I'm about to film aprox 10 pages of a script from my sitcom wot I wrote (as requested by Baby Cow Productions), but I'm not sure whether to film what I consider the best scenes or the first 10 pages.
I ask this because if I film the best scenes they may not get the character set ups which is established in the first few pages. (If that makes any sense.) And therein lies my problem.
What you do think?
Please to be answering my query thanks. 
Actually this should be in Writer's Discussion'
Film the strongest 10 consecutive pages. If it doesn't encompass the character setups at the beginning and you think they do need them, then produce a short paragraph summarising. The script equivalent of a CV covering letter, if you will.
Shouldn't the first ten pages introduce, draw you in and have lots of laughs in them (including one very funny belly-laugh)?
If you don't have that in your first ten pages, maybe you need a rewrite.
I don't mean this in a bad way, your post just seems to suggest that you've ignored plot and funny for sake of character introductions and you know it!
Dan
Quote: swerytd @ August 4 2008, 2:38 PM BSTShouldn't the first ten pages introduce, draw you in and have lots of laughs in them (including one very funny belly-laugh)?
If you don't have that in your first ten pages, maybe you need a rewrite.
I don't mean this in a bad way, your post just seems to suggest that you've ignored plot and funny for sake of character introductions and you know it!
Dan
What he said.
Quote: swerytd @ August 4 2008, 2:38 PM BSTShouldn't the first ten pages introduce, draw you in and have lots of laughs in them (including one very funny belly-laugh)?
If you don't have that in your first ten pages, maybe you need a rewrite.
I don't mean this in a bad way, your post just seems to suggest that you've ignored plot and funny for sake of character introductions and you know it!
Dan
Nope the plot's there but the funniest (back to back)scenes are further along and at the end. The beginnng is sort of 'meh' but I don't really want to tinker about with the first pages just for the sake of cramming in laughs. It comes into it's own on the third page.
Just so you know there are not many 'belly laughs' in this script just 'wierd' and 'wrong'. I'm sorry but although prodcos dump scripts that don't grab their attention in the first few pages, I'd rather start off slow and rev it up further on.
'Scuse the shite puns.
Quote: Aaron @ August 4 2008, 2:31 PM BSTFilm the strongest 10 consecutive pages. If it doesn't encompass the character setups at the beginning and you think they do need them, then produce a short paragraph summarising. The script equivalent of a CV covering letter, if you will.
I'm drawn to this piece of advice so thanks, Aaron.
Then I'd do the funniest 10 minutes in that case!
Dan
Thanks, swertd and I do hear you re being funny in the first 10 pages but I still think pace is everything.
I love the way people always ask a question, wait for the answer that they were going to do anyway (but wanting approval for) and then ignore the others. Just do what you want to do in the first place, don't ask and then go, well that's really not the answer I was looking for because...
Soz, I'm in a bitchy mood today.
If Baby Cow have requested you film it, why don't you ask them which they would prefer?
Quote: Simon Stratton @ August 4 2008, 4:21 PM BSTI love the way people always ask a question, wait for the answer that they were going to do anyway (but wanting approval for) and then ignore the others. Just do what you want to do in the first place, don't ask and then go, well that's really not the answer I was looking for because...
Soz, I'm in a bitchy mood today.
That's me well and truly bitch-slapped then! Mwah though. 
Quote: Marc P @ August 4 2008, 4:23 PM BSTIf Baby Cow have requested you film it, why don't you ask them which they would prefer?
Is such a request normal?
Quote: Marc P @ August 4 2008, 4:23 PM BSTIf Baby Cow have requested you film it, why don't you ask them which they would prefer?
I suppose so, Marc but I haven't actually spoken to them I'm just going by what they've put on their submissions section-ten pages or a DVD.
Also there are far more experienced people on this forum so I only ever ask for other peoples opinions when I genuinely need it. Other wise I wouldn't ask.
Sorry I can't copy and paste the extract because it's a flash thingy but here's the link...
I just had a look at their site. Thanks for that. One thing.. they say under scripts is to send ten pages in then they add, PLUS if you have ideas on DVD send that in also. So I would suggest you film the bits you wanted to, then punch up the first ten pages to be as good as it can be and send in both.
Yeah you're right I'm going to have to crank up the first few pages as well as send in the best scenes.
Ta.
If you're feeling brave, it's worth posting in the critique forum or sending it off to a script reader, whose feedback may help.