A question about ****ing swearing Page 4

Quote: James Harris @ July 7 2008, 5:48 PM BST

I've written a sitcom pilot (https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/7913) in which the main character swears a great deal, and it's because that's how he speaks in my head. The rhythm just seems off without the effing. But swearing isn't really a good thing to have in your spec scripts, so now I'm wondering what to do about it.

It's a single-camera thing (yeah, great time to be pimping one of those...) but the tone is quite silly, so I'm wondering if I could replace each "f**k" with "jeff" - it'd be like a play on "effing and jeffing", and maybe I could have an in-story explanation for the constant taking of Jeff's name in vain, like he's an old archenemy or something.

Good idea, or sheer jeffing lunacy?

View original

I rather like this idea. My dad has a mate called Frankie Webb who curses to much his name is used as a swear.

ie...

INT. YOUR MUM -DAY

MAN STUBS TOE.

MAN:
Frankie webb!

Quote: David Bussell @ July 7 2008, 6:39 PM BST

My dad has a mate called Frankie Webb who curses to much.

View original

Please tell me he's a cockney. It sounds like one of the best cockney names ever.

Quote: Winterlight @ July 7 2008, 6:41 PM BST

Please tell me he's a cockney. It sounds like one of the best cockney names ever.

View original

You Frankie Webbing know he's a cockney.

I bet he was more fun than a right royal barrel of monkeys.

Quote: James Harris @ July 7 2008, 5:48 PM BST

Good idea, or sheer jeffing lunacy?

View original

I think it's jeffing great. Genuinely.

Quote: David Bussell @ July 7 2008, 6:39 PM BST

I rather like this idea. My dad has a mate called Frankie Webb who curses to much his named is used as a swear.

ie...

INT. YOUR MUM -DAY

MAN STUBS TOE.

MAN:
Frankie webb!

View original

Charley Rance!!!

You all make some excellent points, which on balance I am going to ignore.

The jokes and gags in the piece don't rely on swearing but the overall atmosphere does. I this case, where the setting is as much as anything else a satire of the mundane and self defeating lives of the protagonists, atmosphere is very important.

If a production company reads the script and chucks it out the first time they stumble over a F**k, they probably weren't going to like the script anyway, as it has some very dark themes. This is never going to be sunday night 8 P.M. BBC1 viewing anyway - more like a 10.30 BBC3 (or if I'm very lucky BBC2) outing.

I'm going to focus on sending in the best possible version of my script- the compromises can come later, when I'm actually asked to make them.

Feel free to all tell me you think I'm a massive idiot:

Like I (eventually) said, write what you feel is right and don't give a f**k!

It's about writing from the heart. If it's good enough, they'll come for you!

Maybe the guys who wrote 'Porridge' did put lot's of fecks in and the producers 'search and replaced' with naffs !!!

Quote: Jonathan21 @ July 8 2008, 4:17 AM BST

You all make some excellent points, which on balance I am going to ignore.

The jokes and gags in the piece don't rely on swearing but the overall atmosphere does. I this case, where the setting is as much as anything else a satire of the mundane and self defeating lives of the protagonists, atmosphere is very important.

If a production company reads the script and chucks it out the first time they stumble over a F**k, they probably weren't going to like the script anyway, as it has some very dark themes. This is never going to be sunday night 8 P.M. BBC1 viewing anyway - more like a 10.30 BBC3 (or if I'm very lucky BBC2) outing.

I'm going to focus on sending in the best possible version of my script- the compromises can come later, when I'm actually asked to make them.

Feel free to all tell me you think I'm a massive idiot:

View original

Good for you Jonathan, you go with your f**king instincts you c**ting cockflap. Seriously though - if you think it enhances your script, go for it

To be honest it's a bit like asking on a cookery forum have I put too much pepper in my soup. Kind of hard to tell without tasting it.

The customers will let you know I guess.

Well, I find it hard to imagine a situation where constant swearing is really needed. But it's your work, do what you want. Just be very sure the swearing is absolutely necessary and not just there because the type of people you're writing about would tend to use 'f**k' as punctuation in real life. 'Cos a sitcom isn't real life.

Having the f**king f**knuts to say you have enough confidence in your work that it should stand or fall as it is: good on you. Best of luck.