As I'm sure many of you have thought about this, could you give me some of the Pros and Cons of writing each?
Why write a sitcom, when you could write a film?
Catskillz, unless you mean a TV movie, as an unknown writer you've got virtually no chance of getting your script made into a film. If your script is taken up, there are other considerations, such as the many pitfalls that can afflict a film before it is begun, completed or distributed. Also, unless you are the director, or involved in production, the finished movie is likely to deviate somewhat from your original script. Film is a director's medium and again, unless you are a big name, or very lucky, dialogue and characters can be dropped and lines re-written against your wishes.
The paycheck from a successful, major film can be significant – Joe Esterhaz famously got a million dollars for his Basic Instinct flesh-fest – but a more modest movie will not make you the kind of money you could make by writing two or three series of a sitcom that was subsequently sold to TV networks around the world.
This is a general example – there are exceptions to this rule obviously.
I would had a personal point, that to write a great film script requires a more visual imagination than to write a great sitcom, in my view, as you will be expected to tell the story more with pictures than dialogue. There is comparatively little dialogue in film scripts.
It's just that I was thinking about the way the guys from 'Spaced' went from sitcom to film, and it got me thinking. Also, I watched the film 'Dodgeball', on T.V., the other night, and couldn't help thinking how much funnier my script was, than it was.
The guys from Spaced had a successfull TV programme's and contacts in the industry to call upon when making the film. Something we don't really have.
It's all about money. To get a feature film made for any writer is difficult enough, nevermind a new writer. So there are certain types of story they will go for i.e. romantic comedy. Check out Marchmont Films who do a competition each year for new screenplays.
The idea's sound, but you're thinking too big. Instead of trying to write a film, why not try writing a play for the afternoon slot on Radio 4. Or short stories for some obscure internet magazine. It's all writing, and it should hone your skills until you finally flog your sitcom.
In my personal opinion I'd much rather write a sitcom series than a film anyday. Writing a film doesn't interest me in the slightest at the minute, maybe if I do make it anywhere with my writing then one day I'd like a try, but I'd much prefer to write a sitcom series.
In my opinion, these days it does seem easier to get a film produced (low budget or not) rather a tv series, comedy or drama. But that's just me.
Really? That's a surprise.
I think it's all tough and the industry has changed too making it harder for everyone.
To get a film produced sounds like getting a whole herd of buffalo onto a pinhead! But despite the difficulties, some production companies are doing it.
One of my horror screenplays has just gone into further development, so I'm very excited about that.
Film's a long process and relies on the right project hitting the right person at the right time and a degree of luck (much like anything). I'm in it for the long haul though and understand that there's so much that can go wrong, but I'm determined to see it through.
Quote: Rosco @ July 25, 2007, 8:51 AMThe guys from Spaced had a successfull TV programme's and contacts in the industry to call upon when making the film. Something we don't really have.
Exactly.
If you took a film script to a company - no matter how good it was - it'd be turned away.
If Pegg, Wright, Frost and Nira Park took a script of equal quality then it'd be snapped up.
That's only because they are Gods, lol.
I started writing films before sitcoms/sketches.
If I ever get anywhere with comedy writing, I'll definitely use my position to make a film.
Pros and Cons?
Cons: You have shorter time to establish character.
Pros: I dunno?
I always think it's a shame when people think that film is a more valid art form than television.
Yes, Pegg - I'm looking at YOU!
Quote: Martin Holmes @ July 25, 2007, 10:36 AMIn my personal opinion I'd much rather write a sitcom series than a film anyday. Writing a film doesn't interest me in the slightest at the minute, maybe if I do make it anywhere with my writing then one day I'd like a try, but I'd much prefer to write a sitcom series.
I agree - again I think.
I'd rather do something with episodes or parts that fit together. A film generally wouldn't work like that. It needs a whole story.