Quote: Mickeza @ April 1 2010, 6:47 PM BSTIt's all one idea, why would it need another paragraph? A completely serious question.
Try and relate that to your original question and maybe you will understand.
BBC Writers Room Page 5
Quote: Flaner @ April 1 2010, 6:49 PM BSTI can't honestly say I've assumed anyone has said anything serious in my whole time on these forums.
Touche!
Quote: Marc P @ April 1 2010, 6:51 PM BSTTry and relate that to your original question and maybe you will understand.
That isn't all one idea though, like I said, it is completely non-linear with two distinctive parts, and therefore could be enhanced with a br.. *cough* paragraph. I fail to see the fuss about this suggestion, Seinfeld would be an entirely different show if it was 30 minutes long, the pacing would change completely. I think this would also benefit from being 20 odd minutes long with a break, where's the problem? *Catchphrase alert* Serious question.
Quote: Mickeza @ April 1 2010, 7:01 PM BSTSeinfeld would be an entirely different show if it was 30 minutes long, the pacing would change completely.
Seinfeld is only the length it is, with breaks too, because of the channel it's on, not because they wrote it specifically with those issues in mind. They had the show in mind, and had to write it like it was because of the slots and everything the channel had; they didn't go looking for a channel that would broadcast their great twenty minute sitcom, incorporating it's specially designed breaks for pause and adverts. It's just a very odd way to go about things, and also, your script, if any production company picks it up, will be heavilly reworked at their suggestion and then taken to the channels they think it's right for.
I mean, do whatever you want, obviously, but the fact is, what you have now will have changed a lot if a production company takes it to a channel, and it will be up to them to decide where they take it. Stop thinking so stiffly and send it to anyone and everyone, stop restricting yourself already!
I'm trying to think of examples for you, Mickeza.
Ben Hur or Lawrence of Arabia opened with 6 minutes of black screen as the orchestra played the prelude. Those two and Cleopatra had intermissions.
And I remember Schindler's List having an intermission. Never have I known an audience to remain so silent in the intermission. Incredibly powerful moment.
But in a sitcom, I think such an idea would run into big resistance because it hasn't been done that way, although Family Guy recently broke up an episode into two halfs by playing a whole Conway Twitty (?) song that was neither funny nor part of the plot. I think it was 2 plus minutes out of 23-24 minutes.
Quote: Matthew Stott @ April 1 2010, 7:05 PM BSTSeinfeld is only the length it is, with breaks too, because of the channel it's on, not because they wrote it specifically with those issues in mind. They had the show in mind, and had to write it like it was because of the slots and everything the channel had; they didn't go looking for a channel that would broadcast their great twenty minute sitcom, incorporating it's specially designed breaks for pause and adverts. It's just a very odd way to go about things, and also, your script, if any production company picks it up, will be heavilly reworked at their suggestion and then taken to the channels they think it's right for.
I mean, do whatever you want, obviously, but the fact is, what you have now will have changed a lot if a production company takes it to a channel, and it will be up to them to decide where they take it. Stop thinking so stiffly and send it to anyone and everyone, stop restricting yourself already!
I will send it to anyone and everyone if the writers room accept scripts that only run to 23 minutes. If they don't then I think adding 8 minutes to it is a complete waste of my time for something which I don't think would suit the BBC at all. I'd love to be wrong, I'd love to send it off and them to say "Here, have this prime-time spot on BBC One", but it just wouldn't fit there. Like you say, production companies send it off to stations they think it's right for, I've thought about the marketability of it, and it suits channel four. It's a possible cult hit, but it's not a smash hit that the BBC would be looking for, and I'm just being realistic about this.
Well do whatever you want obviously; as I said, you're just narrowing your market and therefore your chances, but, up to you 'int it.
Quote: Matthew Stott @ April 1 2010, 7:36 PM BSTWell do whatever you want obviously; as I said, you're just narrowing your market and therefore your chances, but, up to you 'int it.
At the end of the day, this is all academic. I'll end up sending it to them anyway, 'cos there's nowhere else to send unsolicited stuff.
Quote: Mickeza @ April 1 2010, 7:41 PM BSTAt the end of the day, this is all academic.
Shouldn't you give it to your teacher then?
(Inflatable dartboard me)
Best of luck Mickeza.
Time duration was discussed before. Micheal Jacob, a BBC producer, said along the lines of:
"Make a 30 minute spec script 30 minutes. If you send a script to them with a commercial break, they will think you've already tried to whore out the script already to ITV and C4.
They will also assume that ITV and C4 turned it down, which would be the only reason you would be sending a 22 minute script with a purposeful ad break to the Beeb."
Saying that, this argument is moot.
Writersroom are primarily looking for WRITERS, not shows to make.
Quote: Mikey Jackson @ April 1 2010, 8:50 PM BSTMicheal Jacob, a BBC producer, said along the lines of:
"Make a 30 minute spec script 30 minutes. If you send a script to them with a commercial break, they will think you've already tried to whore out the script already to ITV and C4.
They will also assume that ITV and C4 turned it down, which would be the only reason you would be sending a 22 minute script with a purposeful ad break to the Beeb."
No-one in their right mind is going to contradict Mr Jacob. Well, not in earshot of me.
Mickeza, a good strategist knows when it's time to withdraw. I'm not a good strategist, simply a coward. See that? That's my ass disappearing into the sunset.
Personally, I'd submit your undiluted script to those that accept 22 minutes. I'd rewrite it for those that don't.
Quote: Mickeza @ April 1 2010, 7:01 PM BSTThat isn't all one idea though, like I said, it is completely non-linear with two distinctive parts, and therefore could be enhanced with a br.. *cough* paragraph. I fail to see the fuss about this suggestion, Seinfeld would be an entirely different show if it was 30 minutes long, the pacing would change completely. I think this would also benefit from being 20 odd minutes long with a break, where's the problem? *Catchphrase alert* Serious question.
I'm not fussed.
Quote: Mickeza @ April 1 2010, 7:33 PM BSTI think adding 8 minutes to it is a complete waste of my time for something which I don't think would suit the BBC at all.
Yeah sorry, what was your question about the bbc again?
Quote: Marc P @ April 1 2010, 10:27 PM BSTYeah sorry, what was your question about the bbc again?
Christ Knows. But I think Mr. Jackson very kindly answered it above, and Slag A has alluded to what needs to be done, turn it into a 30 minute script for writers room, and keep it in the current 22 minute format for everyone else. Thanks again all. 
Quote: Mickeza @ April 1 2010, 7:41 PM BSTAt the end of the day, this is all academic. I'll end up sending it to them anyway, 'cos there's nowhere else to send unsolicited stuff.
Then why even bother to ask your initial questions in the first place? Seriously, if you've already made up your mind that your opinion is the correct one, then there really is absolutely no point soliciting others for their views.
Never mind what you do with your script, that's up to you. My only writer's tip is to learn to be a little more tolerant and accepting of criticism and dissent, because by God patience and a thick skin are two qualities you'll find essential in your dealings with TV production people.
Anyway, all the best with your project.
Send the script off and forget about it. At this early stage, exact page count isn't important; you're just trying to prove to people that you can write. If the BBC, or anyone else, like what you send them, they'll be in touch.
Just apply some common sense, and don't over complicate things.