I am quite new to this site and some of the stuff I have read is excellent [and some not so excellent]. Is there anyone here that is likely to get stuff onto TV or radio or is it really about who you know rather than what you know, if that makes sence. Two or three writers really stand out to me, but what do I know... 
I hope so! This is why I don't see us in any competition here. A sitcom series takes over a year to write and film (full-time) for just six episodes. There are four main channels looking to fill a years-worth of comedy. That's a lot of comedy.
Opportunities are scarce, competition-wise, but there are production companies that do accept submissions. And even if they don't commission you they may give you work and step into the industry. Some people have had interest from companies so there is hope. Maybe there has been more success here but people have kept it to themselves especially after a couple of arguments on here.
I think some people probably do keep success to themselves. I wish I was, but I've only just finished my first sitcom draft!
As to will anyone form this board actually be successful? Well I sincerely doubt it. I would say 98% of the material I have read on here is terrible. It's either trying to be Little Britain, Monty Python, The Two Ronnies or Not The Nine O'clock News and poorly done.
Please don't think I'm being harsh or bitter, I'm just being honest. We are all amateur writers and there is a lot of good advice in these forums. I've been coming here since the end of May and my sitcom writing has imprved tenfold due to the advice I've picked up here.
Quote: Winterlight @ August 27, 2007, 11:00 AMAs to will anyone form this board actually be successful? Well I sincerely doubt it. I would say 98% of the material I have read on here is terrible. It's either trying to be Little Britain, Monty Python, The Two Ronnies or Not The Nine O'clock News and poorly done.
I think the overall take is pretty accurate but I guess what this site does is allow people the opportunity to mix with like-minded writers. It's never easy trying to be the next big thing in comedy but it doesn't stop people from trying. How nice it would be for a commissioning editor to pull your manuscript out and say "scrap the schedules everyone. THIS is what we've been waiting for!!" But of course that ain't never gonna happen.
Developing a writing style takes time and a lot of support which I believe is what the BSG community actually does.
Exactly, no ones first attempt will be top-notch. Writing improves the more you do it, so the poor sketches mentioned might be the first attempts and may improve loads. Anyone who thinks they are going to be successful without putting the hours in is not going anywhere.
I'm trying to break into a new area of writing (sketch/sitcom) having had a fair bit of my comedy writing published already. So I'm not necessarily learning how to write comedy, rather adapting it for a different format.
I've seen some people on here who have never written before trying to make it instantly and post threads asking for tips on how too. I don't think those people will make it until they accept the hardship involved.
As far as I can remember, Slaggs and Shoepie have been on the telly.
Quote: Leevil @ August 27, 2007, 11:38 AMAs far as I can remember, Slaggs and Shoepie have been on the telly.
That was Crimewatch though
Yeah Slaggs have been on TV a couple of times I believe... not sure about Shoepie though I guess AJP's guess is as good as mine... if not more accurate.
I'm not new to writing but I am new to sketch/sitcom writing. When I first joined BSG I posted my first couple of sketches. I received some valuable feedback and have noticed a significant improvement in my sketches since then. But, I will not post material that I believe stands a good chance of being produced. I will not put my prize pies on the window sill for anyone to snatch while my back is turned.
I do believe there are other writers here who also do not place their winning pies on the public forum.
We are the serious ones. We will make it.
Quote: Skibbington von Skubber @ August 27, 2007, 12:12 PMI do believe there are other writers here who also do not place their winning pies on the public forum.
We are the serious ones. We will make it.
Alternatively, and assuming you have a tray of these succulent pies, it may be a good idea to display one on a public forum.
There is the possibility that people from Production Companies trawl these forums (maybe as light relief!).
Quote: JohnnyD @ August 27, 2007, 12:29 PMAlternatively, and assuming you have a tray of these succulent pies, it may be a good idea to display one on a public forum.
There is the possibility that people from Production Companies trawl these forums (maybe as light relief!).
See, I don't think they do. The production companies and agencies are stuffed to the gills with unsolicited submissions every single week of the year. They have enough on their plates to sort through; they aren't about to waste their time trawling online forums. Furthermore, from a legal standpoint, they will not want material that has been 'published' on a public forum.
It is possible that you could develop a reputation in a forum as someone who writes funny material...and somehow that reputation could reach the attention of someone who 'matters', but I don't think it's worth the risk of having your material nicked by lurkers or other members in an attempt to milk that longshot.
Quote: Skibbington von Skubber @ August 27, 2007, 12:39 PMFurthermore, from a legal standpoint, they will not want material that has been 'published' on a public forum.
This may be news to people who display their work here concurrent with sending it to Production Companies.
I have also seen it said that they will only accept submissions from agents for 'legal/copyright' reasons.
I don't think ones who are going to have success will post that script or sketch on here.
You do get feedback for a lot of stuff though, and if people are saying the same thing then you can take that advice on board as many could be further down the line in terms of where their comedy is at.
Much of the work doesn't get to the point quick enough IMO, but that's natural as people learn their craft. Hopefully people who submitted chunky material you can not make head nor tail of will, in time, produce top comedy.
Hi Caroline!
I think at least three of four forum members have had some success in competitions and on the lower rungs of the business, so sooner or later someone from these forums could "make it" in some way...
I am not sure that you'd be able to pick them out just by what they post on BSG though as I don't think many people post more than a small percentage of their work here. Quite a few posters appear to be developing most of their work out of the public eye with a view to pitching directly to Production Companies and the like.
See you around!
Frankie xxx
Hi Caroline.
I post some stuff on here & keep other bits to myself.
Whenever I do post the advice I get is always used to make better.
As to whether anyone on here will make it. Well anything is possible.
As for Winterlights post.
Yes we are all amateur's. So was everyone before they made it. We may all stay amateur's forever & ever. Part of the reason for writing I believe, is to have something YOU can feel proud of. Even if it is not to everyones or even anyones taste.
I would be quite happy to have my sons & grandchildren, (Pls not for 5 years atleast on the grandchildren)be the only ones who ever enjoyed my work.
I write for fun, success would just be the cherry on the cake. I love my cake, even without cherries.