Has anyone here tried writing an episode of an existing sitcom? As an exercise?
how did it turn out? Did you learn much from the process?
Cheers. 
Fan fiction
I tried writing an episode of The Simpsons seeing as there's so much freedom but didn't get any further then the plot line, lol, but it was fun thinking of ideas though.
I also wrote a scene from Alan Partridge for a very controversial sketch competition...
I think it's fun though, you have the character so you can just concentrate on the funnies.
Go on the net and look for Friends fanfic - it's nauseating.
Trying to write, say, After You've Gone, could be worth it because you could send it to the producers and they might like it.
Quote: Seefacts @ October 28, 2007, 2:17 PMGo on the net and look for Friends fanfic - it's nauseating.
Trying to write, say, After You've Gone, could be worth it because you could send it to the producers and they might like it.
I'm not really thinking of using anything i write as a calling card as such. Just to try and learn from the experience.
I just wondered if anyone else had found it useful.
It wouldn't appeal to me. I have a hard enough job as it is getting the characters I think of placed into my own shows.
But I can imagine it may be a good / lucrative exercise if the right show is picked and they like.
I've read some fan fiction (less sitcom based, more y'know... that type)
The good stuff can be just amazing, and I would think, quite difficult to write. You have to get the right tone, style etc. I don't think I could actually do it.
Good exercise though Marion!
I've had a go with only fools, green green grass, man about the house, now i'm writing an episode of not going out. It's fun and a great exercise. Would we be allowed to post our version of a well known sitcom.
Post the Not Going Out one!
I'm sure if you spell it out that's it's using their characters etc, and not all your original idea, it'll be okay.
Quote: Ray Dawson @ October 28, 2007, 4:39 PMI've had a go with only fools, green green grass, man about the house, now i'm writing an episode of not going out. It's fun and a great exercise. Would we be allowed to post our version of a well known sitcom.
Have you learned from the experience? Do you advise me to try it?
I'd advise anyone trying to break into comedy writing to try. It's a lot of fun
and you can learn from it. The characters are all ready in place. Another thing i do is to take a well know comedy actor and put them into one of my scripts, they may never get to play the part, but once you can see the face and hear the voice, writing becomes easier, it's much better than having no one in mind.
great stuff, thanks alot.
Personally I'd think it's a waste of time - although the Not Going Out elsewhere was well done.
Apart from just an exercise it's not likely to get picked up because it would be out of sequence - but there again the producers might see it and like it.
So I've contradicted myself - but I still wouldn't do it.
I'll concentrate on the NaNoNo thing instead. Much more worthwhile!
Have you been drinking again David? I had a few last night, i was ok but my fingers were pissed, they were falling about all over the place dragging me with them.
I wish.
No actually I don't cos I don't want another hangover.