the f**king hack.
Can you think of a sketch show... Page 3
Quote: Seefacts @ March 14 2009, 2:00 PM GMTYes, but you try sticking to that mantra when they're waving money at you.
I wouldn't be totally opposed to doing recurring sketches, I have done in the past on my very early podcasts. But like I say, I'd add to them and not simply repeat the exact same routine but just in a different location.
Some sketch shows can make recurring sketches great, where you really do want to see them again, like Ted and Ralph in The Fast Show for example. And then sketch shows do recurring badly, like pretty much every sketch in Little Britain and Catherine Tate.
Quote: Martin H @ March 14 2009, 11:09 PM GMTI wouldn't be totally opposed to doing recurring sketches, I have done in the past on my very early podcasts. But like I say, I'd add to them and not simply repeat the exact same routine but just in a different location.
Some sketch shows can make recurring sketches great, where you really do want to see them again, like Ted and Ralph in The Fast Show for example. And then sketch shows do recurring badly, like pretty much every sketch in Little Britain and Catherine Tate.
But the fact is on the telly box sometimes what the producers want is 'same joke, different location.'
Which you can argue isn't creatively where you'd want to be, but sometimes you have no choice.
Quote: Seefacts @ March 14 2009, 11:12 PM GMTBut the fact is on the telly box sometimes what the producers want is 'same joke, different location.'
Which you can argue isn't creatively where you'd want to be, but sometimes you have no choice.
I know it is easy to say now, but I really would rather not have a show than to be writing the same sketch every week, it would be soul crushing, don't think I could take it. If it was someone elses show, fair enough, but if it was my show I'd like to think I'd have some input on it!
Quote: Martin H @ March 14 2009, 11:16 PM GMTI know it is easy to say now, but I really would rather not have a show than to be writing the same sketch every week, it would be soul crushing, don't think I could take it. If it was someone elses show, fair enough, but if it was my show I'd like to think I'd have some input on it!
Well, I'd agree - if it was my own show, then yeah I'd TRY and keep runners to a minimum but having written for someone else's show I can tell you easy money is too much to turn down.
Does that make me a hack? Or just someone who wants a holiday.
Quote: Seefacts @ March 14 2009, 11:20 PM GMTWell, I'd agree - if it was my own show, then yeah I'd TRY and keep runners to a minimum but having written for someone else's show I can tell you easy money is too much to turn down.
Does that make me a hack? Or just someone who wants a holiday.
Oh no, I agree on that point, if it was someone elses show, although I'd like to add as much originality to it as possible, if they wanted the same sketch I'd do it.
But originally I was talking about if it was my creation, I'd prefer to write new sketches each episode because that is the style I enjoy writing and what I personally enjoy watching.
Quote: Martin H @ March 14 2009, 11:23 PM GMTBut originally I was talking about if it was my creation, I'd prefer to write new sketches each episode because that is the style I enjoy writing and what I personally enjoy watching.
The fact that not many shows have done that makes me wonder if it's budgetary.
Linehan and Mathews would furiously write on location to get as many different sketches done in one place for Big Train (hence lots in offices)
Quote: Seefacts @ March 14 2009, 11:25 PM GMTThe fact that not many shows have done that makes me wonder if it's budgetary.
Linehan and Mathews would furiously write on location to get as many different sketches done in one place for Big Train (hence lots in offices)
But look at Python, that was filmed in the 70s and they came up with tons of sketches, 13 episode series as well. It had cheap sets, wobbling walls and bad props but it was funny. Sacrificing all the special effects and elaborate sets in exchange for 'the funny' is one way of keeping on budget.
I think that is the problem with a lot of modern comedy, especially sketch shows, is that they are too heavily focused on image and making sure everything looks perfect and neat, when really they should be focusing on making the audience laugh.
That's my theory anyway and I'm sticking to it. 
Did The Sketch Show have runners?
We probably need to define what exactly we mean by a runner. Some form of repetition is helpful in giving a show a distinct identity, but there is rather a large difference between Eric & Ern's 'plays what I wrote' or Pete 'n' Dud's philosophical discussions, and Catherine Tate parroting catchphrases or Armstrong & Miller flogging the same sketch to death week after week in order to stretch the budget.
Quote: Martin H @ March 14 2009, 11:16 PM GMTI know it is easy to say now, but I really would rather not have a show than to be writing the same sketch every week, it would be soul crushing,
It is also surprisingly difficult, which is no doubt the reason so many runners get tired very quickly.
My opinion is (once again) not going to be popular or well-received and it is only an opinion after all, springing from part of the thread above.
Personally, get your writing gigs wherever they crop up, in whatever form with an eye to getting a name in the biz. When you have position, then worry about integrity or soul-destroying tedium. Any form of activity set to tight deadlines, that demands you do it if you're 'feeling inspired' or not, will become tedium, whether it be production line, porn star, or comedy writing. It's the nature of man.
Yes, I hate moronic runner sketches but I'd write them if they served a long-term purpose.