I'm sorry but it's another 'no'. It's very big and unrealistic and silly (I'm trying to politely say 'badly written') and it's also an idea that I've seen before in numerous incarnations, and which I think works best as a sketch runner.
Ouch
Quote: Michael Everett @ April 20 2009, 1:12 PM BSTI'm sorry but it's another 'no'. It's very big and unrealistic and silly (I'm trying to politely say 'badly written') and it's also an idea that I've seen before in numerous incarnations, and which I think works best as a sketch runner.
Who wrote this and why? When? What for?
The monkey whistles silently at night.
He's pre-empting my next sketch.
Sorry my computer went nuts after I posted this, probably because I punched it in the face.
This was a response from Objective Productions about a sitcom I sent to a literary agent, who then sent it onto them.
It's the worst feedback I've had, not only have I almost broken my computer, I have probably tarnished an agents reputation, poor man.
Quote: Michael Everett @ April 20 2009, 11:44 PM BSTSorry my computer went nuts after I posted this, probably because I punched it in the face.
This was a response from Objective Productions about a sitcom I sent to a literary agent, who then sent it onto them.
It's the worst feedback I've had, not only have I almost broken my computer, I have probably tarnished an agents reputation, poor man.
F**k man, that's harsh.
Still, we've all had shitty feedback. What doesn't kill you, etc...
Quote: Michael Everett @ April 20 2009, 1:12 PM BSTI'm sorry but it's another 'no'.
Another no? Have they rejected your stuff before or is this literary agent sending them loads of stuff they're rejecting?
Quote: Lee Henman @ April 21 2009, 1:51 AM BSTWhat doesn't kill you, etc...
..leaves you paralysed from the neck down, wishing you were dead. That's the way I'm feeling about submissions right now.
The last one I got said: "i just didn't find it funny, that's all."
Oh, that's all?...great. There ain't no response to that!
You shouldn't worry, it's only one script editor's personal response. There are plenty of others. Keep trying
Yep, it hurts but bear this in mind. Even greatest decade-spanning comedians and writers have woken up to find critical shit in their email, letterbox, or (even worse) in a 10-page pull-out special of the Arts section of the Sunday Times.
Even the best. With few exceptions
Plain 'No' and anonymous spiteful barbs that give the writer no right of reply; that are intended to bring you down, not lift you up; are a fact of life in this profession. As is vacuous and insincere praise. Although one is more preferable, both are pitfalls and will snuff out potential, if we allow them to.
The difference between us and those at the very top is that they continued, even when they felt like shit. They got up and plodded (and still do plod) on. For people at the bottom rung, this is a taster, a way of finding out whether we're cut out for our chosen paths.
We either walk on or walk away. Personally, I'd say walk on.
Remember comedy is subjective,that's why we get sitcoms as diverse as Last of the Summer Wine and League of Gentleman. A rejection just means that you are one step closer to finding someone who loves it!
Also if this was sent by an agent, they must have thought it worthwhile. They don't waste their time on things they don't believe in.
As Slag says - walk on.
Has there ever been a sitcom about failed/aspiring sitcom writers? Would it work? Could be done mockumentary-style, looking at a group of hopeful writers entering a sitcom writing competition (the winner gets their one made into a pilot), their hopes, fears, foibles, failings and relationships? Or was that pretty much covered in Extras?
EDIT: Obviously it would have to avoid having an annoying title like Writers' Block.
Quote: Kenneth @ April 21 2009, 12:10 PM BSTHas there ever been a sitcom about failed/aspiring sitcom writers? Would it work? Could be done mockumentary-style, looking at a group of hopeful writers entering a sitcom writing competition (the winner gets their one made into a pilot), their hopes, fears, foibles, failings and relationships? Or was that pretty much covered in Extras?
I think it would work better as a taut drama.
Quote: Flaner @ April 21 2009, 12:13 PM BSTI think it would work better as a taut drama.
If it was a drama without any laughs, I'd be reaching for the cheese-grater. But that's just me.
Quote: Kenneth @ April 21 2009, 12:10 PM BSTHas there ever been a sitcom about failed/aspiring sitcom writers?
Colin's Sandwich was about an aspiring horror writer. And Garth Mernghi's darkplace was about a succesful horror writer. Generally, though, steer clear of writing about writers. It's too narcistic and self-absorbed.