I see a lot of sketches being posted for critique, but I wonder, is there a formal place on the site to offer one's sit-com episode for criticism?
I'd relish the chance to receive feedback on a radio pilot I'm about to complete, and I'd be more than happy to do likewise for anyone willing to volunteer their effort for appraisal.
Perhaps it's something dealt with in PM, in which case, do be in touch if you're interested in a trade off.
There's a critique section, bottom of the main forum page.
Yes, the Critique forum is what you're looking for David. Any lack of sitcom in there is purely through none being posted. The writers' aspects of the BSG are by no means limited to sketch.
People tend to post samples of their sitcom, most commonly because they don't want their hard work to be stolen, I'm guessing.
The thing most of us tend to do is ask a few select members, whom we trust and respect the opinion of.
I'm not hinting at anything by the way, lol, I'm not all keen on reading sitcom scripts, as for writing them, bah, too lazy...
YOu can send them to me, I wont send you mine in return. But I can give crique if you like.
ps I'm quite often a complete bastard 
Quote: Gavin @ October 24, 2007, 7:38 PMps I'm quite often a complete bastard
And that's before the critique 
Of course but I like people to talk to me informed so that they dont theink their special. I treat everyone with the same distain.
Apart from anything I haven't got time to read loads of 30 minute sitcoms on the threads.
Just put a scene or 2 to give a feel (!)
I think you're exactly right. It seems ludicrous that i have not read any sitcoms on this site since joining, merely a stack of one gag sketches (i know i am guilty too) and there may be sitcoms on here somewhere.
If you post it i will definately read it. I had hoped the critique section would be a bit more active with other like-minded comedians offering advice and criticism.
I have posted two items only to be told they were good or amusing. I appreciate these offerings but they're of little help to me.
Is this because people only spend 30seconds in the forum and really just want one-liners.
I too have a radio script i would like to post but also fear it will have too many words for most goldfish viewers.
Anyway, rant over, i will offer you my opinion on it, for better or worse.
There are loads of sitcom ideas in the critique sections. Some are complete 30 minutes but as I've said I don't want to read all that - which is probably why professional readers only read about the first 10 pages at most - unless of course they get totally hooked.
Candice, most people on here try to read as much as possible but can't read everything. So what they do read, they favour the writers they know and have received helpful feedback from before, most of the time.
That may sound clique, but it's more of a, you scratch my back... You're already integrating yourself in pretty well, so the longer you hang around and make a name for your self the more encouraging people will be to read your stuff.
Quote: David Bussell @ October 24, 2007, 2:32 PMI see a lot of sketches being posted for critique, but I wonder, is there a formal place on the site to offer one's sit-com episode for criticism?
The critique forum is the place David - that was actually setup for sitcoms in the first place but, yes, it is admittedly mainly sketch shows being posted up now. I guess the problem is that reading a full sitcom on the forum is probably a bit lengthy... perhaps some members would let you email them it?
If you are really serious about this comedy you should seek out professional advice - obviously a pro will take more time to look over your work and bring in factors that perhaps aren't so relivant within this forum environment (e.g. budget required to film, how you've formatted things).
We've arranged a discount with script consultant Marc Blake, you might be interested in his services - more info (Marc's service comes highly recommended - check out the testimonials from some of our members)
Even though I write sitcoms (the whole thing, not just the pilot) I wouldn't feel comfortable posting an entire episode on here for feedback I can get from people I already know and trust in the real world.
If I didn't have these people to read and give me feedback then I would use a place like this for it.
This is a great place for networking, getting inspiring advice, and giving it (well, trying anyway, in my case).
But if people feel comfortable enough to post their stuff on here, be it an entire episode or not, I would read it and give feedback (unless I thought it was so hard to read and gave up after the first scene)!
My philosophy is to keep the episodes of my scripts to a few people until it's complete. Then when it's as good as I can get it with their help, bring more people into the circle, and so on until I'm happy with it.
They never get finished, but you should be happy with it after the 5th draft.
Thanks, guys, appreciate the help.
I think I might benefit from emailing one of the people above. Some of you might remember a thread I posted last month, about one of my main ideas being used in another sitcom. Well, whether you do or not, the truth of the matter is that it's done a massive amount of damage to my writing. I've wasted the last few weeks, wondering whether I should scrap the idea, or carry on with it.