It's certainly starting to sound more like an industry/prodco thing, especially since no further word's appeared on the Writersroom, which is where I'd expect to see it.
BBC One sitcom pilots call Page 3
Quote: Frantically @ September 14 2011, 8:44 PM BSTIt's certainly starting to sound more like an industry/prodco thing,
It is.
Quote: Matthew Stott @ September 14 2011, 9:00 PM BSTIt is.
Is it?
I'm honestly not trying to be troublesome here, but if anyone has any real information about this thing - whatever the hell it is - could they just share it instead of posting opinions as fact.
Any BBC bods?
Quote: Frantically @ September 14 2011, 10:33 PM BSTIs it?
I'm honestly not trying to be troublesome here, but if anyone has any real information about this thing - whatever the hell it is - could they just share it instead of posting opinions as fact.
Any BBC bods?
If it is what you hope, details will be released at some point. The fact they haven't should speak volumes though. (Expects to log on tomorrow to discover details of how to enter have been released)
Quote: Matthew Stott @ September 14 2011, 10:43 PM BST...(Expects to log on tomorrow to discover details of how to enter have been released)
Nah, won't happen. The Beeb's like God - they remain silent...until you're called.
I don't think they exist 
Quote: Lazzard @ September 14 2011, 3:46 PM BSTAt last.
It was only an extraordinary optimisic reading of the original press release that could possibly lead anyone to think otherwise.
And they won't use the Writers Room (which seeks new writers not new projects) because they're not going to trust the script readers there to spot the next big SitCom.
They don't really seek new writers either because they can't do anything with them really. It's just an educational project within the BBC... which used to be a good thing.
Quote: Mr Ashdown @ August 29 2011, 1:30 AM BSTWell now, this does look interesting:
https://www.comedy.co.uk/news/story/00000613/danny_cohen_bbc_one_sitcom_pilot_drive/
What I get from this is the new BBC One bod may want a big mainstream studio based sitcom back on the channel. Like OFAH, The Vicar of Dibley, The Brittas Empire, take your pick That is very good news!
In saying they aren't getting new good enough scripts from the usual sources means to me what I have been suspecting for a year or two: That writers and prod. co.s are creating sitcom scripts that are either too adult themed, with post watershed language, or too comedy-drama focused. Or both.
New scripts often follow current trends and last year I saw nothing but a constant stream of new laugh track free 'sitcoms' with a heavy emphasis on either drama or a post-The Office type of sly humour appear on the BBC. Whites, Roger & Val, Grandma's House, Friday Night Dinner, The White Van Man, Him & Her, The Trip. Not one of these is a genuine old school sitcom that BBC One used to have on all the time.
To me, he's asking writers to change their ways a bit and remember the big character led, funny, pre-watershed sitcoms of the past. I could be wrong, but that would be my take on it. I hope I'm right as well.
That does indeed seem to be what he's after. Thank God.
Any more info about this?
I was asking because the deadline's at the end of this month, isn't it?
As I understand it, this particular call for submissions was only through established production companies rather than to the wider public. I'm not sure if that was ever really made official or whether it just became apparent as insiders talked to the various individuals.
Quote: catskillz @ November 17 2011, 3:11 AM GMTI was asking because the deadline's at the end of this month, isn't it?
Quote: Aaron @ November 17 2011, 3:15 AM GMTAs I understand it, this particular call for submissions was only through established production companies rather than to the wider public. I'm not sure if that was ever really made official or whether it just became apparent as insiders talked to the various individuals.
Yeah, I wouldn't read anything into this catskillz. Danny Cohen was probably being questioned at something like MGEITF and I'd bet money that his answer was directed to the industry types in attendance, rather than the general public.
The question's been answered over and over, it's not a competition, he was just saying the kind of thing he wants submitted by prod companies.
Quote: Matthew Stott @ November 17 2011, 9:10 AM GMTThe question's been answered over and over, it's not a competition, he was just saying the kind of thing he wants submitted by prod companies.
Agreed. Normally these sorts of calls and briefs are e-mailed to production companies at various points through the year. Even then, they don't really mean much - it's like when CBBC send them and say:
*Please, no more animal/wildlife programmes!*
Then they commission Deadly 60.
I'm on the verge of committing my spare time to a sitcom. If it's cr*p, it goes in the bin. I've got that. If it's any good, will it make it or have no chance because I'm an unknown ? Just asking, because as well as a pen, I got a new drill for my birthday and haven't decided whether to write a sitcom or build a rabbit hutch.