New Sitcom, where to go from here...

Hi everyone, just joined the BCG forums so apologies if any of the following has previously been covered, after reading several threads I have not found the answers I'm looking for.

I have a few script writing questions if any sitcom veterans can help me out? The script I have written is for a new sitcom, similar to The Inbetweeners, but after spending hours on end searching the internet and reading the Writers and Artists yearbook I still have a few unanswered questions.

Firstly, how long should a script be exactly? I think I may have overdone my pilot episode as it spreads out onto 54 pages, the layout etc is correct as per standard script writing but the length is different on each article I read, some say approx 20 mins (20 pages) others say a pilot should be an hour in length. Is there a standard amount or would the right company accept it regardless as it can always be edited and chopped down if they were to like it.

Secondly, do I need to try and get an agent or try to get a producer to view my work? I seem to be stuck between the agent/producer circle where neither will accept my work without interest from the other. I have emailed several production companies who have released similar comedies in the past but so far I have only had a couple of 'thank you, but we don't accept unsolicited material' emails in response, although it has only been a few days since I sent them all. Do I need to send a similar email to agents or would I be wasting my time?

Finally, is there a place I could get my script read and get honest feedback without all the initial costs, and where my work is unlikely to be copied/stolen? Although I have copyrighted it already as advised by several sites.

Sorry for the long thread but spent ages trying to get clear answers on these and I'm still none the wiser.

Many thanks

Brendan

Quote: Brenno @ February 28 2013, 10:32 PM GMT

Sorry for the long thread but spent ages trying to get clear answers on these and I'm still none the wiser.

View original

Someone here will kindly give you all the little answers about page lentgh/timing etc. but no one can help you get it aired. They can probably help you save a lot of wasted time and effort and strife and say 'Stop it now, throw the script in the bin and give up the idea of wanting to be a sitcom writer, you'll thank me for it!'

To be blunt about it, sitcom writing for unproduced writers with no name in comedy is a hobby, no more. Your chances of getting it aired on TV are virtually nil. Make it as good as you want, I'll vouch that someone in broadcasting or production will find a reason not to take it, and if you're lucky you may get free feedback which may include some pat technical reason and advice which completely jars with the solid fact that many sitcoms have been aired with appalling scripts but were from names. Names are really what they're after, not great scripts from no-names. The only way in is to become a name first, have you thought of kidnapping Terry Wogan for the ransom of a sitcom commission? That's your most likely way in I'd have thought.

Quote: Brenno @ February 28 2013, 10:32 PM GMT

Hi everyone, just joined the BCG forums so apologies if any of the following has previously been covered, after reading several threads I have not found the answers I'm looking for.

View original

Then I should take another look.

Every single point you raise has been discussed in depth & at great length in the 'Writing' section of this site.
Spend a morning trawling through and you'll get all the info you need.

And don't think of sending anything to anyone until you've shown your work to at least half a dozen people (not counting relatives!)

You should try writing something that's NOT similar to the Inbetweeners - originality is what's important.

Quote: Brenno @ February 28 2013, 10:32 PM GMT

Hi everyone, just joined the BCG forums so apologies if any of the following has previously been covered, after reading several threads I have not found the answers I'm looking for.

I have a few script writing questions if any sitcom veterans can help me out? The script I have written is for a new sitcom, similar to The Inbetweeners, but after spending hours on end searching the internet and reading the Writers and Artists yearbook I still have a few unanswered questions.

Firstly, how long should a script be exactly? I think I may have overdone my pilot episode as it spreads out onto 54 pages, the layout etc is correct as per standard script writing but the length is different on each article I read, some say approx 20 mins (20 pages) others say a pilot should be an hour in length. Is there a standard amount or would the right company accept it regardless as it can always be edited and chopped down if they were to like it.

Secondly, do I need to try and get an agent or try to get a producer to view my work? I seem to be stuck between the agent/producer circle where neither will accept my work without interest from the other. I have emailed several production companies who have released similar comedies in the past but so far I have only had a couple of 'thank you, but we don't accept unsolicited material' emails in response, although it has only been a few days since I sent them all. Do I need to send a similar email to agents or would I be wasting my time?

Finally, is there a place I could get my script read and get honest feedback without all the initial costs, and where my work is unlikely to be copied/stolen? Although I have copyrighted it already as advised by several sites.

Sorry for the long thread but spent ages trying to get clear answers on these and I'm still none the wiser.

Many thanks

Brendan

View original

I think trying for a radio play, or a theatre play has a better chance of success...

Quote: beaky @ March 1 2013, 2:22 PM GMT

You should try writing something that's NOT similar to the Inbetweeners - originality is what's important.

View original

Its only a similar type of humour, the style of comedy, the characters and situation etc are different to the inbetweeners, its not a run of the mill pre watershed comedy with recycled jokes etc.

Thanks for the responses, guess its time to realise it's not gonna be easy to get this out there, I've entered it for the BBC writersroom so at least that's a start. And I have found a few other threads which cover the questions I asked, this one was extremely helpful https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/7733/

Also, the Sitcom Trials is fantastic for feedback and giving a sense of purpose to writing.

One thing I did to avoid banging my head against a wall of negativity when I first started writing was produce a podcast of it. You've got something to work towards, some actors to tell you if it's pony or not (actors are egomaniacs, they don't want to be anything diabolical) and you can get a finished product out there without having to deal with all the bullshit and negativity.

After you've done that then you can start dealing with all the bullshit and negativity.

You'll probably find this interesting https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/9109#P260448

Quote: Trinder @ March 1 2013, 6:43 PM GMT

Also, the Sitcom Trials is fantastic for feedback and giving a sense of purpose to writing.

View original

Surely only if you're accepted. Otherwise it's a bit meh.

Well it may sound obvious but I like John Byrne's comment in 'Writing Comedy', a book I recommend unreservedly. Basically: You can sweat yourself stoopid over a sitcom and have a miniscule chance of success. Or not and have zero chance of success. If you've got the drive and the stamina go for it, just know what you're letting yourself in for! He puts it better than that, but you get the point.

But if you do succeed, you'll become fabulously rich and famous, and everyone will want to f**k you.

Quote: beaky @ March 26 2013, 8:16 PM GMT

But if you do succeed, you'll become fabulously rich and famous, and everyone will want to f**k you.

View original

Slightly richer and a local celeb, maybe. But the other bit's right...

Sorry, I meant to write "f**k you over."