Attitude to writing

I recently realised that when I get a piece of work accepted the magazine/show is dead to me. I mean once I get accepted I feel I can write it in my bio and look for another place to submit. For example I got some material on the first episode of Live for Kirrin and I haven't submitted anything since because I have the credit. But is this the one attitude? Instead of trying to fill my bio with as many different names as I can should I be trying to build relationships with the people who run these shows?

Your opinions welcome

I kind of know how you feel. You've made the achievement of getting something accepted, so move on to a new challenge. I think, though, that if your style of writing is approved of by one particular avenue, you shouldn't walk away from it completely. It may lead to you writing better pieces in that style.

Ideally, you need to do both.
But, if push comes to shove - though I don't see why it would - go for building a relationship with a few people.
A recommendation from one of them is worth a load more than a credit on a CV - which, frankly, you could have faked up anyway.

This industry, like every other, is about connections. That isn't to say it is elitist/cliquey/a closed door...but I have found out in a very short time that it is about getting people to know you and trust you.

Do you live in London? I have found that very helpful for getting to know people.

But to be honest, I wouldn't over think it. Write write write. Make the effort to go to some industry events. A friend of a friend works in the Comedy dept at BBC3. We go out for cocktails a fair bit. 99% of the time we talk about things other than work. But that 1% - really helpful.

Thanks for the comments. I think a mixture of both, as long as I'm writing something, is the route to go

Quote: Jennie @ August 30 2013, 6:31 PM BST

Do you live in London? I have found that very helpful for getting to know people.

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No I'm t'up North

Definitely worth trying to build relationships with the people you're submitting to, rather than just getting one piece accepted and moved on.

Through the good folks at Kirrin Island I got put in touch with The Treason Show people because they felt some of the material might work better for them than on KI, as an example.

Quote: blahblah @ August 30 2013, 5:43 PM BST

I recently realised that when I get a piece of work accepted the magazine/show is dead to me. I mean once I get accepted I feel I can write it in my bio and look for another place to submit. For example I got some material on the first episode of Live for Kirrin and I haven't submitted anything since because I have the credit. But is this the one attitude? Instead of trying to fill my bio with as many different names as I can should I be trying to build relationships with the people who run these shows?

Your opinions welcome

View original

Can I be blunt.

That is a phenomenally bad way to do anything, least of all writing

A handful of writers made it to the big time via BBC open opportunities. They werent the ones who got one credit. They were the ones who got several each season, then invited in, then onto other shows.

It'll never happen if you get a sketch on then do the victory dance.

You have to become a reliable, regular contributor then doors open.

The people who pay the big moolah for actual real shows, tend to do it for reliable repeat writers.

Please stop doing what you're doing before you make yourself sad.

Quote: sootyj @ August 30 2013, 9:03 PM BST

Can I be blunt.

That is a phenomenally bad way to do anything, least of all writing

A handful of writers made it to the big time via BBC open opportunities. They werent the ones who got one credit. They were the ones who got several each season, then invited in, then onto other shows.

It'll never happen if you get a sketch on then do the victory dance.

You have to become a reliable, regular contributor then doors open.

The people who pay the big moolah for actual real shows, tend to do it for reliable repeat writers.

Please stop doing what you're doing before you make yourself sad.

View original

Blunt away old chap. Can I just clarify I do regular submit to Newsjack and do so every week its on (got material on past 3 series) But you're right. I would rather be a reliable contributor than someone who did one thing a while ago for any show.

Quote: blahblah @ August 30 2013, 5:43 PM BST

For example I got some material on the first episode of Live for Kirrin and I haven't submitted anything since because I have the credit.

View original

Yes. Retire now.

Quote: Jennie @ August 30 2013, 6:31 PM BST

This industry, like every other, is about connections. That isn't to say it is elitist/cliquey/a closed door...but I have found out in a very short time that it is about getting people to know you and trust you.

Do you live in London? I have found that very helpful for getting to know people.

But to be honest, I wouldn't over think it. Write write write. Make the effort to go to some industry events. A friend of a friend works in the Comedy dept at BBC3. We go out for cocktails a fair bit. 99% of the time we talk about things other than work. But that 1% - really helpful.

View original

I don't particularly like the 'industry' or 'work'... or 'people', so I feel I'm at a disadvantage...

I have historical industry writing credits (I'm talking 1990s) and a sole credit in the industry post-2010, but I'm considered a 'new writer'. I've been working hard and progressing for 6 years now. I suspect that having written topical sketches for Radio 4/6 shows a) is not my strength and b) would not have helped me get to where I want to be in comedy writing/dramatic writing in general any quicker.

Do you want to write what you want to write? Or do you want to be a comedy writer hack? Or is it a combination of the two?

I have a job where I don't need to pay the bills from my writing. I'm a lucky c--t insofar that I'm in that position. Yet, at the same time, I have an agent at a top agency who believes in me. As she says "It's 'when', not 'if'"...

If you want to get credits and be a writer-for-hire then great, go for it. If you want to be a pure 'artist' then carry on writing for your own sense of humour. There is a compromise situation between being an writer and a hack. I've explored it and those that do should not feel guilty.

The old Dr Samuel Johnson quote that 'Only a fool writes for anything other than money' does, as you progress in the 'industry', become more relevant (especially when as the comedy industry traditionally under-rewards its writers before anyone else) the more progress you maje. On the other hand, Samuel Johnson was a bit of a twat & should not be quotable when it comes to your desire to write comedy you care about.

This post hasn't really helped the debate, has it? Sorry.

Write a f**king stage place and put it on and see how that goes and do whatever. And Tim what do women know about comedy or irony?

Quote: Marc P @ August 30 2013, 10:46 PM BST

Yes. Retire now.

View original

Quote: Marc P @ August 30 2013, 10:56 PM BST

And Tim what do women know about comedy or irony?

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Oooh...you

Quote: Marc P @ August 30 2013, 10:56 PM BST

And Tim what do women know about comedy or irony?

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Marc, you sexist!

Women know LOADS about comedy and irony...!

...Oh, sorry... I thought you wrote 'ironing'.

Apologies.

Quote: T.W. @ August 30 2013, 10:51 PM BST

I have an agent at a top agency who believes in me. As she says "It's 'when', not 'if'"...

View original

You f**king tease. Let's see the tip of this prize pudding of yours. Post a bit of something that's gone out.