How much does a script change...

How much does a script change do you think from its original state when first sent out to the end result, as in what you see/hear on TV.

Just curious, ‘cos surely all of what we actually see on TV in an episode wasn't in the original script, or was it?

I can just imagine so many changes and idea's being re-worked through out the whole process from original to end result, even down to the cast adding *something* that was maybe not there on the script.

I trust it's not possible to lay our hands on an original script to compare with what we actually see as a finished episode on TV, obviously not talking about scripts that we can buy/download.

Shame.

I believe the forthcoming Peep Show script book will show some scripts as they progress through various stages of development, which I'm really looking forward to.

Quote: random @ October 8 2008, 12:22 PM BST

How much does a script change do you think from its original state when first sent out to the end result, as in what you see/hear on TV.

Just curious, ‘cos surely all of what we actually see on TV in an episode wasn't in the original script, or was it?

I can just imagine so many changes and idea's being re-worked through out the whole process from original to end result, even down to the cast adding *something* that was maybe not there on the script.

I trust it's not possible to lay our hands on an original script to compare with what we actually see as a finished episode on TV, obviously not talking about scripts that we can buy/download.

Shame.

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Both my scripts have changed beyond belief, and that's just between me and producers giving me tips before it even goes to a network.

So I would say that what you see on screen is a million miles away from the original. Producers like creative input to make a project feel like it's 'their' project. And so does the cleaner and the tea-lady.

Quote: Griff @ October 8 2008, 12:23 PM BST

I believe the forthcoming Peep Show script book will show some scripts as they progress through various stages of development, which I'm really looking forward to.

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When's that out?

I love script books.

Soon. This month or next, I think.

Quote: Griff @ October 8 2008, 12:27 PM BST

Soon. This month or next, I think.

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Ideal Christmas gift receiving material then.

The Father Ted script book's great because it contains the penultimate drafts of the episodes.

Interesting, so when writing and thinking to ourselves I would love my work to be on par with such n' such, we don't really need to compare that far in many ways.

Obviously we do in a way, but well, you know what I mean.

Be looking out for that book, nice one.

It's a shame we can't get hold of copies of originals to compare tho'.

Quote: Graham Bandage @ October 8 2008, 12:29 PM BST

The Father Ted script book's great because it contains the penultimate drafts of the episodes.

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Didn't know that, thx, may 'av a gander!

Quote: random @ October 8 2008, 12:34 PM BST

Interesting, so when writing and thinking to ourselves I would love my work to be on par with such n' such, we don't really need to compare that far in many ways.

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Well yeah you DO otherwise it won't get noticed. Just don't be precious about because a lot of people are going to want to have a say.

How much do they change:

LOTS!

Here's the relevant paragraph that I wrote in a message here earlier this year. https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/5583 "Script Formats and the Production Process".

"There is a clear distinction between submission scripts (that provided by the writer) and a production script (that produced by the production team and actually used during the filming/recording). Production teams will transform or retype a submission script into their particular production format when production starts and it will no doubt have many revisions and changes made during the production phase."

So apart form the format changes needed to make the shooting script, these are some of the factors that will alter it:
(i) other members of the team suggest improvements, particularly Script Editors and technical producers.
(ii) Locations or props suggested by the writer may be impossible or too expensive
(iii) Actors might make suggestions during reheasals
(iv) Music copyright or any written material appearing may be too expensive to licence
(v) the producer might want a re-write to reduce the number of sets or locations.

Quote: Graham Bandage @ October 8 2008, 12:29 PM BST

The Father Ted script book's great because it contains the penultimate drafts of the episodes.

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New and used on Amazon £3.95

This review on there strengthens my thinking.

''These scripts are very funny, whilst the inclusion of draft scripts rather than the broadcast version does provide an insight into the developments of the script into the show...

The show is amazingly funny but the scripts don't have the same magic. The character of Mrs Doyle, so brilliant in the show, is not particularly funny in the scripts. The complete scripts just demonstrate the genius of the actors involved in the show. Worth buying-buy the videos first though-but a better effort could have been achieved.''

With reference to:

''The show is amazingly funny but the scripts don't have the same magic. The character of Mrs Doyle, so brilliant in the show, is not particularly funny in the scripts. The complete scripts just demonstrate the genius of the actors involved in the show.''

In the writing process, how do we get all of what we potentially see in our minds eye on paper? Not everything can be on paper.

Quote: random @ October 8 2008, 12:43 PM BST

New and used on Amazon £3.95

This review on there strengthens my thinking.

''These scripts are very funny, whilst the inclusion of draft scripts rather than the broadcast version does provide an insight into the developments of the script into the show...

The show is amazingly funny but the scripts don't have the same magic. The character of Mrs Doyle, so brilliant in the show, is not particularly funny in the scripts. The complete scripts just demonstrate the genius of the actors involved in the show. Worth buying-buy the videos first though-but a better effort could have been achieved.''

With reference to:

''The show is amazingly funny but the scripts don't have the same magic. The character of Mrs Doyle, so brilliant in the show, is not particularly funny in the scripts. The complete scripts just demonstrate the genius of the actors involved in the show.''

In the writing process, how do we get all of what we potentially see in our minds eye on paper? Not everything can be on paper.

View original

The Ted scripts ARE funny on paper though really.

Just write funny jokes and describe visual stuff in a punchy way.

Quote: billwill @ October 8 2008, 12:36 PM BST

How much do they change:

LOTS!

Here's the relevant paragraph that I wrote in a message here earlier this year. https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/5583 "Script Formats and the Production Process".

"There is a clear distinction between submission scripts (that provided by the writer) and a production script (that produced by the production team and actually used during the filming/recording). Production teams will transform or retype a submission script into their particular production format when production starts and it will no doubt have many revisions and changes made during the production phase."

So apart form the format changes needed to make the shooting script, these are some of the factors that will alter it:
(i) other members of the team suggest improvements, particularly Script Editors and technical producers.
(ii) Locations or props suggested by the writer may be impossible or too expensive
(iii) Actors might make suggestions during reheasals
(iv) Music copyright or any written material appearing may be too expensive to licence
(v) the producer might want a re-write to reduce the number of sets or locations.

View original

Nice one, the link proved a good read, for this I thank.

Seefacts, are they funny on paper (or should i say more funny) because we know the characters, we can visualise them).

If, let's say you got hold of a copy prior to broadcast not knowing anything what so ever about it, would you still find it so funny?

I thought this article was quite enlightening, though not about sitcoms:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2008/sep/26/comedy

It describes the politics on film sets and the many factors on which the outcome of a film production depends. (It's also blatant promotion for How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, but still a good read.)

Quote: random @ October 8 2008, 12:52 PM BST

Nice one, the link proved a good read, for this I thank.

Seefacts, are they funny on paper (or should i say more funny) because we know the characters, we can visualise them).

If, let's say you got hold of a copy prior to broadcast not knowing anything what so ever about it, would you still find it so funny?

View original

A few random lines from the book - I have it to hand.

"I hear you're a racist now father?"
"What?!"
"how did you get interested in that sort of thing?"

That's funny on paper whether you know the show or not.

"Do you think the babies are copying his style?!"

Great lines on paper.

Quote: Finck @ October 8 2008, 12:53 PM BST

I thought this article was quite enlightening, though not about sitcoms:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2008/sep/26/comedy

It describes the politics on film sets and the many factors on which the outcome of a film production depends. (It's also blatant promotion for How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, but still a good read.)

View original

As you said, not about sitcoms Finck.

However, still a good read, thx.