Hey,
Can I ask your view please...
I am writing a sitcom with 5 characters (2 leads and 3 supporting). In the pilot, I am looking at an A, B and C story. I am unsure if it is OK for the 'C' story to feature one supporting character only (plus a couple of episode-specific characters). Is it looked down upon to have, say, a 'C' plotline with just one supporting character in it?
Thank you for your views,
Doug
Looked down on? No. Why would it be looked down on??
3 plot threads is alot to cram into 30 minutes
Quote: Gavin @ February 9 2010, 1:23 PM GMT3 plot threads is alot to cram into 30 minutes
Tell that to an episode of Seinfeld.
Quote: Matthew Stott @ February 9 2010, 1:25 PM GMTTell that to an episode of Seinfeld.
Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld are experienced and excellent writers.
Quote: Gavin @ February 9 2010, 1:31 PM GMTLarry David and Jerry Seinfeld are experienced and excellent writers.
I'm going to be hurt on Doug's behalf. 
Haha! That's nothing personal Doug. Most professional writers around at the minute aren't as good as Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld.
....I best abort this.
I imagine it has a lot to do with how well the storylines are integrated.
Quote: Matthew Stott @ February 9 2010, 1:25 PM GMTTell that to an episode of Seinfeld.
I kind of like the idea of telling an episode of Seinfeld something.
Thanks people 
Most sitcom scripts have enough difficulty telling one story, let alone three...
Quote: Matthew Stott @ February 9 2010, 1:25 PM GMTTell that to an episode of Seinfeld.
It's quite amazing how it went from the "show about nothing" to having about 6 plots an episode. With regard to the OP, why not, live a little. Make sure they all somehow link at the end though.
But is having just one plotline in an episode too little?
Only having one character in plot line 'C' if fine, as long as it impacts on 'A' and 'B' and the other characters, at the end of the episode.
My opinion, for what it's worth.
Quote: cashback @ February 20 2010, 4:18 PM GMTBut is having just one plotline in an episode too little?
No, it depends entirely on what you're doing with it.
Quote: Keith Rees @ February 20 2010, 5:05 PM GMTOnly having one character in plot line 'C' if fine, as long as it impacts on 'A' and 'B' and the other characters, at the end of the episode.
My opinion, for what it's worth.
Yes, always very satisfying when seemingly different plots pile on top of each other at the end. Again, take a look at Seinfeld.