I've just had a quick skim of the blog and wonder if I should just send everything to WR as a matter of course instead of bypassing them as I do at the moment. Maybe it's worth it if you're in for the long haul.
BBC Writers Room Page 3
I think it is a more helpful system for drama writers. The subjective nature of comedy means getting past the first hurdle (i.e having the whole script read) is very hit or miss. As stated on this thread, some writers who have received outright rejections from WR have then gone on to get interest via other means. Not neccessarily for the same script they sent to WR, but it shows as a way of finding writers with potential it doesn't - at least in the genre of comedy - always work.
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ March 25 2010, 9:24 AM GMTI think it is a more helpful system for drama writers. The subjective nature of comedy means getting past the first hurdle (i.e having the whole script read) is very hit or miss. As stated on this thread, some writers who have received outright rejections from WR have then gone on to get interest via other means. Not neccessarily for the same script they sent to WR, but it shows as a way of finding writers with potential it doesn't - at least in the genre of comedy - always work.
Good point DD, re Genre, I wasn't taking that into account. And the reason I stopped sending to WR was when I received a positive but outright objection from WR for a script that had, after I'd sent it to WR, been well received by a BBC commissioner and went on to get a pilot script commissioned for the same project.
It all comes down to the right person at the right time, luck and timing really. So I wouldn't cut off an opportunity for the sake of it. Can be bloody frustrating I know.
Quote: steve by any other name @ March 25 2010, 9:32 AM GMTAnd the reason I stopped sending to WR was when I received a positive but outright objection from WR for a script that had, after I'd sent it to WR, been well received by a BBC commissioner and went on to get a pilot script commissioned for the same project.
If you add us up, there seems to be a fair few comedy writers that happens to (me included). Maybe the BBC needs to re-think its way of finding new comedy writers. The New Talent awards haven't happened for a few years and the College of Comedy isn't for the sort of writers who would be sending their scripts to WR.
Quote: Marc P @ March 25 2010, 9:40 AM GMTIt all comes down to the right person at the right time, luck and timing really. So I wouldn't cut off an opportunity for the sake of it. Can be bloody frustrating I know.
Still seems there's easier ways than WR - when it comes to comedy.
Nothings easy. 
Quote: Marc P @ March 25 2010, 9:44 AM GMTNothings easy.
Even using apostrophes? 
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ March 25 2010, 9:47 AM GMTEven using apostrophes?
How did you know I was A Catholic?
I've just finished my "masterpiece" sitcom, but it really does need a commercial break in it, so it would be much better on channel 4 than BBC. Should I still send it to the writers room? I've also had a quick look on the production company's listed on this site and hardly any take unsolicited work. So I'm a touch confused as to where to send it.
Quote: Mickeza @ April 1 2010, 12:11 PM BSTI've just finished my "masterpiece" sitcom, but it really does need a commercial break in it,
Whu? Needs one?
Why's it need a commercial break in it? Have you got something you need to flog? Perhaps try Exchange & Mart, expediting the need to write a sitcom? 
Quote: Tim Walker @ April 1 2010, 12:14 PM BSTWhy's it need a commercial break in it? Have you got something you need to flog?
The general style of it, it is dialogue intensive and skips back and forth an awful lot from scene to scene (there are 25 scenes in it) with a non-linear time-line. It could be quite hard for an audience to concentrate on for 30 minutes. I want it to be shorter and have two distinctive parts. You know they still do this at the theater right? A break can actually be used as a device, it hasn't always been just for adverts.
Quote: Mickeza @ April 1 2010, 1:15 PM BSTThe general style of it, it is dialogue intensive and skips back and forth an awful lot from scene to scene (there are 25 scenes in it) with a non-linear time-line. It could be quite hard for an audience to concentrate on for 30 minutes. I want it to be shorter and have two distinctive parts. You know they still do this at the theater right? A break can actually be used as a device, it hasn't always been just for adverts.
Are you joking?
Sounds a risky way to write a sitcom. What if it was to be released on DVD? It should be comfortable to watch in 25-30 minutes. If it isn't have you thought about writing it as a 15 minute piece? Not much call for them, but....
Also would anyone reading it stop half way through and go away for a few minutes before finishing the 2nd bit? They wouldn't and it should be the same for someone to read as to watch.
What DD said.
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ April 1 2010, 1:24 PM BSTAre you joking?
Sounds a risky way to write a sitcom. What if it was to be released on DVD? It should be comfortable to watch in 25-30 minutes. If it isn't have you thought about writing it as a 15 minute piece? Not much call for them, but....
Also would anyone reading it stop half way through and go away for a few minutes before finishing the 2nd bit? They wouldn't and it should be the same for someone to read as to watch.
Sounds like getting them to stop after 15 minutes wouldn't be a problem. Getting them to pick it back up again though....