Quote: sootyj @ August 19 2010, 6:29 AM BSTI can draw dinosaurs with laser guns attacking page 3 girls.
We need to see this.
How NOT to write sitcom. Page 4
This is all getting a bit silly.
Camberwell is a fine Arts Establishment.
In response to general responses. Yes, people are doing these courses. There are just two places left now.
Neither Sitcom nor comedy are taught at any level in education, until you get to under graduate level, wherein it might be offered as a single module, but even then, there aren't a lot of these about.
It is true to say that writing sitcom well is a rare talent, a juxtaposition of all the necessary skills of dramatic writing PLUS you have to be funny as well. However we as a country do tend to turn out thousands of comedy performers and writers. It is in our bones, but it isn't encouraged, which is why it's all done privately. Having read thousands of scripts, you tend to see where people are going wrong, hence "How NOT to...". I have also sold four sitcoms myself, which languished in 'development' for so long that I moved on to novels and TV Drama (which was a lot easier). Anyway, I offer these courses to help the writer get the best chance he/she can. Script editors, producers and Indy Prod Co's are not in the business of being kind: they are looking for something so fresh and shit hot that they can't say no. If that really is you, then you don't need me.
Have a good Bank Holiday one and all.
Oh, and no need for comments about fresh and s**t hot combined with the sitcom you like least at the moment.
The course is now full.
Next one November 20th.
Thanks.
Marc
Quote: Marc Blake @ August 29 2010, 9:46 AM BSTScript editors, producers and Indy Prod Co's are looking for something so fresh and shit hot that they can't say no.
Meanwhile in the real world.
Testimonials from course....
The next one is NOvember 20th
Felt encouraged and inspired. Kerry Miller.
Extremely enjoyable. Marc's knowledge is amazing and he really gets you thinking and improving your writing. Ian Rayment.
Specific feedback on material and group encouragement, which was really good. Paddy Paterson.
A mass of good ideas. I very much enjoyed the day. Extremely useful. Paul Cater.
Excellent hands-on day. Relaxed atmosphere with positive and informative spirit. Clear and concise grass roots advice. Chris Minett
Really constructive, good group dynamic. Gemma Custance.
A fun, friendly and informative class. Great to pinpoint existing problems with work. Marc was straight forward and constructive on feedback and advice. Sophie Sweatman.
The rules of sitcom, the rules of drama, the rules of everything to do with writing . . . apply only to rejected scripts.
No they don't.
I feel a pantomime coming on.
Quote: Ming the Mirthless @ October 3 2010, 10:36 PM BSTThe rules of sitcom, the rules of drama, the rules of everything to do with writing . . . apply only to rejected scripts.
Why?
Quote: Marc P @ October 3 2010, 11:19 PM BSTWhy?
Because if one were to list the rules of writing, it's likely that a BCG member could name a sitcom/drama/novel/whatever in which one or more of those rules were broken.
Surely, even the most fundamental rule of sitcom writing - "Be Funny" - has been flagrantly ignored by the writers of several broadcast sitcoms?
Quote: Ming the Mirthless @ October 3 2010, 11:52 PM BSTBecause if one were to list the rules of writing, it's likely that a BCG member could name a sitcom/drama/novel/whatever in which one or more of those rules were broken.
Surely, even the most fundamental rule of sitcom writing - "Be Funny" - has been flagrantly ignored by the writers of several broadcast sitcoms?
Sorry Ming I was asking what you thought?
Quote: Marc P @ October 3 2010, 11:53 PM BSTSorry Ming I was asking what you thought?
I'm lost now.
What I thought about what?
You were saying something about rules only applying to rejected scripts which means you are either very misguided, inexperienced or Bush Baby? 
Quote: Marc P @ October 4 2010, 12:01 AM BSTyou are either very misguided, inexperienced or Bush Baby?
If the above statement is true then, given that I'm neither misguided nor inexperienced, I must be Bush Baby.
The snag is that I'm fairly sure I'm not Bush Baby and therefore I must conclude that your statement above is probably untrue.
Quote: Ming the Mirthless @ October 4 2010, 12:08 AM BSTIf the above statement is true then, given that I'm neither misguided nor inexperienced, I must be Bush Baby.
The snag is that I'm fairly sure I'm not Bush Baby and therefore I muist conclude that your statement above is probably untrue.
I can't guess at the guidance you have been given, what is your experience?