Writing a Sitcom for Radio

Like most of us, I'm trying to break into the comedy industry and recently I've written a couple of pilots for TV to no immediate avail. I'm not imagining radio to be a walk in the park at all, but would people say it's ever so slightly easier to get something commissioned on radio rather than TV? I'm assuming so purely for budget reasons really, plus I imagine there's less of a risk factor.

I'm also thinking about writing a radio sitcom, because it's something I can perform and produce, rather than having to rely on people reading scripts.

How long would you suggest I write/produce a 'demonstration pilot' to get radio producers to listen?

Also, would my best bet be to listen to the end of the credits on iPlayer to get production companies details, or does somebody know of a long list of radio production companies?

Thanks

Hello, this might be good to look at, I've had it bookmarked for a while...

http://sitcomgeek.blogspot.com/2011/02/in-praise-of-radio.html

Also, it might be a little bit easier, as it's less competitive at the moment. Still need a good quality script though, of course

Thanks for that, it was a very encouraging read

Wishing you well, pineapplesky. Good Luck.

Crickey might take a shot!

Quote: dellas @ January 31 2012, 4:15 AM GMT

Crickey might take a shot!

View original

It's not that scary Dellas. Oh.... sorry.

I have yet to do the research I want to back this up with facts, but I think something like 90% of TV writers start on the radio. Pretty much every writer we've ever interviewed for the BCG says they started in BBC Radio first.

James Cary's blog (linked to above) pretty much says it all.

Even if you can get straight on TV, radio is good training as you can't fall back on sight gags or rely so much on the actors to carry duff lines.

OH that doesn't explain why 'MrsBrowns Boys' is so successful.