Charlie Brooker had some inputs into Procratination as a writer on Richard Herring's Bad Habits Radio 4 thingy . . . not quite as much fun as when he isn't allowed to do the sweary (even if bleeped).
Charlie Brooker's Screenwipe - Writers' special Page 9
Quote: Loopey @ December 9 2008, 3:38 PM GMT
I'd like to know if anyone else wakes up in the night with ideas, or has them while they are trying to sleep.
70% of jokes in my stand-up act, ideas for scripts, and day-dreams about BAFTAs some when I'm trying to get to sleep. Whenever I think of a gag or idea I save it as a draft message on my mobile, read James Corden does the same.
Brooker thing was an ace programme. I want Bain & Armstrong's job, six months 10am-6pm to write 6 Peep Show episodes. Linehan's dilemma of whether to call character Jim or Roy was interesting too, do you lot spend much time naming characters?
I don't really start writing properly until I've figured out the exact name someone has.
And the title of the story/book/script/whatever.
Can't even *think* of starting before that's all sorted out.
Bit poncey, but there we are.
Quote: zooo @ December 9 2008, 9:09 PM GMTI don't really start writing properly until I've figured out the exact name someone has.
And the title of the story/book/script/whatever.
Can't even *think* of starting before that's all sorted out.
Bit poncey, but there we are.
It's no coincidence that some of the best characters ever have equally brilliant name.
What does 'Dave Lister' conjure up? Or 'Victor Meldrew'?
Names are vital and a great name is normally a strong basis to start with. I also spend ages agonizing over names - first and last - and can't start until I've got that nailed. Sometimes I'll hear a name and remember it, but other times I have to trawl through my mind to think of a ridiculously specific name for someone.
Names are difficult, and important, and it takes me ages to find the right name for characters. Usually when I start writing I use a placeholder name or just an initial, and then change it when the true name finally becomes apparent.
Sometimes a whole plot comes to mind once I have a few character names, but other times I do the same - just put in and initial and fill it in when inspiration strikes.
Names: Open the phone book, random page, close your eyes, jab your finger towards the book, miss, poke yourself in the crotch in error, cry, try again, hit a name you hate, try again.....and repeat....
.....until you get your name.
What Paul Abbott had to say about planning shocked me though. He reckons he doesn't plan or know what the ending to an episode is going to be, because he likes to be surprised himself.
You won't find a single writing book or course that advocates that. And yet, there he is, BAFTA-winning Paul Abbot ripping up the rulebook.
It's all a load of old bollocks this writing lark isn't it? Is 37 to old to become a plumber?
Quote: Lee Henman @ December 10 2008, 7:16 PM GMTWhat Paul Abbott had to say about planning shocked me though. He reckons he doesn't plan or know what the ending to an episode is going to be, because he likes to be surprised himself.
You won't find a single writing book or course that advocates that. And yet, there he is, BAFTA-winning Paul Abbot ripping up the rulebook.
It's all a load of old bollocks this writing lark isn't it? Is 37 to old to become a plumber?
The fact is, anyone who says there's a 'right' way to go about writing is talking out of their arse. The only right way is the way that works for you.
Quote: Lee Henman @ December 10 2008, 7:16 PM GMTIs 37 to old to become a plumber?
37 is just too old generally.
Quote: Lee Henman @ December 10 2008, 7:16 PM GMTWhat Paul Abbott had to say about planning shocked me though.
Although...bear in mind many successful people have a habit of belittling their work (actual work, not output). The "oh, it was nothing" attitude means they aren't taking themselves too seriously but also pats themselves on the back at the same time for still achieving success despite : starting work at 11am, not knowing what the end is when they start a project, only doing a 3 day week, etc, etc.
I'd be surprised if you could take everything these guys say as gospel in that sense. The peep shows guys sounded the most genuine to me.
Quote: Griff @ December 10 2008, 9:05 PM GMTThere are quite a few books that advocate 'free-writing' as an approach, or at least say it is as valid as the pre-planned approach, but more usually for novels rather than scripts.
As Stott says, whatever works best for everyone.
I think Paul Abbott is fantastic by the way. Shameless really did rip up the rule book in lots of ways.
Rules are stifling in writing, I say!!
I believe a really good sitcom doesn't even need a good ending.
Quote: catskillz @ December 11 2008, 1:43 AM GMTI believe a really good sitcom doesn't even need a good ending.
Do cite precedent.
Well, off the top of my head, the ending of the first series of I'm Alan Partridge wasn't very imaginative. The bloke who took over from Tony Heirs dies, just as he's about to give Alan a second series, even though Heirs himself had just died, a few days earlier. Oh, and don't forget, Knowing Me, Knowing You had also ended with someone dying (or maybe it was the Christmas special, or both, I forget).
Oh, and while we're on the subject, I didn't see the last episode of The Sopranos, but I heard that was a real disappointment.