Has anyone considered - or even succeeded in - offering a scene or two to an existing sitcom?
I've got an idea which seems similar to something already in production. Rather than compete would this be viable?
Selling a Scene
I wouldn't have thought so myself. But there's nowt to stop you asking the production company if you can send some stuff over. You never know...
Quote: Chappers @ June 11 2009, 6:14 PM BSTHas anyone considered - or even succeeded in - offering a scene or two to an existing sitcom?
I've got an idea which seems similar to something already in production. Rather than compete would this be viable?
You've been a little vague. But, to be honest, this question seems like it has come straight out of 'Bonkers Bill's Book of Bogus Bollox'.
You need to apply some common sense.
If you just send off an idea for a scene, you don't have any legal protection of it. Therefore, anyone that reads it - can steal it. That's pretty basic knowledge.
And to try and compete with something that is already in production is, quite frankly, all but a complete waste of time.
Quote: don rushmore @ June 12 2009, 12:17 AM BSTIf you just send off an idea for a scene, you don't have any legal protection of it. Therefore, anyone that reads it - can steal it. That's pretty basic knowledge.
So what you're saying is, never send any scripts to anybody in case they steal them?
Quote: don rushmore @ June 12 2009, 12:17 AM BST.
And to try and compete with something that is already in production is, quite frankly, all but a complete waste of time.
I'm not sure Chappers was talking about competing, more about contributing. It's unlikely a company will take your scene and inject it into their show, but they may see a germ of something they like and get back to you.
Like I said, you never know.
Quote: Lee Henman @ June 12 2009, 12:32 AM BSTSo what you're saying is, never send any scripts to anybody in case they steal them?
Chappers never mentioned anything about a script, he talked about 'an idea'.
Quote: don rushmore @ June 12 2009, 12:36 AM BSTChappers never mentioned anything about a script, he talked about 'an idea'.
Even an idea is protected by copyright law though. After all a script is just a collection of ideas in itself.
The concept that people's ideas get ripped off wholesale in TV though is wrong I think. If you can come up with a great idea for a TV show, it's unlikely a company will steal your idea and give it to someone else. A) Because it's illegal and they won't want to get teir arses sued, and B) Because TV companies really do want to discover new fresh writers with great ideas who'll hopefully make them squillions of pounds.
Quote: Lee Henman @ June 12 2009, 12:42 AM BSTEven an idea is protected by copyright law though. After all a script is just a collection of ideas in itself.
The concept that people's ideas get ripped off wholesale in TV though is wrong I think. If you can come up with a great idea for a TV show, it's unlikely a company will steal your idea and give it to someone else. A) Because it's illegal and they won't want to get teir arses sued, and B) Because TV companies really do want to discover new fresh writers with great ideas who'll hopefully make them squillions of pounds.
You're taking his original question, and going off on a slight tangent.
One or two ideas for a scene, are certainly not covered by any legal protection at all.
You may not like it, but that's the way it is.
Quote: don rushmore @ June 12 2009, 12:36 AM BSTChappers never mentioned anything about a script, he talked about 'an idea'.
You're splitting hairs. I've written several scenes which could fit into something else. When I said an idea I meant a script.
Quote: don rushmore @ June 12 2009, 12:51 AM BSTYou're taking his original question, and going off on a slight tangent.
Do you actually read what people write?
Quote: Chappers @ June 12 2009, 12:58 AM BSTYou're splitting hairs. I've written several scenes which could fit into something else. When I said an idea I meant a script.
'When I said an idea I meant a script' - well how the f**k was I supposed to know that?!
Word to the wise: it's not a case of 'splitting hairs'. There is a world of difference between a script and 'an idea'.
But I'm not going to waste anymore time on someone that cannot differentiate between the two.
Please learn the basic tools of the trade.
I've worked in this industry for many years, and was only trying to give you some good advice. In the future, I won't bother.
Kind regards
Don
>_<
Also scenes serve a particular purpose within a plot. They're not like mix 'n' match at the sweet shop. It'd seem unlikely that a scene written independently could be shoe-horned into an available plot line. That to me, would be the biggest argument against this.
BUT you could send it in as a calling card. You never know. Chappers, I'd just do it. They can't say No unless you do... or Yes.
Quote: don rushmore @ June 12 2009, 1:55 AM BSTI've worked in this industry for many years, and was only trying to give you some good advice. In the future, I won't bother.
Kind regards
Don
Why are you always so angry Don? Do you have a thorn in your paw?
Quote: Matthew Stott @ June 12 2009, 10:26 AM BSTWhy are you always so angry Don? Do you have a thorn in your paw?
I just wish more people would take notice of what I say. But it's not all bad:
I have many admirers on here. Not only in the UK, but all over the world.
Why, only this morning, I received an email from friendly, Native American actor - Lou Diamond Phillips.
He told me how much he enjoyed my work on this very site. He even went as far as asking if he could be my 'plus one' at the next BCG meet.
Unfortunately, I had to turn him down. As I have already allocated this position to former star of 'Baywatch', Billy Warlock.
All the best,
Don xxxxxx
Quote: don rushmore @ June 12 2009, 10:51 AM BSTWhy, only this morning, I received an email from friendly, Native American actor - Lou Diamond Phillips.
Have you been watching the US version of 'I'm a Celebrity'?