Pitching Question... Page 2

I have a slightly different pitching question, and since there's already a thread here...

I'm terrible TERRIBLE at pitching, I do a shit job everytime. One of the things I'm worried about is trying to capture 'the feel' of a sitcom or describe its style.

So let's say I was going to pitch the thing I'm currently writing. I could say it's about two mid-20s 'professional temps' who are used to working six months then quitting and going on holiday, then taking on another temp job. That is until their landlord, sick of them getting behind on their rent, takes on another tenant - a young entrepreneur.

The 'sit' here is basically a flatshare, the comedy comes between two competing lifestyles, causing tension between the characters. That basically describes 80% of all sitcoms. But I don't think have a novel setting or making one of the characters an astronaut or something is what makes great comedy writing great.

I can go on in more detail about the characters - one pretentious, another bitter and aloof, another unrealistically optimistic - but how do I get across what kind of sitcom it is? Someone could have the same idea but the jokes would be completely different, whereas mine is - I suppose - surreal and maybe reminiscent of the style of Spaced/Green Wing. How do you go about explaining what style of jokes are used and what style the whole thing is written in? Do you compare with other shows?

Quote: ashleybrownmedia @ 23rd November 2013, 12:32 PM GMT

why do you ask?

View original

Because it's a good place to start. It shows your ability to perform and will allow a producer to have some confidence in your ability to portray a character convincingly.

Quote: ashleybrownmedia @ 23rd November 2013, 12:32 PM GMT

why do you ask?

View original

So I can advise you re the question you asked.

Quote: sglen @ 23rd November 2013, 10:58 PM GMT

I have a slightly different pitching question, and since there's already a thread here...

I'm terrible TERRIBLE at pitching, I do a shit job everytime. One of the things I'm worried about is trying to capture 'the feel' of a sitcom or describe its style.

So let's say I was going to pitch the thing I'm currently writing. I could say it's about two mid-20s 'professional temps' who are used to working six months then quitting and going on holiday, then taking on another temp job. That is until their landlord, sick of them getting behind on their rent, takes on another tenant - a young entrepreneur.

The 'sit' here is basically a flatshare, the comedy comes between two competing lifestyles, causing tension between the characters. That basically describes 80% of all sitcoms. But I don't think have a novel setting or making one of the characters an astronaut or something is what makes great comedy writing great.

I can go on in more detail about the characters - one pretentious, another bitter and aloof, another unrealistically optimistic - but how do I get across what kind of sitcom it is? Someone could have the same idea but the jokes would be completely different, whereas mine is - I suppose - surreal and maybe reminiscent of the style of Spaced/Green Wing. How do you go about explaining what style of jokes are used and what style the whole thing is written in? Do you compare with other shows?

View original

Use other shows as a reference point. Also, no situation makes the writing great, but given that production companies like to think big, it's probably good to get into the habit of doing that. A flatshare sitcom without something REALLY novel about it... I don't think it stands much chance, really.

Quote: MCharsley @ 24th November 2013, 2:19 PM GMT

Use other shows as a reference point. Also, no situation makes the writing great, but given that production companies like to think big, it's probably good to get into the habit of doing that. A flatshare sitcom without something REALLY novel about it... I don't think it stands much chance, really.

View original

Hoping that my voice is novel enough. To be honest, it's so little about the actual fact they share a flat that I'm not sure how much the 'sit' matters for this one.

You may be right, though! I'll get it written and see how it looks.

Quote: Tim Azure @ 24th November 2013, 9:37 AM GMT

Next time you pitch a show?

View original

there would have to be a first time to be a next time haha, no I meant next time I talk about a show.

Quote: Marc P @ 24th November 2013, 8:58 AM GMT

So I can advise you re the question you asked.

View original

I do have some stuff yeah, not as much as I'd like though. Got so many ideas but I've just moved back to the countryside after Uni so it's very hard to find anyone round here to do some filmmaking with.

Well post something up and I'll give you my opinion re help or hindrance.

hi there

if you go to critique I have two threads on the first page you're welcome
to look at:

'sharks & snakes' and 'bad pr'

sorry can't seem to link them from my phone

Performance wise I meant.

Quote: ashleybrownmedia @ 21st November 2013, 4:35 PM GMT

Would they let me audition? ... just wanted a general answer

View original

Yes, they would.

Writers are notoriously bad at pitching. That's why God invented producers.

My pitches are shit. So I don't really pitch anymore. I might write short capsule descriptions of potential ideas and serve those up instead. Or I might write a more detailed show description if asked to.

Sadly, I still find the best way to communicate the idea I have in my head is to write an actual script. For me, it's really the only way.

Personally, I think that everything you do prior to writing a script is just so much hot air. Not to say it can't be useful, but it's not going to get you commissioned. Not as a newbie anyway.

Good luck.

Quote: T.W. @ 3rd December 2013, 8:57 PM GMT

Writers are notoriously bad at pitching. That's why God invented producers.

My pitches are shit. So I don't really pitch anymore. I might write short capsule descriptions of potential ideas and serve those up instead. Or I might write a more detailed show description if asked to.

Sadly, I still find the best way to communicate the idea I have in my head is to write an actual script. For me, it's really the only way.

Personally, I think that everything you do prior to writing a script is just so much hot air. Not to say it can't be useful, but it's not going to get you commissioned. Not as a newbie anyway.

Good luck.

View original

Actually that's bollocks Tim It's just that writers often think they shouldn't have to pitch. When they realize it is ALL smoke and mirrors it's a lot easier .

Quote: ashleybrownmedia @ 21st November 2013, 4:35 PM GMT

How would they react if I told them that I wanted to be in it? Let's say I was good enough to play the part I had written for myself but I was an unknown.

View original

If you are a complete newbie, I imagine they would think you were a)a bit naive and b)a bit full of it. Acting is hard - experience counts for a lot. Gervais did a lot of sketch shows before The Office.

If I was the producer, I would also be worried that you were a control freak who was terrified of handing his baby over to its new mummy and daddy.

That is a very confusing mixed metaphor.