Quote: Tim Walker @ October 30, 2007, 8:58 PMRoughcut TV
32 Newman Street
London W1T 1PUI sent the first draft by post, which I think is their preferred method for receiving spec scripts. I don't know a general enquiry email for them to ask about email delivery. I do have a personal email, which I obviously can't post.
Thanks for that. Did you just send the script? Or did you include a cover letter and synopsis etc?
Synopsis (1-2 pages) and cover note are normally standard expectation. Often the synopsis is asked for before the full script.
Quote: Martin Holmes @ October 30, 2007, 11:36 PMThanks for that. Did you just send the script? Or did you include a cover letter and synopsis etc?
It was a script (in BBC sitcom format), a cover letter and a series outline (more concentrating on the style of the sitcom rather than future plot episodes.)
Of note, when I did meet Ash I had prepared a whole 'pitch' for the series, as well as a written set of character notes and plot outlines for further episodes etc.
Instead, we chatted about various things for the best part of an hour. The deficiencies of the script as a sitcom, potential for changes, our backgrounds etc. It was more of a chat about myself and my ambitions than about the script. I don't know, I guess he was just getting a understanding of where I was coming from. Obviously, the second draft commission and the request for sketch material came somewhere towards the end of the hour.
Okay thanks for all that. When I sent my script off to other companies, I included just a short synopsis and the pilot script and if they wanted extra information I assumed they would ask for more. Like Baby Cow did.
Although I sometimes forget the synopsis - would it be fair to say if the script is good, it's unlikely they'll go 'Great script, lets get him in . . . Oh, wait, no synopsis. No, don't ring him, he's not done it properly. Next!'
I hope so Seefacts, old bean!
I hope so..
Tim, I can only echo others comments by saying they're obviously interested.
If Ash gave you his email address then I think it's for fine for you to email him and ask whether he's had a chance to look through your latest script.
Keep us updated!
Quote: Winterlight @ October 31, 2007, 9:29 PMTim, I can only echo others comments by saying they're obviously interested.
If Ash gave you his email address then I think it's for fine for you to email him and ask whether he's had a chance to look through your latest script.
Keep us updated!
I think the same as Winterlight here. Tell him you enjoyed the latest IT Crowd or something and butter him up that way 
Congratulations btw -- seems you're on your way.
Dan
Quote: Martin Holmes @ October 31, 2007, 3:15 PMOkay thanks for all that. When I sent my script off to other companies, I included just a short synopsis and the pilot script and if they wanted extra information I assumed they would ask for more. Like Baby Cow did.
Yeah, I think that's a good point (based on generally limited experience in the last year). Your script is, ultimately, your selling point. Including a c.v. is fairly pointless. If you're that successful they will have heard of you. I also think, although you should know in your own mind how a series will develop, there's no point submitting a series breakdown. Leave that to a meeting if you get one. They're sufficiently interested.
The other thing is that people (and I did this years ago) submit character profiles with their pilot. I think that (in a comedy producers' mind) switches them off. If your pilot doesn't identify the characters via the script then the commissioner will not be interested in back-story. Back-story for your characters has to shine through in your pilot (not much in the first episode, but enough), and not have to be explained to a producer after they've read your submission. If they find your characters and situation interesting then they'll already want to hear more about them. If they're luke-warm and maybe want to hear more, then if you've written some notes down on a piece of paper, you'll have missed the opportunity to pitch in person, which is always better.
Get them laughing, keep them guessing, I suppose is the way I see it in terms of submissions.
Got to agree with Tim here. Ultimately it's your script they'll read and if you've done it right, they'll be on the phone pretty sharpish (so to speak). If it doesn't come across in the script, it needs a rewrite.
Dan
Quote: Ray Dawson @ October 30, 2007, 8:44 PMGood job you didn't send it to the BBC, you'd get a faster reply on the NHS.
It's coming up to six months since I sent a radio script to the BBC. Time for a gentle reminder methinks.
Although there's nothing more disappointing then when you wait ages for a response, and then a feeble rejection letter limps through the letter box when you're not even expecting it anymore.
Quote: Splodge @ November 3, 2007, 12:06 PMIt's coming up to six months since I sent a radio script to the BBC. Time for a gentle reminder methinks.
Although there's nothing more disappointing then when you wait ages for a response, and then a feeble rejection letter limps through the letter box when you're not even expecting it anymore.
We sent a sketch show off to them about a year ago and have heard nothing.
A radio sketch show that is - just the scripts.