British Comedy Guide

Getting a sketch on T.V.

I was just wondering, how much would you get paid for writing, say, a 3-minute sketch for Mitchell and Webb?

Quote: catskillz @ July 9 2009, 10:05 PM BST

I was just wondering, how much would you get paid for writing, say, a 3-minute sketch for Mitchell and Webb?

150-ish per minute probably.

Quote: Seefacts @ July 9 2009, 11:53 PM BST

150-ish per minute probably.

It does vary though. Totally-new writers tend to get paid less. Basically the better track record you have, the bigger fee you can command.
The thing is when you're getting your first stuff filmed, you're happy with just that - and the fact that you get bunged a few hundred quid into the bargain feels like you're getting paid to shag Kylie Minogue.

Quote: Lee Henman @ July 10 2009, 12:14 AM BST

like you're getting paid to shag Kylie Minogue.

Which only pays £50 per minute.

I'm surprised the pay's so low, to be honest. Didn't someone on here say they'd sent a sketch to Richard Webb, a few weeks back?

Quote: Tim Walker @ July 10 2009, 12:17 AM BST

Which only pays £50 per minute.

Genuine Laughing out loud from me :)

Quote: catskillz @ July 10 2009, 12:44 AM BST

I'm surprised the pay's so low, to be honest. Didn't someone on here say they'd sent a sketch to Richard Webb, a few weeks back?

Yes they did, but unfortunately Richard Webb doesn't have his own TV/Radio sketch show, he's a junior health & safety officer in Lewisham.

I'm usually really good with names, but I was getting distracted by the T.V., as I was typing, so I couldn't think properly.

But yeah, a hundred and fifty isn't much more than people get on the dole, every couple of weeks, so it just seems depressingly low.

He did say,

Quote: Seefacts @ July 9 2009, 11:53 PM BST

150-ish per minute probably.

I know that's not Johnathan Ross. But it's not that bad. Is it?

Quote: catskillz @ July 10 2009, 1:15 AM BST

I'm usually really good with names, but I was getting distracted by the T.V., as I was typing, so I couldn't think properly.

But yeah, a hundred and fifty isn't much more than people get on the dole, every couple of weeks, so it just seems depressingly low.

Yeah - it's not £150 a fortnight though is it? It's £150 a minute. My maths isn't great but...you know...

Quote: catskillz @ July 10 2009, 1:15 AM BST

I'm usually really good with names, but I was getting distracted by the T.V., as I was typing, so I couldn't think properly.

But yeah, a hundred and fifty isn't much more than people get on the dole, every couple of weeks, so it just seems depressingly low.

Surely the beauty of writing is you can do it and claim benefits at the same time?

Quote: Tim Walker @ July 10 2009, 12:17 AM BST

Which only pays £50 per minute.

Laughing out loud

I'd earn £1.25 every time I shagged her then. :$

Quote: Rob H @ July 10 2009, 10:07 AM BST

Laughing out loud

I'd earn £1.25 every time I shagged her then. :$

:O

You can do it 40 times a minute! That's actually quite impressive.

A lot of writers get retainers or a chunk of money ahead, if they use all of the material or not.

:)

Yeah, but he comes with an attitude. On the plus side, it provides inspiration for a new sitcom. Unfortunately it's not a very good one and the servant is taken away. It's a terrible cycle.

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