Hi, I'm a professional writer, comedy and entertainment shows, I do this for a living.
Happy to answer any questions that might help any aspiring writers.
Hello
Anything we've heard of takeabow, or is it mums the word and all that?
What shows have you worked on? 
just #Getting to know you# Oh Welcome BTW
Excellent, I'm busy out the garden this afternoon but will have a write down one or two burning questions. Nice to have a real pro here. There are one or two well-known actors here (aren't we all) but Charlie Adams has been the only forum pro - til now.
I knew that would be the next question!
Sorry, I don't want to divulge specific shows I've worked on, or my real name because I can't then talk honestly about my experiences. I'm sure you understand I'd be quite hamstrung in what I could say, given the nature of the business!
For background, I've worked across the terrestrial channels, mixture of comedy and entertainment shows. I have projects in development with broadcasters and indy's - you need many iron's in many fires in the business.
Hello!
Okay, non specific questions...
How did you get your first job? And was there any nepotism involved? 'Cause us non nepo-connected types are losing faith.
Welcome takeabow - and likewise, if there are any tips you require on how to submit something that has a snowball's chance of being accepted feel free to ask.
Enjoy the forum.
Andy W
Quote: takeabow @ April 19, 2007, 12:51 PMSorry, I don't want to divulge specific shows I've worked on, or my real name because I can't then talk honestly about my experiences.
This feels like a Woodward and Bernstein moment.
Quote: zooo @ April 19, 2007, 12:54 PMHello!
Okay, non specific questions...
How did you get your first job? And was there any nepotism involved? 'Cause us non nepo-connected types are losing faith.
I spotted a specific opportunity on a website some years ago, sent some stuff in, they liked. Offered my services initially free as a taster (effectively try before you buy) they liked more, then got commissioned to write for their show.
Once you've met one producer, they all go off and do other shows, you meet new people, your network of contacts grow - you get more work etc etc.
I had no 'insider contacts' when I started out.
Fantastic.
Thanks for answering. 
Welcome to the site.
How open were/are the shows you were/are working for? Do they ever commision unsolicited work?
Have you had any sitcom broadcast or is your previous work of a sketch-based nature?
Cheers
Dan
Quote: ajp29 @ April 19, 2007, 2:44 PMWelcome to the site.
How open were/are the shows you were/are working for? Do they ever commision unsolicited work?
It totally depends on the show in question.
Some shows have a very established writing team that doesn't change, others will consider submissions from established writers.
We have to differentiate between unsolicited work from established writers and unsolicited work from brand new (ie. no track record) writers.
Often the call will go out to the agents across town that show A is looking for new material. They're looking for material from existing writers. The producers would want to see samples of existing material, or the writer to write something to the specific brief (often unpaid - even when you are established). If they like it they will commission you.
As I say there are no hard and fast rules, but typically speaking big, successful shows won't be looking for unsolicited stuff from brand new writers.
In my own experience starting out, you need to prove you can do it at no risk to them before they commission. You do that by making contact and then showing them something good that's the right tone/style for their show.
So, in conclusion, they may be open, they may not! You definitely have nothing to lose in asking the question and sending them something to look at.
It's amazing how far watching the credits and guessing an email address can get you.
Also, the person to send stuff to is the producer, not the director or anybody else.
Quote: swerytd @ April 19, 2007, 2:54 PMHave you had any sitcom broadcast or is your previous work of a sketch-based nature?
Cheers
Dan
I've done a bit of everything, sketches, line writing, ideas.
I've not had my own original sitcom on (yet - I have one in development with a broadcaster) I've worked on other peoples sitcom's.
Your reasons for anonimity are understood. Thanks for your time btw.
When you write a pilot, do you slip character descriptions in (for example) the action sections when they are first introduced?
STACEY enters, 31, (a new age type, constantly fortune-telling but always giving depressing news). she sits by --
I've always been told avoid this, make it clear in the characters action and words but I've seen so many pro scripts on the net break the rules and it is easier than getting the script reader to read our carefully constructed character sheets before or during the read-through.
How much leading-the-reader-by-the-hand do you do? Do you explain in detail why a scene is happening if it could possibly be seen to make no sense until much later? Would you treat the script reader as the viewer (on which surprises can and should be sprung) or are your scripts transparent in that you explain as much as is needed to let them know the reasons why?
Cheers
Hello again takeabow, sorry for bombarding you.
I was wondering if you had anything in the way of writing qualifications, or whether it's all been done off your own back (ie books, net etc)