Lets say that your sitcom was going to be made. Do you have a say in which actors/actresses are going to star in it?
Here is some people who I would NOT want involved in my sitcom:
This woman:
This guy:
him:
As far as I'm concerned, these people are USED GOODS in the world of sitcom. And of course, I don't do sloppy seconds. 
I would imagine, at least as a newbie writer, that you wouldnt have all that much of a say. Youd be able to suggest people, but at the end of the day it would be down to the producers and whatever channel might be interested. If you make a name for yourself, then you probably get listened to.
Yes, you would.
You'd be there for the casting and you would be consulted - although you obviously wouldn't have the deciding say.
EDIT: John Henshaw is ace! And he's hardly been in any sitcoms, and the ones he has are brilliant (Early Doors, Royal Family)
Quote: Seefacts @ December 27, 2007, 1:54 PMYes, you would.
You'd be there for the casting and you would be consulted - although you obviously wouldn't have the deciding say.
Well there you go, you wouldnt have the deciding say, you can offer opinions and preferred casting, but it wouldnt be down to you; in the end, as a new writer at least, it would be down to the producers. You can have a say, but not the deciding say, so you just have to hope they think the same thing, otherwise theyll go with what they think.
Quote: Matthew Stott @ December 27, 2007, 1:57 PMWell there you go, you wouldnt have the deciding say, you can offer opinions and preferred casting, but it wouldnt be down to you; in the end, as a new writer at least, it would be down to the producers. You can have a say, but not the deciding say, so you just have to hope they think the same thing, otherwise theyll go with what they think.
Yeah, I did just more or less copy your post, didn't I.
But to be fair the producer you work with will be on the same wavelength anyway, hence them being the producer so I doubt there would be a massive difference of opinion.
I want Barry Shitpeas!
This is one crazy thread.
If the writing is good enough then 'Used Goods' will be queuing up to do it.
Quote: Mannikin Bird @ December 27, 2007, 2:14 PMThis is one crazy thread.
If the writing is good enough then 'Used Goods' will be queuing up to do it.
I think the original poster ought to worry more about getting his work made before thinking about who's going to be in it.
I imagine if his sitcom is as hilarious as his posts then I'm sure he'll have no trouble.
Quote: Eat_My_Shirts @ December 27, 2007, 1:30 PMLets say that your sitcom was going to be made. Do you have a say in which actors/actresses are going to star in it?
Here is some people who I would NOT want involved in my sitcom:
This woman:
This guy:
him:
As far as I'm concerned, these people are USED GOODS in the world of sitcom. And of course, I don't do sloppy seconds.
I'm guessing if it was your first sitcom, it would star all three of these and would be on BBC Three.
Hmmm is the basis for a "come up with the worst sitcom idea" thread.
Mine would be called "Tap Off" a fantastic hysterical romp around a slowly failing northern tap dance school. Starring Victoria Wood as the owner, and Sue Pollard as the dance teacher they both try to come up with money making schemes to stop the ailing school going under. Also starring Windsor Davies as the winner of 1952 UK tap dancing championship who still taps even though he's lost a leg. Sheridan Smith and Ralf Little are would be up and coming tap dancers who do wacky and zany things.
Quote: Rob B @ December 27, 2007, 2:24 PMHmmm is the basis for a "come up with the worst sitcom idea" thread.
Mine would be called "Tap Off" a fantastic hysterical romp around a slowly failing northern tap dance school. Starring Victoria Wood as the owner, and Sue Pollard as the dance teacher they both try to come up with money making schemes to stop the ailing school going under. Also starring Windsor Davies as the winner of 1952 UK tap dancing championship who still taps even though he's lost a leg. Sheridan Smith and Ralf Little are would be up and coming tap dancers who do wacky and zany things.
Do you know what, I'd comission that one.
That's a good idea Rob, the thread I mean.
We pick three/four main stars, a channel, target audience and setting and then we see who can come up with the best ideas.
Quote: Rob B @ December 27, 2007, 2:24 PMHmmm is the basis for a "come up with the worst sitcom idea" thread.
Mine would be called "Tap Off" a fantastic hysterical romp around a slowly failing northern tap dance school. Starring Victoria Wood as the owner, and Sue Pollard as the dance teacher they both try to come up with money making schemes to stop the ailing school going under. Also starring Windsor Davies as the winner of 1952 UK tap dancing championship who still taps even though he's lost a leg. Sheridan Smith and Ralf Little are would be up and coming tap dancers who do wacky and zany things.
Why give away your best ideas on here?
Normally when I'm writing I've got certain people on my mind such as Vicki Michelle, Carol Royle, Michelle Gomez - then I think who I'd like to play the parts.
Thinking about this I think I'd have anyone appearing in my sitcom if it was going to be broadcast. Yes - even the cast of Friends.
On a tangent, why is that Friends gets bashed for its "joke-joke-joke" setup yet everyone wets themselves over Not Going Out. I'm not a fan of either but it seems odd...