Quote: sootyj @ September 14 2008, 2:00 AM BSTYou've written better.
Ah yes but not so many times as you've written 'You've written better.'
Comedy Script Page 3
That would be an impressive acheivment in anyone's books.
Quote: sootyj @ September 14 2008, 2:04 AM BSTThat would be an impressive acheivment in anyone's books.
Of course the thing about that remark, is it means that I personally reckon you've written some decent stuff.
I still maintain your freeform comedy writing is excellent.
Quote: Lee Morris @ September 14 2008, 1:50 AM BSTOn the topic of money how much do writers get paid for writing sitcoms , sketches etc
Lee
It depends on what channel, what deal is bashed out etc. For instance BBC3 is a different rate to BBC1/2.
But roughly for a 6 episode sitcom on BBC3 as a new writer, you might get 25-3o grand, with repeat fees.
Whereas on terrestrial you get your upfront script fee then 100% of that fee again upon filming. So a BBC1 / 2 sitcom is potentially worth about 60 grand to you. Channel 4 and other channels have slightly different rules again. But all the above is a very loose estimation and can vary vastly. I suppose the way to look at it is, for the very lucky few, you can make a shitload of money writing tv comedy. But most comedy writers are skint.
Money is often not talked about until the last minute which I find f**king ridiculous. It's the question on most peoples' minds after all.
[quote name="Perry Nium" post="262627" date="September 14 2008, 2:14 AM BST"]
Quote: sootyj @ September 14 2008, 2:10 AM BSTOf course the thing about that remark, is it means that I personally reckon you've written some decent stuff.
I still maintain your freeform comedy writing is excellent.
Thanks Sooty - I usually post that sort (and as you said before 'Dada-ist') of stuff as a reaction to various posts!
Quote: bushbaby @ September 14 2008, 1:49 AM BSTI'm still convinced it's not what you know it's who you know. The business is rife with the old pals act and 'A' list people that can get your script noticed. The 'A' list keep their friends in work.
How many times has David Jason been in dramas for instance?
He's not the best, it's just lazy casting. Another is Martin Clunes [I hate the bugger] and so it is the same with writing...unfortunately. Yes, occasionally a new writer breaks in.
How many new writers have you seen get their work on in the past years? Dramas/comedies/sketches...go on list them
The BBC has a writing academy with 12 or 15 new writers a year getting commsions to work on four of their continuing dramas. So there's them at least. Then there all those sitcom pilots and the comedy labs. And Seefacts.
As far as I know there isn't a conspiracy to keep excellent writing out but compettion for those who are 'good' is fierce, so like in any other business or human activity other forces come into play. It is fair to say the TY nowadays is less of a meritocracy than it has ever been.