Currently writing a sitcom/comedy drama
I've some ideas to include which are to be in the background as such, not part of the storyline or anything (but still associated). Just something you may or may not notice in the background. If that makes sense. 
Question: Would you include this kind of thing in your script?
...Or would this fundamentally throw the reader off? 
Thanks.
Edited by Aaron.
I'd include them in the script, but explicitly so the reader knows they're there. If the viewer does/doesn't notice them then no big deal.
So, the answer I'm suggesting is yes, I'd include it.
Dan
There's an accepted rule that says every piece of action or dialogue has to drive the story or B story forward, which isn't strictly true in my opinion. If a gag's in there to simply delineate character or it's just funny then that's fine too, as long as it's not distracting from the main story.
It happens all the time in sitcoms, where a gag's chucked in just because it's funny. Like for instance in The It Crowd episode one where we open on Chris Morris's portrait and then pull back to reveal the real Chris Morris sat in the exact same pose. That gag has nothing at all to do with the plot of the episode. It doesn't drive any story forward. It's just there because it gets a laugh.
It's a different kettle of fish though if you start writing stuff that's bigger than just a throwaway gag, that has it's own story, because that then becomes a B or a C plot, which you must then take to its conclusion or the audience will feel unsatisfied.
I reckon.
Cheers swerytd, thanks for your thoughts mate.
But don't you think it may deter the reader if at some point a random act finds its way in!
Thanks Perry.
Fully understand where you're coming from on that and admit I'd have to agree but what about something that's in the background or if one of the characters acts or does something in a physical way that has no relation to the story but maybe amusing to see.
Edited by Aaron.
Quote: random @ September 23 2008, 7:32 PM BSTcheers swerytd, thx for your thoughts mate.
but don't you think it may deter the reader if at some point a random act finds its way in!
thx Perry,
fully understand where your coming from on that and admit i'd have to agree but what about something thats in the background or if one of the characters acts or does something in a physical way that has no relation to the story but maybe amusing to see.
As I said above, I'd say that's fine.
Random, please use correct capitalisation, spellings, grammar and whatnot in your posts (and thread topics).
See point 9 of the board rules for clarification.
lol,
sorry mate, been drinkin' 
Quote: random @ September 23 2008, 7:32 PM BSTCheers swerytd, thanks for your thoughts mate.
But don't you think it may deter the reader if at some point a random act finds its way in!
If it's funny, they won't mind. Also, I re-iterate if it's *funny*. Otherwise you'll just piss them off with your unrelated nonsense...
Dan
Yeah if I felt it added value I'd include it.
cheers one and all, thx 
I once wrote something that started with someone reading a magazine, and I wrote all the (funny) headlines for the magazine in the stage directions - only to be ticked off by a producer for not getting into the action quick enough.
If I did something like that again I'd probably add it as an extra page at the back of the script with a footnote prompt.
Is that the sort of thing you meant? That joke from the IT crowd, apart from being nicked off Airplane, is valid cause it tells you very early on in the script to 'expect anything', ie it's going to be a bit surreal.
Quote: willie garvin @ September 25 2008, 12:15 PM BSTI'd probably add it as an extra page at the back of the script with a footnote prompt.
food for thought, thx