James Cary
- 49 years old
- English
- Writer and script editor
Press clippings Page 20
Comedy writing: Change the line
It's traditional for writers to think little of actors. It certainly can be frustrating to watch some actors 'not get' your masterpiece, butcher the lines and miss the jokes. This, of course, makes the assumption that your script if perfect, which it isn't.
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 29th March 2012Comedy writing myths - #2 The big idea
Let's take a moment to dispel another myth about breaking into writing. The myth in question that it's all about the new, clever, original idea for a show - an idea that's never been done before and is so self-evidently brilliant that the originator of this idea will be showered with script-commissions.
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 26th March 2012Myths - #1 The Oxbridge conspiracy
One can look at Monty Python, The Goodies, The Mary Whitehouse Experience and a long list of Oxbridge alumni and assume that your career is decided the day you're rejected from Oxbridge.
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 19th March 2012Comedy Writing: What I learnt in casting
I have recently spend many days in casting for a show. This is a fairly new experience for me. Here are some comments about what the writer can gain from casting - and some things to look out for...
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 13th February 2012New comedy play: The God Particle
It's no coincidence that many great British sitcom actors of our age tend to be theatrical stars rather than movie stars.
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 26th January 2012Sitcom Geek blog: Titles for shows
Here's my experience of show titles. A title for the show turns up at the very beginning, or you're really going to struggle to think of one you like.
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 19th January 2012A look at The Royal Bodyguard
I'd tried to avoid too much press before seeing The Royal Bodyguard myself, but saw that some people were saying slightly curious things about it, comparing it to Jonny English, as if that were a bad thing.
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 1st January 2012Sitcom Writing: Central character needs work
I've been working one particular sitcom idea for a few of years. It's a silly, jokey, studio-based show, rather than a searingly satirical non-audience piece. More Black Books than The Thick of It. The show has slowly moved around from one thing into another, losing one of the main characters and shifting focus, even though the tone has remained the same.
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 22nd December 2011Bleak Old Shop of Stuff - looking at the reviews
This show was always going to divide the viewers - into the group of those who like jokes and those who find jokes rather insulting to the intelligence. I am obviously in the former group. And tend to find critics in the latter.
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 20th December 2011Comedy Writing: Send in reinforcements
Let us remember that confusion is the enemy of comedy. An audience that is baffled won't laugh. You can baffle an audience if you like - that's called a mystery or a thriller - but it won't be all that funny.
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 10th December 2011