So I've pretty much finished my first sitcom. 'Digs' is set around a bunch of first year students at their halls of residence.
Thing is, I need someone to read it and tell me how shit it is, and why.
Course, it's not shit, it's brilliant. But I'd be incredibly grateful to anyone who could give me a proper critique. Of the whole thing, that is. I don't really fancy posting a few scenes on the forum.
I can send you the treatment first if you like.
So...any takers?
you can email it to me.
gavin@greenmanmedia.co.uk
I'm quite busy at minute though so maybe few days before reply
Moved to Critique.
First thing I'd say is that student based sitcoms are probably the most common sent in to production companies. Well that's what I was told when I wrote my one about a halls of residence 10 years ago.
Hi Stu
Got to agree with Rob here, as it's the most common sitcom in the 'Critique' section if you go through it. Also, seven posts down, Baby Cow's Ric Michael tells us the most common sitcoms that get pitched: http://community.channel4.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/3400044735/m/5250057549/p/2
I'll read your sitcom if you like. Warning: I will be harsh which most people say they can take but can they really. I mean *really*?
PM me if you want me to.
Dan
Cheers fellas I'll send it on to those who'll look at it.
I know what you mean about student sitcoms being common, and after I'd started I did think about quitting. But I suppose my theory is this: if my characters and gags are good enough it won't matter too much where it is set. The viewer doesn't have to care or indeed know much about studentdom because my plotting and my jokes don't rely to heavily on the fact that my characters are students (i.e. look at us having nothing to do all day - isn't this hilarious).
I'm sure if production companies read a script they deemed good enough, with depth of character and relationships, and of course, great gags, then it wouldn't irk them too much.
Or at least that's what I tell myself at night.
You are between a rock and a hard place,
On the one hand we are advised to 'write what we know' on the other hand you are writing about students, whom, with all due respect to you sir, are in the same 'likability' bracket as those that drive areoplanes into tall buildings. But I agree with others, if it's basically sound, then that will shine through. I wish you the best of luck. Examine any critique but don't try to please eveybody.
Sound counsel Jerf, thank you.
I think you're absolutely right about the likability of students. Though I'd watch a sitcom on Bin Laden and his crew, wouldn't you?
But seriously, I honestly don't see that as too much of an obstacle. I mean, if you were thoroughly entertained for half an hour you wouldn't suddenly decide you wouldn't watch it again just beacause you didn't like students, would you? At least I don't think you would.
You can still write about students, but try to subvert the premise in some way.
Students v. Terrorists. Good spin. Who would you side with?
Dan
Hmmm I wonder if a production company would pitch a student based sitcom no matter how good to a TV exec?
Terrorists are just students who could be bothered, aren't they?
See? *That* is a good spin on it. Terrorists who never get around to terror cos they're students...
I'd be more than happy to read through it, Stu. Like many others on here I don't have a vast amount of time, but I will do my best to respond asap if you want me to.
I'm a taker.
evilbrummiegit at gmail dot com