surely there are LOADS more shows where the writers just write than write/perform????
i'd have thought (based on nothing) that going along with a script and saying "oh, i'm the lead by the way" is not going to do you any favours (despite it working for Stallone!)
Well no but Edinburgh, Youtube, sketch evenings, Comedybox, small film festivals etc.
All of these will have people from prodcos checking out the product from time to time.
Some one actualy has to read a script, and guess how it's supposed to be interpreted.
And if you're a performer they get the whole package preformed, and ready to go.
I used to teach sales people and that line came up a lot - those who cant do, teach. So if anyone said it to me I'd report them to their bosses and get them fired.
The one thing I've picked up from comedy performers is how to sell your idea, most writers are very humble and self-effacing (which is why they're much more fun to hang out with) but writer-performers are natural show offs so they'll shout their idea the loudest. Your idea might be just as good but prefixing it with "oh, this is probably a rubbish idea, I don't even know why I'm saying this but how about..." (which to me just seems the polite, normal thing to do) cuts little ice in a room full of people. I have no desire to perform anything I've written but I've got better at acting things out, putting on a funny voice or whatever, and it does help get your point across. There seems to be a lot of competition between writers and writer-performers so it's worth nicking a few tricks from them. The bastards.
I reckon if you filmed a GOOD, sitcom pilot in 5 minute slots, promoted it WELL. And stuck it on Youtube, then contacted the right people having done the right research, you could probably fastforward it into production fast.
You'd have to do it well though.
Quote: oldcowgrazing @ May 18 2008, 5:10 PM BST...in order to get noticed as a comedy writer you must also be a comedy performer?
I have a personal code of conduct and only perform in private if the price is right.
As I see it, being a writer is less likely to have an impact on my couch potatoe life style. I won't need to diet or have surgery to maintain a physical presence if no one can see me.