I have an idea of writing a fast paced television sketch show, can anyone give me any tips?
Wannabe sketch writer asking for advice
Make it funny.
Write some stuff and we'll take a peak
Should I go into more detail into what I had in mind?
Why not? Knock yourself out
Well, my idea is called 'Just Another Sketch Show', the format would be similar to 'Not the Nine O'Clock News' and 'Naked Video'. It would be fast moving, with sketches lasting from 30 seconds to 2 or 3 minutes. It will have no requring characters or catchphases, though I may be willing to make exceptions. And if it gets on TV, it would have an ensemble cast of performers, hopefully including myself, though that may be a production issue that I might not get any say in.
Sounds like a cross between Big Train and Fast Train
a tough writing ambition
I know, but you got to have an ambition in life don't ya'?
And no, it wouldn't be like Big Train, because the idea there, correct me if I'm wrong, was to have ordinary, mondane situations with surrealistic twist. Whereas mine is..... well I'd probably have to post some sketches in order to get across the style of humour.
I was thinking more that all their sketches were unique no catch phrases etc
Oh, all right then. Should I give examples of some of my ideas?
Yup stick them in critique.
OK then, look in Critique for Just Another Sketch Show and tell me what you think.
Quote: sootyj @ November 14 2010, 6:08 PM GMTSounds like a cross between Big Train and Fast Show.
a tough writing ambition
(I think 'Show' is what you meant.)
Surely Not the Nine O'Clock News mixed with Naked Video would be nothing like that. They'd all be Scottish. And it'd be the 1980s.
Exactly Tim, except for being Scottish.
And definetly not like the Fast Show, which as we know, it's humour depends almost entirly on characters and catchphrases popping up over and over again.
Unless you are well established writer/performer/producer, then the reality is that no broadcaster/production company is going to take on your idea of a sketch show. It is incredibly hard to get taken serious in the industry and to get an entire show taken up by a broadcaster is virtually impossible unless you already have a good track record.
My advice would be to keep the idea for the show on the back-burner for the time being, and look at getting some work commissioned first. Shows like Newsjack (Radio 7) and Recorded For Training Purposes (Radio 4) have open door policies for new writers, and are a great way of getting your comedy sketches made, and to showcase your abilities.
If your sketches are strong enough you should be able to use these sorts of shows to get your work known, and use it as a stepping stone for getting more work. Write as many sketches as you can, and build a catalogue of work, but write them with the idea of selling them to other shows. Hone your skills, discover what works and what doesn't, get people you trust to read your work and to be brutally honest with you.
If you get established and start getting taken seriously by producers, then would be the time to pitch an entire show to them. It is a long hard painful slog. Good luck.