton Keynes? it has good train routes to a lot of places. I know that there are a few people on this site from around the Northampton, Milton Keynes, Bedford, Notttingham area, so time to have a show of hands people............

Milton Keynes? Are you trying to crush any creative spirit? I had sort of assumed that Birmigham (yeah, I know) with its status of second city and massive population might be a sensible bet but I am happy to be flexible. So, we have 3...any more?

Quote: Marc Blake @ February 26 2009, 7:28 PM GMT

50 people means a shoddy lecture and no one to one tuition.

Agreed. Pile 'em high sell 'em cheap doesn't work in education. £75 seems fine to me for a good quality learning experience, which seems to be the cocensus on what Marc is offering.

Quote: Marc Blake @ February 26 2009, 7:28 PM GMT

Ahh. I am pricing this according to costs for travel, room hire (not cheap) and spending a lot of time on admin etc. I also want to undercut competitors. 50 people means a shoddy lecture and no one to one tuition. I have always prided myself on giving good value for money by writing 1500 word detailed crits in my consultancy service (see testimonials). My aim is to be honest and fair and informative. It's hardly profitable. Sitcom is really hard to get right. Yes, I have sold four. I have many rejection notes...in fact I'll link you to my blog sometime so you can read them all. I have had a TV drama produced that got 9 million viewers.
I have a sitcom out there with Harry Enfield, a comedy drama script doing the rounds and I am writing a comedy horror script.

What I offer is an experienced and only partially jaundiced eye. The other one is blue.

Ta taa

Ah, forgive me Mike! For being a tw*t

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