Hi there

Hello fellow writers.

My name isn't Antony (well, my middle name is), but I use this online because my real name is the same as that of a famous boy band member. You can call me Tony.

I work in advertising, which I'm aware puts me in the same category of public respect as estate agents, lawyers, terrorists and the Devil, and I've been a copywriter since 1999. I now work freelance, so I can contribute to a place like this without being disciplined for wasting agency time - I tend to write from home.

I've written part of a sitcom episode which I'm not yet happy enough with to share, as well as a few sketches. I also have plenty of ideas for more - sitcoms and sketches - and I'm particularly keen on clever, dialogue-led comedy such as the monologues of some of Victoria Wood's characters, and the tirades of Dr Perry Cox from 'Scrubs'. And for those who remember 'Shelley', wasn't that some of the best monologue writing ever?

Wood is actually my principal influence: I love her mix of the observational and the irrelevant; her sense of northern language rhythm and southern sensibility. Simon Nye - he of 'Men Behaving Badly' and 'How Do You Want Me?' fame - is another key influence. Where sketch shows are concerned, I'm a fan of early Armstrong & Miller, some Mitchell & Webb stuff (particularly their contribution to the much-missed 'Bruiser'), and the absurdity of 'Big Train'.

My favourite five British sitcoms are: Blackadder, Red Dwarf, Bottom, dinnerladies and Men Behaving Badly. Beyond these timeless classics, I'm a big admirer of almost anything by Steve Coogan; but I'm becoming less amused with each passing year by Gervais' output. I can't stand 'My Family', 'My Hero' or (surprisingly, perhaps) 'Father Ted'. Oh, and I think Jennifer Saunders' series 'Jam & Jerusalem' is possibly the best thing she's ever written. That she's paid her debt to Wood in the writing is very clear indeed.

Top American sitcoms for me include 'Scrubs', 'Will & Grace', 'Cheers', 'The Golden Girls' and 'Rosanne' - before the last of these got shit. 'My Name Is Earl' and 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' leave me cold, as did 'Frasier'. I guess in general, I just prefer British comedy.

Right, enough for now. See you on the boards. And possibly, on the BAFTA award-winner's podium in a few years' time.

Hello Tony

So you don't like Frasier? Hummm >_< But agree with you about Gervais. Welcome, and good luck with the writing!

Thanks, puffinpol.

Yeah, Gervais seems to think now that if he writes it, then it must automatically be good. 'The Office' was a stroke of genius. 'Extras' had some good lines. But the first stand-up show left me cold. And his podcasts have consistently failed to make me so much as smile. Whereas Coogan could fill out a tax self-assessment form and it would be funny.

Mmm - I certainly sense a lot of smugness when I see/hear him. It's a shame as some of The Office was brilliant. I happened to catch the first episode when it was first shown and thought how original and clever it was at the time.
Alan Partridge is one of my favourite characters; I suppose I judge Coogan on him - I'm certainly not knowledgeable about comedy like many people on the forum are. I didn't think that much of The Parole Officer however.

Try 'Saxondale'. Utterly brilliant.

Thank you - yes, I've heard good stuff about it. I'll give it go.

hello and welcome!

Hi Wayne, and thanks.

Hello Anthony.

Hi there, Wildjesusfishkid.

Good moaning! Some interesting like and dislikes there - and oh gawd, another Gervais debate. Be careful not to anger zooo, for she is the Glorious Leader and shall smite you forsooth and verily much so. Eth.

Just to recap. Gervais isn't smug, and he's just as funny as he ever was. But it is nice to see someone who really likes Jam and Jerusalem.

Welcome to the boards Anthony! (Or... Tim? Although Ash isn't a boy band, hmm...)

Fret not, Aaron. I've no intention of debating Gervais. And thanks for the welcome.

And hi Zooo. Yes, 'Jam & Jerusalem' is outstandingly well-written and acted.

As for my real name, the 'Wheeler' part isn't my surname, either.

dammit!

Right then, I shall call you Gary Barlow and be done with it.

Quote: zooo @ March 24, 2008, 11:29 AM

dammit!

Right then, I shall call you Gary Barlow and be done with it.

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Right band, wrong member.