writing a sitcom

Just wondered if anyone had any ideas about where to send a script.

I saw a Charlie Brooker programme where it was suggested sending stuff to

a producer rather than the BBC or channel4..Any info would be gratefully

accepted...

Thanks.
 
Just wondered if anyone had any ideas about where to send a script.

I saw a Charlie Brooker programme where it was suggested sending stuff to

a producer rather than the BBC or channel4..Any info would be gratefully

accepted...

Thanks.

I don't know what country you are from but from the Brooker reference I'd guess UK. If you mean a new idea rather than wishing to write for an already established programme the BBC has a separate department.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/writing/aboutus.shtml

There are also the various production companies, Baby Cow, Hattrick etc.

http://www.babycow.co.uk/

http://www.hattrick.co.uk/

There is also a wealth of info at this site:

http://www.4rfv.co.uk/

And this is their list of Film and TV Production compnaies based in the UK:

http://www.4rfv.co.uk/brieflisting.asp?scategory=216

It's an incredibly tough field to get into and many places will want you to send in a synopsis or basic theme or pitch before they will agree to accept a full script so it would also be best to familiarise yourself with some of the jargon so you know exactly what is wanted from you. See here for an example:

http://www.scriptologist.com/Forum/Ask/treatment_and_synopsis.html

Persistence (and some talent obviously) is the key, so be prepared to rewrite things dozens of times and send in countless scripts with no response. Not wishing to put you off of course but its important to be realistic.
 
Thank's a lot Down in Albion and yes I know it's gonna be tough.

You're welcome.

Some also find it worthwhile to get books, which explain the conventions and structure that you should aim for. If you are an inexperienced writer it may well be worth picking one up:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Play-Scriptwriting-Books/s?ie=UTF8&rh=n%3A277142&page=1

Not ever having ventured into the sitcom field I can't give you a specific recommendation but there are plenty to choose from.

I can't think of anything else off the top of my head, but I'm always happy to answer questions. :)
 
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I'm very grateful. I will send Babycow a script just for the hell of it..
 
It might be worth your while getting involved in some sort of behind the scenes thing like producing or directing first, so you can meet a few people who are in the know about these things. And copyright your script(s).

Your point about networking is a very good one, especially in the relatively nepotistic world of the media but, and without wishing to be rude, the chance of someone with no experience becoming either a director or a producer is near zero.

Both those positions require specific technical knowledge, which will generally only be recognised if you have either a degree at a film school or a decent showreel of self-directed/produced films.

There are plenty of jobs for runners though if being a dogsbody is your cup of tea :D

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/links/runner/
 
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I'll hope to see Johnny Vegas at a Saints game, that's about the only networking I could possibly think of.
 
It might be worth your while getting involved in some sort of behind the scenes thing like producing or directing first, so you can meet a few people who are in the know about these things. And copyright your script(s).

How do you go about copyrighting scripts?

Good luck on writing that sitcom! I'd like to try sometime, but I don't have good long-term stories or anything. Though I guarantee that I could write way better than most television that's on over here in the us.
 
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