Why not take Marc's advice fully on board and save the full sound effect attack for another project, or at least another sketch featuring this character. If he is a strong character, you'd easily be able to cross platforms with him like Alan Partridge radio/sitcom/chatshow/stage.
Quote: Leevil @ February 18 2010, 1:30 PM GMTWhy not take Marc's advice fully on board and save the full sound effect attack for another project, or at least another sketch featuring this character. If he is a strong character, you'd easily be able to cross platforms with him like Alan Partridge radio/sitcom/chatshow/stage.
I have. I'm going to do it as a monologue but also try out the sketch too. Then I can fully judge it when I listen to it back. I think he's a good character with potential to be a strong character but only if I build him up slowly like I'm doing with this monologue/sketch.
I look forward to hearing this. I'm glad everyone could understand this character.
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ February 18 2010, 9:09 PM GMTI look forward to hearing this. I'm glad everyone could understand this character.
Is that because he didn't write it in Welsh?
Quote: Marc P @ February 19 2010, 11:29 AM GMTIs that because he didn't write it in Welsh?
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ February 18 2010, 9:09 PM GMTI look forward to hearing this. I'm glad everyone could understand this character.
Thanks. I'm hoping to make my 
accent as good as the script.
This is potentially the best thing you've done, James - nice character, and relationships, and the gags have a fair share of both the subtle and the obvious kind. Will be pleased to hear this when it comes out.
I'd be tempted to go with Don's advice re: the accent, for two reasons:
First, what's the crucial difference between a Welsh council estate and an estate elsewhere in the UK? If you don't know the answer to that, or you do know the answer but it doesn't impinge upon his character, then it doesn't matter where you set it... so in that instance, go with Don, set it near you.
Quote: James Cotter @ February 17 2010, 5:52 PM GMTand because I can do a Welsh accent.
Second, now listen here boyo, everyone thinks they can do a Welsh accent, like - but not even the Welsh can do a proper Welsh accent. Okay, mun?
Okay, the second point is tongue-in-cheek but the first is serious.
As to the off-camera shouts. I'm torn over the advice from Marc. Part of me says yes, part no. So yes, record both versions and see which sounds best. However, if it was to eventually become a 'to-camera video diary' style monologue then I'd say do the off-camera voices. In that instance, your character's reactions to the insults would be another layer on the comedy, plus helping build empathy with the viewer.
Hi. Enjoyed it so far. good that we get drawn in & feel sorry for him a bit.
I assume in scene 2 the chanting is to the tune of 'Men of Harlech'?
Quote: Mezz @ February 19 2010, 12:53 PM GMTHi. Enjoyed it so far. Good that we get drawn in & feel sorry for him a bit.
I assume in scene 2 the chanting is to the tune of 'Men of Harlech'?
Glad you enjoyed it and felt sorry for him.
There will be no chanting to the theme of Rhyfelgyrch Gwyr Harlech. Just "Michael Greylord is a gaylord"
Quote: SlagA @ February 19 2010, 12:53 PM GMTThis is potentially the best thing you've done, James - nice character, and relationships, and the gags have a fair share of both the subtle and the obvious kind. Will be pleased to hear this when it comes out.
I'd be tempted to go with Don's advice re: the accent, for two reasons:
First, what's the crucial difference between a Welsh council estate and an estate elsewhere in the UK? If you don't know the answer to that, or you do know the answer but it doesn't impinge upon his character, then it doesn't matter where you set it... so in that instance, go with Don, set it near you.
Second, now listen here boyo, everyone thinks they can do a Welsh accent, like - but not even the Welsh can do a proper Welsh accent. Okay, mun?
Okay, the second point is tongue-in-cheek but the first is serious.
As to the off-camera shouts. I'm torn over the advice from Marc. Part of me says yes, part no. So yes, record both versions and see which sounds best. However, if it was to eventually become a 'to-camera video diary' style monologue then I'd say do the off-camera voices. In that instance, your character's reactions to the insults would be another layer on the comedy, plus helping build empathy with the viewer.
Glad you have taken so kindly too it and I hope you give me your feedback when it does come out.
I've got a few more weeks intill I decided 100% what accent to do it in. I'm 95% sure about doing it in Welsh but we will see how the rehearsals come along so far the Welsh accent hasn't been a struggle.
I will recorded both version but I'm still slightly more in favour of noise off but I can judge it better after both have been edited. It will 100% become a to-camera video diary and there like you said will give me more scope to react to the characters surroundings.
Thanks again for the feedback.
Quote: SlagA @ February 19 2010, 12:53 PM GMTThis is potentially the best thing you've done, James - nice character, and relationships, and the gags have a fair share of both the subtle and the obvious kind. Will be pleased to hear this when it comes out.
I agree. Perhaps it's because you have it all scripted.
I'm also on the non-Welsh side but I guess you will try it out. As a halfway house you could have him as an Englishman living in Wales. That way you could use your natural accent and get even more conflict out of the character's position.
Quote: Badge @ February 19 2010, 6:27 PM GMTI agree. Perhaps it's because you have it all scripted.
I'm also on the non-Welsh side but I guess you will try it out. As a halfway house you could have him as an Englishman living in Wales. That way you could use your natural accent and get even more conflict out of the character's position.
Thanks.
The whole point of doing it as a audio monologue then a filmed one for now is so I can try out things like the noises off and the accent. I'll try a few voices out but I wouldn't want to use my voice as it wouldn't work for the character and it's a bit lazy.
A young tory who likes Maggie and the Daily Mail is a tad cliche, but it's certainly a step up from your last couple of things. Was it just you writing this or a collaboration?
I gather it's a collaboration with one of the BCGs finest, and possibly the best script that James has ever worked with to date.
I agree with SlagA that this may turn out to be the best thing he's ever done.
Although the word in the industry is that Back to Class 2 - Does your Mother Know may turn out to be the best thing that anyone has ever done.
And you can quote me on that.
Quote: Steve Sunshine @ February 19 2010, 9:08 PM GMTI agree with SlagA that this may turn out to be the best thing he's ever done.
Poor James.
Everyone is making him sound like he's eighty, and after hundreds of roles has finally peaked.