Hi all, new here.
Comedy writing is something I've always wanted to pursue seriously, and, for various reasons, now may be the time in my life to do so.
My question is, are there any TV or radio shows that will buy sketch scripts? And how would you go about it? Is it really as 'simple' as emailing the show scripts and letting them pay you for any they like?
Many thanks in advance!
It's not quite that simple.
Most sketch shows are either written by the performers themselves or teams of writers who have already made their mark in the industry by writing for other shows.
One way of getting in to radio sketch writing is to send material to shows that allow anybody to write for them. One example is Newsjack which is a topical/current affairs sketch show.
Some writers who have had success on shows such as Newsjack have then gone on to writing for other radio (and TV) shows.
Basically, its a case of climbing ladders.
Of course, saying that, there are a couple of members of this very forum who have had sketches broadcast on That Mitchell And Webb Sound, so it's not impossible.
If they're topical though you could try Newsrevue.
Thanks for your replies.
I never imagined it to be easy, certainly not getting your sketches bought or even performed, anyway. I understand it's a ladder climbing process where you need to get your work noticed, and, just didn't really know where to start.
I've read about Newsrevue and Newsjack whilst lurking this forum, and they seem like an excellent place to start.
Thanks again chaps!
The problem is it's much cheaper and more reliable to hire someone to write sketches that you want, or force your performers to write them yourself than to pay some one to read submissions. In preinternet days BBC 4s Weekending actually had an open meeting anyone could turn up at, now any one with a word processor can email the input for most shows open access shows is in the 1000s.
But there's usually about half a dozen open access slots, most clearly advertised on BBC writers room.
A good side aways approach is write a decent sitcom episode and send it to who ever still accepts unsolicited material. Then hope they say no thanks to the sitcom, could you help with this.
It's very difficult to make any headway writing sketches. Getting your writing noticed is the main obstacle. If you're a performer then you have the option of getting up on stage and displaying your talents. Otherwise, you need to keep an eye on the few open opportunities that arise and have a modicum of talent.