What are people's plans of action?

I'm currently jobless, living in London, spent a year co-writing with my flatmate which hasn't risen to much and I'm now needing a plan of action.

Despite only being 22, I really have this urge that I can't waste anymore time. So I feel I need to follow some kind of plan of action.

I'm hoping to get a job as a runner somewhere (Not off to a good start, I sent 78 individual e-mails to all the production companies I could find that produce comedy, 4 got back to me and they all said no), so at least I can get some contacts, some experience in the industry and some money. I'd also like to continue my other projects on the side.

How about you guys?

I'm currently writing sketches for newsrevue and treason show and getting short stories published whilst working on longer projects - novel, sitcom and play so when I do try to find a publisher/production company I have something on my CV. My rationale is the powers that be will take me more seriously if I can point to my work I've had produced in my covering letter rather than having no background in the field.

Ive given myself 2 years to my first Edinburgh show, 4 years to my my first FULL LENGTH show. By that time I should be taking a decent number of paid gigs and considering going pro in standup. Then I will win something and get noticed by agents and Benin telly within 2 years. I will then decided the TV scene is too contrived for me and go back to the circuit when I will spend 5 years with a strog cult following. Then I'll write a sitcom and BBC will be all like "yeah Nat, we're really big fans, let's do it" and we will. It will flop in the ratings but a small percentage of viewers will think it's the shiz, and then I'll go back to the circuit and my cult following and have some babies and stuff.

When I get out I'm gonna have a big shit...

Quote: blahblah @ June 19 2011, 5:01 PM BST

I'm currently writing sketches for newsrevue and treason show and getting short stories published whilst working on longer projects - novel, sitcom and play so when I do try to find a publisher/production company I have something on my CV. My rationale is the powers that be will take me more seriously if I can point to my work I've had produced in my covering letter rather than having no background in the field.

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Where can I read your short stories?

N.B. out of work and living in London, what are you living on?

I'd suggest getting a job for starters, making it is going to take time. All my modest success has come from contacts which take time to develop.

Only just started getting published. Two so far. Synchronized Chaos magazine April Issue - that can be read online. And one in Beautiful Scruffiness Magazine issue 5 - which isn't out yet.

http://synchchaos.com/ http://www.wix.com/morbidmaiden/beautiful-scruffiness

My plan is to carry on writing, hope someone pays attention. And to explore the live thing more, as I'm not exploiting that angle, see if that could lead to more opportunities.

I'm concentrating on writing sitcom at the minute. Seems a good way to get yourself noticed on the writing front. Especially compared to writing sketches.

Quote: Pineapplesky @ June 19 2011, 4:46 PM BST

I'm hoping to get a job as a runner somewhere (Not off to a good start, I sent 78 individual e-mails to all the production companies I could find that produce comedy, 4 got back to me and they all said no), so at least I can get some contacts, some experience in the industry and some money. I'd also like to continue my other projects on the side.

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Aren't there agencies for that sort of thing? I once knew a runner - he was Australian though - and he used to get his work through agencies.

If you're in London then Google London Comedy Writers. Good chance to get your scripts read, network etc. Hang around long enough and some nice earning opportunities turn up.

Also this is going to sound like mean advice but ask yourself. Are you good enough? With practise you can improve your writing, but that's a better option than getting a rep for sending out second rate scripts.

Quote: Ben @ June 19 2011, 6:31 PM BST

I'm concentrating on writing sitcom at the minute.

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I know you might not want to say too much about it on here, but is there any chance you could give a rough description of what it's about?

Quote: Pineapplesky @ June 19 2011, 4:46 PM BST

I'm currently jobless, living in London, spent a year co-writing with my flatmate which hasn't risen to much and I'm now needing a plan of action.

Despite only being 22, I really have this urge that I can't waste anymore time. So I feel I need to follow some kind of plan of action.

I'm hoping to get a job as a runner somewhere (Not off to a good start, I sent 78 individual e-mails to all the production companies I could find that produce comedy, 4 got back to me and they all said no), so at least I can get some contacts, some experience in the industry and some money. I'd also like to continue my other projects on the side.

How about you guys?

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I always found being a runner was all about sideways movement. You apply for runner jobs across the board and make a decent stab at it when you're (finally) given the opportunity.

Then, when you've got more experience and some decent references, you've got more freedom to target the more interesting runner positions.

Endemol had shitloads of studio runner positions only a week ago or so for Deal or No Deal. Endemol also make a lot of comedy panel/quiz shows. Make a good enough impression for them first time round and they'll get you back in/you'll be further up the queue to work on their other shows.

I've uploaded my Cv on the Endemol database, but I don't know any other way of applying for their jobs.

Still just hunting for those elusive runner jobs.

Quote: catskillz @ June 20 2011, 8:42 PM BST

I know you might not want to say too much about it on here, but is there any chance you could give a rough description of what it's about?

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The current one is a workplace based trad sitcom. Roughly.

I plan on making a sandwich. Not sure what kind of sandwich though. I haven't planned that far ahead.

Quote: Ben @ June 21 2011, 12:16 PM BST

The current one is a workplace based trad sitcom. Roughly.

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I suppose that would describe mine as well.