Hi,
I'm new to this forum so apologies if this has been discussed before - I would imagine it has, but I can't find it 
- but apart for BBC Writersroom, where else would you recommend sending a half hour sitcom script to? Thanks.
Where else do you send your sitcom scripts?
This has been asked before. Many times.
Production companies who accept unsolicited scripts are very few and far between and as such, nobody will really be prepared to devulge the "contacts" they've made along the way.
It might sound mean, but it takes a lot of hard work and determination to build contacts in the industry.
The best place to find these companies is to buy two books that list prodcos, agents, TV stations, theatres, etc.
1) The Writer's And Artist's Yearbook.
2) The Writers' Handbook.
Other ways include entering writing contests or going to networking seminars, writers' festivals, etc to get yourself known.
Plus a really good search on these forums will give you several threads on the subject.
Also, a shrewd hunt on Google will uncover more info.
And when you find one be certain your script is good enough.
Better to be mocked by internet sofa masturbators then ignored by a prodco.
Excellent replies to be going on with. Cheers!
I agree. Options are limited now. A web search of all the production companies who produce comedy similar to what you are writing is a good start. A polite enquiry by email or phone is the best start. Simply ask: will you read a script? Many will make you sign a disclaimer first - not to worry, they are merely protecting themselves.
Alternatively go to BBC radio 4 LE and find a producer there.
Meet producers at competitions, festivals, readings etc.
But make sure that your script is good enough.
To that end I offer the consultancy service, or a ten week course in Chelsea, plus of course, the book, How NOT to write sitcom. Yes, it's all shameless self promotion... but at least I'm not on Twatter....yet.
Thanks Marc! A ten week course in Chelsea sounds inviting. Shame I'm not even in the right country!
When I was in your position of writing sitcoms and not knowing where to send them, or sending them and getting polite rejections at best, I invented a stage show where actors would read or perform sitcoms in front of a paying audience.
If you live anywhere with out of work actors or drama students, then I would encourage anyone to try and organise a show like this. Hearing your work read out loud, and especially in front of an audience who could and should laugh if you've written it properly, but who are also within their rights to remain silent or even boo and walk out, is perhaps the best test comedy writing can have, and one I've certainly benefitted from over the years.
My show began as Situations Vacant, a pure sitcom showcase, then evolved into The Sitcom Trials, which involved the audience more directly through voting. In more recent years The Sitcom Trials has taken place less often, and has been run more as a tournament than a showcase, but it still gives the opportunity for scripts to be performed. The Sitcom Mission, which developed from the Trials and is now a totally independent show, works similarly, offering a cash price and the incentive of a commission for the winner. In both cases the taking part and having your work seen on stage remains a vital part of the experience for the writer.
If you're up for it, advertise locally for actors and fellow writers. Sits Vac and the Sitcom Trials began in Bristol before expanding to London, and now has a Manchester team, so such a thing can be done in many places.
Kev F
I bought the Writers & Artists Yearbook 2012 and found it utterly useless. The section on Television, Film & Radio is tiny and contains all the same stuff I've read online a hundred times. 'Do a course, only send your script when you're sure it's ready, send it to prod co's who make programmes you like.' Yes, I know. Anything new to add? No? Nothing? Okay! 
Quote: Ringo @ January 8 2012, 5:08 PM GMTI bought the Writers & Artists Yearbook 2012 and found it utterly useless. The section on Television, Film & Radio is tiny and contains all the same stuff I've read online a hundred times. 'Do a course, only send your script when you're sure it's ready, send it to prod co's who make programmes you like.' Yes, I know. Anything new to add? No? Nothing? Okay!
To be honest, that's a bit like buying a copy of the Yellow Pages and complaing that it doesn't tell you how to make friends.
It's an up to-date (very important, that) list of contacts, but that's all
But it's not a list of contacts. Not at all. That's exactly what I thought it would be. It tells the reader to send your script to 
BBC Writersroom and (b) look for production companies on the internet.
Most prodcos aren't accepting unsolicited scripts, those that do rarely action them.
It's so easy to write and send stuff there's a glut.
If you want to get picked up you have to think smarter and sneakier.
Critique, script readings, radio rejects, the sitcomission, competitions etc. May not get you a contract, but they may get you noticed.
This would appear to be much more helpful than the book.
Quote: Ringo @ January 8 2012, 8:10 PM GMTBut it's not a list of contacts. Not at all.
Eh?
Are we talking about the same book?
Mine has 20 pages of close-typed names and adresses of production companies, along with what they do etc. etc.
Quote: Lazzard @ January 9 2012, 1:47 PM GMTEh?
Are we talking about the same book?
Mine has 20 pages of close-typed names and adresses of production companies, along with what they do etc. etc.
As does every edition. Accurate at time of going to press.
The Sitcom Trials is looking for scripts to perform in its March show. Details at http://sitcomtrials.co.uk