I really want to write a succesful sitcom for the satisfaction of producing something that is loved by a mass of people. The money to be made is an after-thought. But I really don't have a clue just how much you could make from a succesful sitcom. I mean, if you write a series for Channel 4 or BBC3, how much could you expect to make?
Depends if you can write something equivalent to The Office or According to Bex
it used to be about 5k an episode, for a new writer
There's a few threads on here about if you do a search.
About 3k-4k as a minimum, for a new writer or a small show. Up to 5 or 6 for a bigger show/writer.
I think.
like any job, if you are one of the best there is you will make millions - doesnt matter if you own a bank or write The Office, you're sorted. Unlike most other jobs......you need to be VERY lucky to earn anything half decent.
So while guys in the bank earn £60k pa and wish they could make the big time, comedy writers flip burgers.
I've been earning a decent living as a comedy writer for the last few years. Unlike other careers it is extremely hard to climb up the ladder and get that elusive 'break' and achieve the holy grail of your own show on TV. It's incredbly frustrating and feels like you're banging your head against the brick wall that is the commissioning process day in, day out. You can be scuppered by any number of things - commissioners moving jobs, people taking ages to make a decision and your idea going out of fashion or someone else doing something similar, People just not 'getting' your idea or personally not liking it even though it might be exactly what they say they are looking for... it's an endless list. My question is, when do you give up?
Quote: nubbit @ April 22 2008, 6:16 PM BSTI've been earning a decent living as a comedy writer for the last few years. Unlike other careers it is extremely hard to climb up the ladder and get that elusive 'break' and achieve the holy grail of your own show on TV. It's incredbly frustrating and feels like you're banging your head against the brick wall that is the commissioning process day in, day out. You can be scuppered by any number of things - commissioners moving jobs, people taking ages to make a decision and your idea going out of fashion or someone else doing something similar, People just not 'getting' your idea or personally not liking it even though it might be exactly what they say they are looking for... it's an endless list. My question is, when do you give up?
Personally I'm giving it another couple of years and if I haven't made some sort of progress then fine.
The. sky. will. not. fall. down. if I don't make it.
I'll piss off and go traveling via TEAFL. 
whats the commission you get when it's green lit!
I thought 30-40k for the idea, and then 5-10k an episode
then royalties and dvd, merchandise etc
Quote: Seefacts @ April 16 2008, 7:26 PM BSTThere's a few threads on here about if you do a search.
Quite right, please al_gernon can you search for similar threads before opening a new one. Thanks.
I don't mind admitting that I want to get rich from writing. Critical acclaim is my first hope, but wealth isn't too far behind it.
Quote: Oliver @ April 22 2008, 6:48 PM BSTwhats the commission you get when it's green lit!
I thought 30-40k for the idea, and then 5-10k an episode
then royalties and dvd, merchandise etc
About 6 grand an episode.
Then repeat fees etc. Which could be the same fee again, then 75% if it goes out again.
Quote: Oliver @ April 22 2008, 6:48 PM BSTwhats the commission you get when it's green lit!
I thought 30-40k for the idea, and then 5-10k an episode
then royalties and dvd, merchandise etc
I wish. Far as I know you get nothing for the idea then 3-5 grand an episode. More if you're an established writer. Plus repeat fees, obviously. DVD sales etc is negotiable - at which point a good agent do their stuff.
It's actually a point that's not often discussed with programme makers - almost to the point of being a taboo subject - but I do think it's important. You are, after all, considering comedy writing as a career, so you need to know what the money's like, just as in any job. Especially if you get a series commission and have to give up your day job, which is entirely possible.
This is why I was talking about America yesterday. They pay writers so much more over there.
Quote: catskillz @ April 22 2008, 11:19 PM BSTThis is why I was talking about America yesterday. They pay writers so much more over there.
More viewers.
& writers who strike!