... for the next year or so: http://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2010/09/23/11777/sitcoms_dont_reflect_modern_britain?rss
And don't give your stuff away on Twitter: http://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2010/09/23/11775/what_next_for_tv_stand-up%3F
Dan
What To Write...
Oh they really can all just f**k off with this annual bollocks as far as I'm concerned. Taking into account that the majority of stuff which will get to screen in the next year will have been originally written 2-3 years ago, these periodic zeitgeist mission statements are meaningless tripe.
*goes off to write studio audience sitcom about lower middle-class family consisting of a) the pompous, buffoonish Dad, b) the down-to-earth yet cheeky Mum c) the precocious son, d) the jailbait daughter - the fresh, modern twist being that the family are all monopeds*
It's called Hopping Mad, isn't it?
Quote: Badge @ September 24 2010, 12:36 AM BSTIt's called Hopping Mad, isn't it?
*scribbles down*
It is now.
And when you add in the fact that half these people hold office for less time than it takes to develop the programs in the first place - I think we all know how seriously we should take this advice.
Quote: Tim Walker @ September 24 2010, 12:31 AM BSTOh they really can all just f**k off with this annual bollocks as far as I'm concerned. Taking into account that the majority of stuff which will get to screen in the next year will have been originally written 2-3 years ago, these periodic zeitgeist mission statements are meaningless tripe.
*goes off to write studio audience sitcom about lower middle-class family consisting of a) the pompous, buffoonish Dad, b) the down-to-earth yet cheeky Mum c) the precocious son, d) the jailbait daughter - the fresh, modern twist being that the family are all monopeds*
It is seems like we are back discussing the fringe vs mainstream comedy.
By the way what is the point of pointing asterixes on swear words if you see what the words are when you quote them?
Yeah, Brian The Smoking Room Dooley has had a good rant about it on his Twitter feed 
Dan
Quote: Tim Azure @ September 24 2010, 8:43 AM BSTIt is seems like we are back discussing the fringe vs mainstream comedy.
By the way what is the point of pointing asterixes on swear words if you see what the words are when you quote them?
It's more about the pointlessness of the advice, isn't it?
If what they're looking for isn't already on its 5th draft and in their in-tray, then by the time it gets into development the goalposts will have moved again.
And anyway if they a) see anything funny b)get something half decent from a 'name' they'll change their criteria in a flash.
I think it's always best to keep in mind the sort of thing that is being made, but to very much stick to writing what interests and excites you, rather than chasing too much after what you think other people might want.
Quote: Matthew Stott @ September 24 2010, 1:21 PM BSTI think it's always best to keep in mind the sort of thing that is being made, but to very much stick to writing what interests and excites you, rather than chasing too much after what you think other people might want.
This is true. Some patterns are broad for a while and then change. But classical forms are classical for that reason.