Sir Humphrey Appleby always saw the virtue of an entirely hypothetical question.
With that in mind, if there was a BBC manual on how to become a comedy writer, what questions would you like it to answer?
"The Manual"
I was wondering on the rules of writing:
Be interesting and funny.
If you can't be interesting AND funny be one of these.
If you can't be these be topical.
Otherwise be rude/surreal/reminiscent of someone else.
I read this and thought it was the autobiography of that guy whose granddaughter was knobbed by Russell Brand
Key questions:
Do I need to move to Salford and start speaking like Gary Neville?
Will the BBC pay my relocation and elocution costs?
"I've had a few credits on various shows and my name is known amongst a few producers. What should I be doing next?"
And:
"I am now Richard Curtis. How do I stop Ben Elton pestering me about a BlackAdder reimagining?"
Dan
Is this manual written by Manuel? I'll take one.
Quote: swerytd @ May 28 2013, 10:08 PM BST"I've had a few credits on various shows and my name is known amongst a few producers. What should I be doing next?"
Thanks Dan. Any other contribs gratefully received.
"What is the difference in emotions from a producer when an unsolicited email drops in their inbox and one from somebody whose material has made them laugh in the past?"
"Is a producer looking for 'the perfect script' they can get on with producing or do they necessarily need it to be in a state ready for development, so they can put their mark on it?" (well, you did say 'theoretical'!)
Dan
"I'm starting to make progress with open-door radio shows - what's the best way of keeping up the momentum when they're off air?"
"What distinguishes a great sketch from one that's just OK?"
Which jokes/joke types have been done to death.
KNOCK KNOCK
Who's there?
Boo
Boo who?
Boo who this joke has been done to death,
And, after reading James Cary's blog, this would be an interesting question for a theoretical BBC manual too:
"When do I go freelance?"
(and, on a related matter, maybe "What do I do about my tax situation?"!)
Dan
"Are you at a massive disadvantage if you don't live in/near London?"
Quote: Indigo @ May 29 2013, 1:30 PM BST"Are you at a massive disadvantage if you don't live in/near London?"
Well, it will take longer and cost more if you have to go meet some producer for a chat. So that would be annoying.
Well, yes. But also, do you miss out on lots of other casual opportunities that come through being in the right places and getting to know people? Or is it more about just sitting at home and trying to write really good stuff?