My Own Sitcom Advice?

Hi I have written a pilot for a my own sitcom. I have read many advice pages most of which saying that I am wasting my time but, I have re-read and re-read the script and I am pretty confident that it is funny and that it would be watched if on TV. So I am looking for a bit of advice before I post it to maximise my chances. There are three main characters and I have people who I would like to play these characters, do I say this on my cover letter? or would I not have a say in this? also, would I benefit from writing the script for my second episode to send of with the pilot?

Hope someone can help cheers.

Most places that accept submissions only ask for first, or one episode. Check with where you're planning on sending it and see if they want any episode or specifically the first one. Writing a second episode could help you to strengthen your first as you see more themes and character aspects develop, but then again if you're confident with what you've got you may prefer to spend your time devising something new.

You can indicate in your cover letter who you see playing these roles if you think that would be helpful in conveying the project but it is unlikely that if commissioned these people would end up in it for various reasons, so don't put it in the script itself.

Okaythat's great thanks alot. I think the second would definitely strengthen the first episode as there would be less need to introduce characters and their personalities and more time for funny incidents and jokes. One more thing, what goes into a cover letter? is it just a polite request to read the script or is it a guideline of ideas and where you would see the script going or both?

Check out what the individual companies request. Most will ask for a separate synopsis, but some just want a paragraph in the cover letter giving an outline of how you see the series developing. Other than that, just a polite bit about yourself and saying thanks for reading- don't forget to include your contact details too!

First off - is the script as good as it can be? Is there nothing that in your heart of hearts you suspect does not really work? Has anyone else seen it whose opinion you value? Has it had a read through anywhere? Is it really, really ready to be sent off?

The answers might all be yes, in which case fine, you have asked good questions. On the casting question, probably no unless the script is tailored to a particular performer you know the prod company has a relationship with; on the second episode (and the third etc) it is important to know you have the scripts in you, but the most the prod company would want to see is a synopsis to give them an idea of where you see it going.

And it is not a waste of time if you enjoy travelling hopefully more than the arriving.

I didn't say a waste of time! But there are so many factors that can contribute to a good script not getting developed, that it is always wise to be joyous about working on another script too

Quote: AJGO @ January 10 2012, 4:02 PM GMT

I didn't say a waste of time!

View original

No he did! But yes, it is important not to just sit back on your laurels - whatever you do keep writing (*makes note to follow own advice*)

Oh yeah, general wasting time. Yep, that's true

Haha alright nice one thanks both!

Let us know how it goes.