When you started writing, did you find your work got progressively better, or was there a single 'Eureka' moment when it started to all happen, and if so, what made it happen at that time?
A single 'Eureka' moment?
I think it's more progressive.
I improve (in my opinion of course!) with every script I write.
My Eureka moment came when I suddenly started gathering interest from prodcos and thinking "Aha! I'm getting closer to that elusive perfection."
I love those Eureka moments. The ironic thing about them, though, is that when I have them, I usually reward myself by stopping writing. I make a note of the Eureka idea, then go and watch T.V., listen to some music, or come on here.
Quote: catskillz @ September 29 2009, 10:46 PM BSTI love those Eureka moments. The ironic thing about them, though, is that when I have them, I usually reward myself by stopping writing. I make a note of the Eureka idea, then go and watch T.V., listen to some music, or come on here.
Ditto!
Good question Nogget.
I hope I'm getting better with each script. Writing the new one at the moment, I've felt under far more pressure than before, because I've come to feel some weight of expectation on my shoulders. I have people who now read my scripts expecting them to be really good - which is a mixed blessing when you're actually trying to write the damn thing. Can't complain, of course, but I do feel now that each new script has always got to be better than the last. Or at the very least show I'm learning my craft.
I don't feel I've ever had a 'Eureka' moment, in the sense of suddenly realising where I've been going wrong and fixing the problem.
What about that moment when a few separate, vague ideas you've had about characters, settings and situations suddenly come together to form a brilliant idea for a book? Those moments are pretty good.
Quote: Tim Walker @ September 29 2009, 11:38 PM BSTI don't feel I've ever had a 'Eureka' moment, in the sense of suddenly realising where I've been going wrong and fixing the problem.
But you must have had a 'Eureka' moment in terms of coming up with an idea that you know will have laughs in it? Or at that time think it has laughs in it until someone reads/hears it and swiftly crushes your little comedy heart, or is that just me? 
When I completed 2 Scriptfrenzies and one NaNo.
That reminds me - that's coming up soon.
Quote: The Giggle-o @ September 29 2009, 11:49 PM BSTBut you must have had a 'Eureka' moment in terms of coming up with an idea that you know will have laughs in it? Or at that time think it has laughs in it until someone reads/hears it and swiftly crushes your little comedy heart, or is that just me?
I get pleased when an idea pops into my head that has comedy potential. In general though I don't have a sudden idea for a premise or a character or a plot. It's usually lots of time pondering and sifting through a lot of ideas in my head for the ones that will work. Writing the actual script is more of a technical exercise than a revelatory one, as I've done most of the "comedy" work in my head beforehand. (If this makes sense at all?) If this all sounds rather pretentious then it's (probably) not meant to be. 
Quote: Tim Walker @ September 30 2009, 12:22 AM BSTI get pleased when an idea pops into my head that has comedy potential. In general though I don't have a sudden idea for a premise or a character or a plot. It's usually lots of time pondering and sifting through a lot of ideas in my head for the ones that will work. Writing the actual script is more of a technical exercise than a revelatory one, as I've done most of the "comedy" work in my head beforehand. (If this makes sense at all?) If this all sounds rather pretentious then it's (probably) not meant to be.
No, it doesn't sound pretentious at all. I get far more enjoyment from coming up with an idea, jotting it down and then thinking of how the story/sketch/episode could pan out than laying dialogue to it. But I think that's where the hard work lies, which is probably why I don't enjoy it (thusfar). Although truth be told I've hardly written much so time will tell. I noticed you said on the 'How a write dies' blog thread you said you had sold a script - Congratulations and all the best in getting it on TV!
Cheers. It's with a top company. We only just missed out with having it made as a broadcast pilot for a comedy strand this autumn (can't say where but I'm sure you can guess). We'll see what happens with it in the coming months.
One massively important thing I've learnt so far is to start work on the next script whilst you're waiting on whatever good things might be happening with the last. The wheels turn painfully slow for a writer in this industry and you can waste months sitting around waiting for news on your "big" project. Keep trying to write new scripts of better quality and build up a portfolio of work. One great script doesn't sell you as a comedy writer. As a newbie you have to try and build up a reputation for consistently interesting (and preferably funny) writing.
Quote: Tim Walker @ September 30 2009, 12:50 AM BSTCheers. It's with a top company. We only just missed out with having it made as a broadcast pilot for a comedy strand this autumn (can't say where but I'm sure you can guess). We'll see what happens with it in the coming months.
One massively important thing I've learnt so far is to start work on the next script whilst you're waiting on whatever good things might be happening with the last. The wheels turn painfully slow for a writer in this industry and you can waste months sitting around waiting for news on your "big" project. Keep trying to write new scripts of better quality and build up a portfolio of work. One great script doesn't sell you as a comedy writer. As a newbie you have to try and build up a reputation for consistently interesting (and preferably funny) writing.
Well, sincere good wishes!
Yeah, I need to actually TRY to build up a porfolio but I just lose heart so quickly. So all I have are 'Eureka' moments swiftly followed by 'Oh shit' moments.
It obviously helps if you get that one bit of really positive feedback to help spur you on to writing the next pilot. I found that once I'd written a few different pilots the actual process of writing the script became easier. You've gain some experience that at least makes the technical elements less stressful and frustrating. (Sweating over the "funny" doesn't necessarily become easier of course.) Best of luck.
Quote: Tim Walker @ September 30 2009, 1:07 AM BSTIt obviously helps if you get that one bit of really positive feedback to help spur you on to writing the next pilot. I found that once I'd written a few different pilots the actual process of writing the script became easier. You've gain some experience that at least makes the technical elements less stressful and frustrating. (Sweating over the "funny" doesn't necessarily become easier of course.) Best of luck.
Cheers Tim. I feel like a complete fraud talking about writing tbh anyway because I've hardly written anything, just a comedy script which turned out to be a short film script (and not very good at being either), I went in for that CBBC competition (that script was really good...NOT!) and I have about 60-70 sketches either complete or just seeds of ideas. I'm still waiting for my first 'Eureka' moment that will have enough legs to get through six 20-30 minute episodes. EUREKA! I give up.
