I've heard a lot of people saying that there were a lot more opportunities for amateur comedy writers in the past.
Is this true? If so, when did the doors stop closing? 10, 15, 20 years ago?
Was it easier in the old days?
Dunno. I am only 21.
I think in the past with shows like Not The NoCN and Smith and Jones there were much more TV based opportunities, without a doubt.
Even further back - watching a great documentary about Morecambe and Wise - all they had to do was write a polite letter to the Head of Entertainment to get their chance.
Radio was a much bigger medium too, 20 years ago. It's no longer the medium it was so opportunities are less.
There's too many people who think they can do it, and like with bands, we're flooded with sub-standard writers. To combat this most avenue's were shut off.
In the past each area would have one band that were well known as the local talent, that'd get round to the labels and promoters. The bands would have a big following in their area. But now EVERYONE knows someone in a band. So now local bands mean nothing. Well, they all mean they're shit, derivative rubbish.
Comedy is the same - too many, being shit.
I also think uni's were a hotbed of talent - back when going to uni meant something. It was a stamp of being a cut above the rest and having a modicum of intelligence. Intelligence mean you can be funny. Now any old tit can get into uni and it's meaningless. (I take pride in the fact I have no degree, or any A-Levels)
Add to that the ability to easily make your own comedy - i.e. shit comedy that should never see the light of day - we're swimming in garbage, and this put off the industry so they close ranks and make it like Fort Knox.
Quote: Seefacts @ April 9 2008, 7:21 PM BSTall they had to do was write a polite letter to the Head of Entertainment to get their chance.
That's fantastic.
Maybe if i sent them a letter, telling them to f**koff, I will get mine then. 
Quote: Leevil @ April 9 2008, 7:24 PM BSTThat's fantastic.
True.
It showed the actual letters, it was lovely.
How many people here believe that if they keep focused, keep honing their skills and never give up, that they will succeed and break into this industry?
If you have this sort of attitude do you think that you will get your rewards or does it all rely on luck, who you know, and perhaps simply being in the right place at the right time?
Def.
If you're truly talented and patient then I think you'll break through.
It's the same for anything.
Quote: Deferenz @ April 10 2008, 9:55 AM BSTHow many people here believe that if they keep focused, keep honing their skills and never give up, that they will succeed and break into this industry?
If you have this sort of attitude do you think that you will get your rewards or does it all rely on luck, who you know, and perhaps simply being in the right place at the right time?
Def.
If you're talented, you'll get noticed I think.
However, just because a producer likes your work, doesn't mean he'll take time to get you in and give you a chance. I've had many people give me praise, but non took the plunge to meet me. One did, and a month later I was writing for a sketch show.
Of course it's who you know too. I mean if you're a producer with writer friends, who you know can do the business, you're going to get them involved. That's why I think networking and moving to London are vital.
Also being cheeky as hell and pushing your look helps too. And exploiting any contacts you can.
Quote: Deferenz @ April 10 2008, 9:55 AM BSTHow many people here believe that if they keep focused, keep honing their skills and never give up, that they will succeed and break into this industry?
If you have this sort of attitude do you think that you will get your rewards or does it all rely on luck, who you know, and perhaps simply being in the right place at the right time?
Def.
You make your own luck in my opinion. Who you know can help, but you have to
go out yourself and meet these people. Being in the right place / right time? Same thing. If you don't put yourself in those places, who's gonna see you? I don't know of anyone sat scratching their arses in McDonalds who was approached by a producer and asked if they could write on their show.
Seefacts is right insofar as there are a ton of wannabe / not so good writers around, and gallingly, they're all shouting to be heard. So you have to shout a bit louder. I often think of it as a 'busy bar' situation. To the barman, all he sees is a mass of people, all holding out cash waiting to be noticed. So who does he serve next? Usually the cheeky annoying bastard who's stood on the footrest to make himself more visible, actually leaning over the bar, thrusting the cash in the barman's face whilst shouting his drinks order.
I don't usually quote people but Ben Franklin once said "Diligence is the mother of good fortune". In other words, the harder you work, the luckier you get.
Quote: Charley @ April 9 2008, 7:16 PM BSTDunno. I am only 21.
You're fanny's been active longer than that!
I suppose that now it's easier to actually get things written and posted now so more people are trying.
Years ago you needed the equipment and patience because you had to keep writing things - no saving, copying, pasting - or even sending things at the click of a button from the comfort of your living room. You would have to be so much more determined then - whenever that was.
All you can do is maximize your ability, and keep taking every opportunity. Know that you're writing good enough stuff, and promoting it hard. Eventually you may get lucky.
Also don't assume you're good enough. You can always improve, and always work harder.
Quote: Seefacts @ April 9 2008, 7:21 PM BSTBut now EVERYONE knows someone in a band.
I don't.
Quote: Seefacts @ April 9 2008, 7:21 PM BSTSo now local bands mean nothing. Well, they all mean they're shit, derivative rubbish.
I agree.
Quote: David Chapman @ April 12 2008, 12:16 AM BSTYou're fanny's been active longer than that!
Apart from dem fings wot Seefacts said, I blame the multi-channel society we now live in, particularly regarding TV. When there were only a few channels, people didn't have much choice what they watched (or listened to), so the stations could take a bit more of a risk, I think. Now they have to know (well, believe) that they're really onto a proper winner before they'll take it anywhere. There's more choice now, and yet again moreso with the increasing popularity of the internet, so the viewer has more of an option of going elsewhere if he or she doesn't like what they see.
God knows what that says for the people making decisions about the commissioning of Little Miss Jocelyn etc, but that's another discussion entirely.
Quote: Seefacts @ April 9 2008, 7:21 PM BSTBut now EVERYONE knows someone in a band.
Quote: Aaron @ April 12 2008, 8:50 AM BSTI don't.
I do.
Quote: Deferenz @ April 10 2008, 9:55 AM BSTHow many people here believe that if they keep focused, keep honing their skills and never give up, that they will succeed and break into this industry?
Again - I do.
Quote: Griff @ April 12 2008, 1:12 PM BSTTo summarise my long-winded post above...
I reckon it is easier now.
It was f**king impossible in the old days.
Seefacts - where did you find out about the opportunity that led to your sketch commission, ie how did you even know the production company existed and how to get in touch with them ? Via the Interweb, I'll bet, or maybe some helpful printed media directory which, if such a thing had existed, certainly wouldn't have been widely circulated back in the day. Also, come to think of it, the independent production company probably wouldn't have existed either.
The producer asked me to be involved.
He knew about me thanks to good old sending stuff via the post. The old fashioned way.
It was MUCH easier back in them olden days, I bet you.
Quote: Aaron @ April 12 2008, 8:50 AM BSTI don't.
My theory shot down! Noooooo!