How NOT to write sitcom. Page 5

Quote: Marc P @ October 4 2010, 12:11 AM BST

I can't guess at the guidance you have been given, what is your experience?

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I have decades of experience as a couch potato and hermit.

I have a TV set in every room and I never miss a moment's viewing. Even legging it to the bog is timed to take advantage of the delay between cable and aerial reception.

I've seen loads of TV and I know what's what.

I also know what isn't what.

You show me anything you like and I'll tell you if it's what or not - unless, of course, the item you show me is a whatnot in which case I'm f***ed cos it might be either or both.

You have to be fair.

Ok. Just so we know.

Quote: Marc P @ October 4 2010, 12:01 AM BST

You were saying something about rules only applying to rejected scripts which means you are either very misguided, inexperienced or Bush Baby?

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I can assure you that I am Bushbaby and there's only one Bushbaby on here, you naughty boy

Quote: Marc P @ October 3 2010, 11:19 PM BST

Why?

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I assumed he meant that if the script isn't rejected, it must be written succesfully, if you define success as having your script accepted.

But since he hasn't clarified that, I must be wrong.

I'm sure many writers have received rejection letters giving reasons for a script's rejection only to switch on their TVs a short time later to find a new series exhibiting exactly the same 'faults' that caused their own script to be rejected.

BCG is a comedy site and, in saying that rules apply only to rejected scripts, I was intending to reflect the above truth in a humourous manner.

But seriously though folks, I don't know how much Marc Blake charges for teaching people 'How not to write Sitcom' but I'm sure it's a lot more expensive than a box-set of 'Big Top' DVDs that teaches them exactly the same thing.

The problem with Big Top wasn't in the writing really.

Quote: Marc P @ October 4 2010, 9:58 AM BST

The problem with Big Top wasn't in the writing really.

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Really?

No. It was in the staging mainly. Should have been all offstage.

Quote: Ming the Mirthless @ October 4 2010, 9:41 AM BST

But seriously though folks, I don't know how much Marc Blake charges for teaching people 'How not to write Sitcom' but I'm sure it's a lot more expensive than a box-set of 'Big Top' DVDs that teaches them exactly the same thing.

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Mark's a great teacher. If you want to make up your mind why not read hsi book before doing the course.

In many cases the writer of a dreadful sitcom may have sent a wonderful script. By the end of the editorial managment process it's a camel.

Quote: sootyj @ October 4 2010, 1:19 PM BST

Mark's a great teacher.

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I make no suggestion to the contrary.

My remarks were along the lines of "I don't know why people buy Rolling Stones records: if they want to hear a load of scruffy long-haired creatures whining at the tops of their voices, they can go and stand outside Battersea Dogs' Home for nothing".

Oh no. Wait. That's worse!

But seriously though, I've heard good reports of Marc's courses and I'm sure he's a mine of useful info and tips.

Next one is SAturday November 20th.

Contact me on the site for more info.