Laughing Stock 2011 Page 3

The only way to reduce page count and satisfy the "30 page maximum" rule is by writing it in screenplay format.

Only trouble is, contrary to popular opinion, 1 page does NOT equal 1 minute of screen time, and so a 30 minute show in screenplay format will often reach 35 - 40 pages.

I'm having to cut down a 30 minute script by shortening scenes and deleting others.

Of course, it doesn't really matter at this stage if your script doesn't fit the full 30 minutes, as script changes would no doubt be made if you were fortunate to get it into development.

I suppose the 1 page = 1 minute rule only really applies to specific genres. Like with drama and films, scenes usually take longer than faster comic ones.

What he said.

I have budgeted myself £60 of czech lager specifically for writing this script business.

Czech lager. Mmmmmmm. The best in the world.

And at approx 50p per pint equivalent, that's a LOT of lager.

Quote: Alfred J Kipper @ December 31 2010, 11:29 AM GMT

Try using a smaller font, Grem, this should half the number of pages.

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Or putting it in columns, like a newspaper.

Quote: Griff @ December 14 2010, 5:26 PM GMT

Sorted:

We've just clarified this in our terms and conditions for Laughing Stock.

We do not consider individual sketches for existing shows to comprise a full network comission, so you are eligible to enter the competition.

Best of luck,

Fiona

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Griff, please excuse my ignorance but how do you ask them a question? I had a pilot script comissioned by the BBC but the project was later dropped. I'm thinking that makes me uneligible but that seems a bit harsh so thought I'd see if I could clarify it.

Quote: Griff @ January 4 2011, 12:56 PM GMT

Post a question on the blog, or email the Writersroom direct.

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Thanks Griff. I did go to the blog but wasn't sure where to start. I'll email them direct I think.

Quote: Mikey Jackson @ January 3 2011, 7:35 PM GMT

Czech lager. Mmmmmmm. The best in the world.

And at approx 50p per pint equivalent, that's a LOT of lager.

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That's not really saying much though as lager tastes like piss water.

I know - I've tasted it.

That's not really saying much though as lager tastes like piss water.

Yeah, the watered down stuff you get in the UK is.
But Czech lager tastes beautiful.

Go to Prague. Try it. You'll love it.

And now back to Laughing Stock...

Just curious but how many entries can one person submit?

I know the Terms and Conditions say 15-30 pages but do you think they'll allow something that's say 33 pages?

Quote: abfc bjk @ January 11 2011, 12:36 AM GMT

I know the Terms and Conditions say 15-30 pages but do you think they'll allow something that's say 33 pages?

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Yes, they'll only read ten of 'em.
Remember the Last Laugh comp? They got about 2000 entries

In the comments under the blog entry, Hannah states:

Regards to the script being over 30 pages, that's fine, we understand it's not an exact science. As a guideline I tend to use the rule of approx 10% or 15% difference either way (so a 30 minute script could be anywhere between 26 to 34 pages in length) however much more than that and we would have to look more closely to see if the scipt qualifies.

so that's probably the definitive word.

Personally, I wouldn't worry -- if your script is interesting enough that far in (and as long as you don't take the piss with the length) I'm sure they'll let you off a few pages. They'll know within 10 pages if it's any good, so you're not going to get bollocked for a few extra pages at the end.

Dan

Just wondering if you need to use Celtx or a similar program or could you just write it in bog standard word?