British Comedy Guide
British Comedy Guide

Features Page 39

Alma's Not Normal. Image shows from L to R: Lin (Siobhan Finneran), Alma Nuthall (Sophie Willan), Joan (Lorraine Ashbourne), Jim (Nicholas Asbury) Writing

Video: How to structure your 30 minute TV comedy script

  • Sunday 17th September 2023

If you're writing 30 minute sitcom or comedy drama scripts, you'll want to get the structure right. Here's an hour-long video in which Chris Head uses clips and script excerpts to look at the three act structure often seen in TV comedy.

Illustration of a woman holding a megaphone

Should you hire a publicist?

  • Friday 15th September 2023

In this piece, we talk through the importance of publicity. Should you hire a PR?

Ghosts. Robin (Laurence Rickard) Production

Directing comedy: reaction shots

  • Thursday 14th September 2023

When shooting comedy, reaction shots are key to a satisfying and funny finished product. We discuss them here.

Generic picture of a laptop Writing

3 ways to make your first page pop

  • Wednesday 13th September 2023

Getting the first page of your script right is crucial. Here are some tips.

A studio audience Production

Sprinkling sugar: "sweetening" laughter tracks

  • Tuesday 12th September 2023

In this piece, we discuss the process of "sweetening" the laughter on sitcoms and live comedy videos.

Red correction pencil Writing

Producer says no: dealing with rejection

  • Monday 11th September 2023

In this piece, we discuss rejection and how to respond to it.

Jack Carrivick Production

Jack Carrivick talks about the art of comedy directing

  • Friday 8th September 2023

As a couple of his projects arrive on screens, we thought it a good time to talk to director Jack Carrivick.

The Secret Reviewer

The Secret Reviewer #54: The Big Stage

  • Friday 1st September 2023

Every month our clandestine critic reveals the murky truths behind that infamous trade, and live comedy generally. This month: Should we be sniffy about arena comedy?

Funny From The Fringe. Copyright: BBC Performance

3 ways to start your stand-up set

  • Thursday 31st August 2023

How you choose to start your stand-up set will create the tone of your performance. But what is the best approach? We discuss the options.

Monty Python group. Image shows left to right: Graham Chapman, Terry Gilliam, Peter Dion Titheradge, Terry Jones, Carol Cleveland, Eric Idle Writing

Three's A Crowd: writing in a group

  • Thursday 24th August 2023

We've spoken in depth about writing as part of a duo, but what if your creative collaboration is in a larger pool?