Can you have a scene that reveals character but doesn't advance the plot? Or would it have to have a payoff later? I'm not talking about many scenes, just the occasional one or two.
Sitcom Scenes
It's not ideal I would say.
I'd avoid it. Every scene should drive the plot a little further.
Character should come out in the plot. If you have a scene where you're trying to reveal solely the character, you should be looking whereabouts that particular characterisation could come out within the plot.
Dan
A whole scene is probably wasteful. The trick is to reveal character AND advance the plot, then you're cooking on gas.
Of course, it's easier said than done.
i have almost finished a script that i wrote by writing a story then placing my characters into it....as such i have a much better plot and no "useless" scenes.
previously i had let it grow as i went and found i had to keep trying to shoe horn the plot development into the wacky "learn about the character" dialogue.
I hae loads of scenes that aren't really to do with the plot or anything rally. Just "funny". (a lot are flashbacks and montages)
Quote: Mana @ June 26 2008, 8:12 PM BSTI hae loads of scenes that aren't really to do with the plot or anything rally. Just "funny". (a lot are flashbacks and montages)
Is that at the expense of the plot?
in under 30 mins how do you have time to go off plot???
Without them, it would be quite boring...
if without ketchup your evening meal would be boring - thats a sign your meal sucks before its a sign that ketchup is a great addition!
Quote: Mana @ June 26 2008, 8:12 PM BSTI hae loads of scenes that aren't really to do with the plot or anything rally. Just "funny". (a lot are flashbacks and montages)
Sounds like "Not going out".
Producers aren't overly keen on aimless sitcoms.
Quote: Seefacts @ June 26 2008, 11:32 PM BSTProducers aren't overly keen on aimless sitcoms.
Unless they've got famous people in them.
Quote: David Chapman @ June 26 2008, 11:55 PM BSTUnless they've got famous people in them.
Correct!