Private Critique

I was wondering how often BCGers get approached by others to critque their work privately. I have a piece of work where (the concept at least) is creating quite a bit of interest, however I feel I would benefit hugely from the oppinion of certain writers on this site. I don't want to put it on the critque section as I have had my work critqued many times and in general I only want to have my work looked at people by people who are into the same type of comedy as me, as people who aren't generally don't get my work or make unhelpful suggestions. Hence, I am pondering sending the people who I think seem brilliantly informed private requests, what do BCGers reckon the response will be?

A lot of people do that on here, but a polite enquiry first is a good idea and remember some people may genuinely not have the time and aren't being rude if they say they can't help.

Quote: Ronnie Anderson @ September 12 2009, 3:58 PM BST

I was wondering how often BCGers get approached by others to critque their work privately.

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Often.

Quote: Dolly Dagger @ September 12 2009, 4:00 PM BST

but a polite enquiry first is a good idea

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Agreed.

It's very common place.

SimonTX normally asks me.

Cheers guys. I shall make some polite enquiries.

Quote: Ronnie Anderson @ September 12 2009, 3:58 PM BST

I was wondering how often BCGers get approached by others to critque their work privately. I have a piece of work where (the concept at least) is creating quite a bit of interest, however I feel I would benefit hugely from the oppinion of certain writers on this site. I don't want to put it on the critque section as I have had my work critqued many times and in general I only want to have my work looked at people by people who are into the same type of comedy as me, as people who aren't generally don't get my work or make unhelpful suggestions. Hence, I am pondering sending the people who I think seem brilliantly informed private requests, what do BCGers reckon the response will be?

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Ronnie, if you'd like you can post up your work making it clear you want people to PM you with their feedback and I can lock the thread, this mean people can read it but won't be able to comment.

But the thread will drop down rather quick as it won't be having replies made to it.

Quote: Ronnie Anderson @ September 12 2009, 3:58 PM BST

and in general I only want to have my work looked at people by people who are into the same type of comedy as me, as people who aren't generally don't get my work or make unhelpful suggestions.

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That's understandable, but unfortunately when you come to submit work to production companies and producers, you will have to deal with all sorts of opinions which at first glance you might find unhelpful. Fare enough to want to find people who "get" your work prior to submission, but that can be a little bit of a self-protecting exercise. And be warned that the people who you might think will "get" your style are the ones from whom you may receive the harshest crits.

Many of us get requests to read other people's scripts around here. As said above, be polite and understand that the writer a) may have a lot of their own writing to worry about and b) may have already got one or more fellow writers whose work they review on a regular basis.

Best of luck with it though.

Yes I accept this. I have had already had dealing with production companies who haven't got my work and some who have. I also agree about the people who 'get' my work being the harshest critics. I am quite happy to take it criticism I just find it easier if I know that the people who are giving it understand the type of writing I am trying to succeed and so I can take what they say on board and improve.
I am heavly into subtle understated comedy human remains, royle family etc.. and I know there are people who dislike this sort of comedy, hence it would be pointless them offering me a critique.

Quote: Ronnie Anderson @ September 12 2009, 4:24 PM BST

I am heavly into subtle understated comedy human remains, royle family etc.. and I know there are people who dislike this sort of comedy, hence it would be pointless them offering me a critique.

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Disagree. They would probably be the most useful people to seek opinion from. If the funny is there on the page then another writer should be able to find it. If not, they won't. I have my scripts read by writers who have completely different tastes to mine (and likewise I read scripts different to my preferred style) and they can always give good feedback and advice. Most people don't care about the style of comedy they read, only if it is well-written and funny. Dangerous to assume that people who seem to love one style won't have the time or ability to appreciate a different one.

Okay, I agree that people generally only care about it being well written, but if they aren't into that comedy at all there is sometimes a risk their oppinion on your work will be overshadowed by their personal preference. As an example I remember reading a thread where Aaron slagged off The Office and said he didn't find it funny. Surely this is down to the fact he appear to like broaded comedies and not due to the office being unfunny.

Opinions should be sort from everyone. Get as much back as you can - the secret is to know how to filter and use the information you get back.

That is true, I think I've got better at filtering but sometimes it is easier to only ask those whose oppinion you think you can trust.

Quote: Ronnie Anderson @ September 12 2009, 4:36 PM BST

Okay, I agree that people generally only care about it being well written, but if they aren't into that comedy at all there is sometimes a risk their oppinion on your work will be overshadowed by their personal preference. As an example I remember reading a thread where Aaron slagged off The Office and said he didn't find it funny. Surely this is down to the fact he appear to like broaded comedies and not due to the office being unfunny.

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I think you should read more of Aaron's posts on a wide range of sitcom and other comedy shows before coming to that rather presumptuous conclusion. He has a varied taste in comedy, like most of us here. Aaron is also, to be honest, not a writer. I'm sure he could give good critique if he were so inclined, but there is a difference between someone who watches comedy and someone who writes it. A good writer (or an experienced reader/producer) can point out the more technical problems/achievements of your script.

But how do you do that on here?

There are a lot of people with a lot of experiance on here.

People who may think know nothing actually know a lot.

And the otherway around.......

Trial and error. Giving a script to a stranger is a scary but essential experience.