British Comedy Guide

Sitcom storyline Page 5

Quote: Martin H @ April 1 2009, 12:08 AM BST

Look at Early Doors, each episode had its own plot, but they aren't in your face, it could just be about Joe pissing in the wardrobe and that kind of lingers throughout the episode.

Bet it kind of lingered on his shirts too. :)

I'd say write your vision.
Then go back and polish it.
Then go back and polish it again.
Then go back and polish it again.
Until you have something you're 100% happy with.

Sitcom format isn't written in stone.
There are loads of different styles....

1) OK, firstly, you have the traditional sitcom, say, My Family for example, which follows the textbook rules. i.e. get to the plot within first few pages. Maybe chuck in a subplot.

2) Then next, you have Red Dwarf in which the "first ten pages" will usually be nothing else but banter between Lister and Rimmer, usually unrelated to the plot. The main plot comes into it a little later.

3) Then there's Bottom, where you have huge chunks of banter between Richie and Eddie, plus tonnes of nob-gags, usually without much of a plot.

4) Not Going Out which usually gets into the plot quickly, peppered with quickfire gags.

The list could go on.

But every sitcom should follow some rules...
i.e. Consistent big laughs. (at least 3 per minute)
Strong, memorable characters with different foibles.
Some kind of conflict, only resolved right at the end.

Interesting :)

Quote: Dolly Dagger @ April 1 2009, 12:31 AM BST

Bet it kind of lingered on his shirts too. :)

I chose the word 'linger' very purposely. :D

By the way random, the link to your sitcom script doesn't seem to be working??

Quote: Martin H @ April 1 2009, 5:41 PM BST

I chose the word 'linger' very purposely. :D

By the way random, the link to your sitcom script doesn't seem to be working??

Yeah, I had knocked it on the head, thought it was done with, I'll open the link back again for a wee bit longer.

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