Quote: ContainsNuts @ October 30, 2007, 3:20 PMI agree and we should continue to do so. Unfortunately, some people here felt the need to openly declare there dislike of success stories here
Yeah, sorry.
Split the forum like a big piece of art in a museum floor.
Quote: David Chapman @ October 30, 2007, 9:44 PMThis looks really good Tim - well done and good luck.
I'm afraid I haven't read the whole thread but how long after you submitted your first stuff did you get the invitation to meet Ash?
That might give you an idea of timescales involved but they obviously know you and I would've thought they would look at that before any unsolicited stuff.
I was quite amazed how quickly I got a response, which was in just over a month. I suspect that once more people get wise to the fact that it's Ash Atalla's production company, the timescale will increase.
By the way, I just wanted to make it clear that I'm sharing this positive experience (so far) to genuinely hear from others about their writing and submission experiences. Despite (perhaps) getting my foot in the door, I'm trying to just get on with writing my next pilot project. I seem to be going through a period where it is easier than ever to write. (The consequence being that I have to pay attention to my bullshit meter more than ever.)
I've found producers get back to me within the week.
I tend to approach individuals, rather than companies.
Quote: Seefacts @ October 30, 2007, 10:22 PMI've found producers get back to me within the week.
I tend to approach individuals, rather than companies.
Any names you want to share?
Quote: Seefacts @ October 30, 2007, 10:22 PMI've found producers get back to me within the week.
I tend to approach individuals, rather than companies.
I've only met one producer so far. I'm pretty green to the comedy writing world, but from the world of stand-up to the world of real life, I know it's wise always to think the best of people, but don't ever expect anything from them which isn't also in their best interests. Way of the world.
There are a hell of a lot of producers out there. Do your contacts specialise in comedy by-and-large?
LOL
Quote: David Chapman @ October 30, 2007, 10:28 PMAny names you want to share?
Not without looking into my little folder marked 'Contacts and letters' which isn't on this PC.
My tip is - do your research, it's bloody frustrating but the internet is a useful tool.
Quote: Tim Walker @ October 30, 2007, 10:35 PMI've only met one producer so far. I'm pretty green to the comedy writing world, but from the world of stand-up to the world of real life, I know it's wise always to think the best of people, but don't ever expect anything from them which isn't also in their best interests. Way of the world.
There are a hell of a lot of producers out there. Do your contacts specialise in comedy by-and-large?
LOL
I tend to contact ones who've done similar stuff to the piece I'm trying to get out there.
To be new to the comedy world, but to have got a meeting is pretty good though so you're doing something right.
You should be able to get an agent off the back of that to be honest - that was going to be my next move had I got the meeting I was so close to at the Beeb. I might still get one, but I'm not holding my breath.
Perhaps ask Atalla for a recommendation, armed with that they'll be biting your arm off.
Quote: Seefacts @ October 30, 2007, 10:36 PMNot without looking into my little folder marked 'Contacts and letters' which isn't on this PC.
My tip is - do your research, it's bloody frustrating but the internet is a useful tool.
I didn't really expect you to share them.
I've got loads of names and stuff but you only get to know which ones are not a waste of time through other peoples experiences.
Quote: David Chapman @ October 30, 2007, 10:40 PMI didn't really expect you to share them.
I've got loads of names and stuff but you only get to know which ones are not a waste of time through other peoples experiences.
It depends what you mean by waste of time.
I've had my work read by three BBC producers, and two at companies who don't accept unsolicited material.
The key is go for people, not corporate logos.
Quote: Seefacts @ October 30, 2007, 10:39 PMYou should be able to get an agent off the back of that to be honest - that was going to be my next move had I got the meeting I was so close to at the Beeb. I might still get one, but I'm not holding my breath.
Perhaps ask Atalla for a recommendation, armed with that they'll be biting your arm off.
Sorry to ask another question, but where and what type of agent do you approach - presumably a literary agent? Is there a list anywhere?
Quote: ContainsNuts @ October 30, 2007, 3:20 PMI agree and we should continue to do so. Unfortunately, some people here felt the need to openly declare there dislike of success stories here but there are people here who genuinely benefit from them so keep us up to date.
Well, I find that loathing and bitterness are the perfect catalysts for hilarious comedy.
Well done Tim, that's a hefty boot in the proverbial door.
Quote: Tim Walker @ October 30, 2007, 10:46 PMSorry to ask another question, but where and what type of agent do you approach - presumably a literary agent? Is there a list anywhere?
Just Google 'comedy writer agent' and various things like that.
Off the top of my head though: Linda Seifert, PBJ, RDF, PFD, Dench Arnold and other such ones. See whta their sites say.
Cheers for that. Good luck with your project.
Quote: Cinnamon @ October 30, 2007, 10:51 PMWell, I find that loathing and bitterness are the perfect catalysts for hilarious comedy.
Well done Tim, that's a hefty boot in the proverbial door.
Thanks. I'm pretty new to this site, but I can assure you that I am as cynical as the next man, and hide my bitterness under a bushel of optimism.
I think I'm going to like this site, if only for the fact there are people as driven to get something funny of their on-screen, online, or on radio/print. Comedy really is the hardest thing to write. Those straight dramatists have got it easy (only kidding).
P.S. If the wheels fall off this one, I shall continue to write and post and hope to hear that one of us has a made it to the Holy Grail.
Quote: Tim Walker @ October 30, 2007, 10:46 PMSorry to ask another question, but where and what type of agent do you approach - presumably a literary agent? Is there a list anywhere?
The Writers and Artists Yearbook and The Writers Handbook are published every year. You can find them in libraries or bookshops like Waterstones. They both have chapters with long lists of UK literary agents and the type of work they cover. The Writers Handbook also lists the main clients of those agents, so you can see if they like your style of work.
Definitely worth trying if you're getting somewhere, as it's easier for them to negotiate for you, and having an agent makes you look more established.
I think you can still register on here free.
Cheers David.