ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

10 years, 6 months ago - Michael Brandon

IdeasTap is offering 25 members (if based in London and SE) a 90-minute master class, with producers talking about their career journeys. Applications close 2nd March. Might be worth a shot?

10 years, 5 months ago - Colin Watson

Hi, I worked in partnership writing radio and tv sketches for a number of BBC shows, mostly commisioned at BBC Scotland but some network broadcasts such as Spitting Image, Alastair McGowan's Big Impression etc. Always interested in new projects and providing help.
Edinburgh Festival ideal platform ti work towards. Feel free to get in touch. Colin

10 years, 5 months ago - Bob Eckhard

Hi Hollie
Coming to this thread a bit late but LOCO and London Comedy Writers might be useful contacts - in regard to production maybe you could consider helping people to get a short film off the ground or help put on a run of a stage play? Most screen and stage writers - if they're anything like me - have an unused piece rattling around in the bottom of their drawer.

10 years, 6 months ago - Barry Staff

Astute responses as usual from Paddy and Wozy.

If you haven'y gone this route already, London Comedy Writers next meet on the 10th (which is probably today if this goes in next issue). There was, when I used to go, 30-40 suchlike assembling for script reads/networking - many of them starting out in the genre.

But you might find you gel with one or two, and could then 'dip toes in the water' together.

10 years, 5 months ago - Ben Blaine

Go to gigs. There's some sort of comedy show every night of the week. If you hit a live show a night then after six months you'll have seen most of the most interesting new talent and probably got drunk with them too.

Put yourself in the way of trouble for long enough and trouble will find you. The same goes for a career.

10 years, 5 months ago - Hollie Cooper

Thanks again for the advice guys! It's all great! I'm keeping note of comedy writers on here too, hopefully we can come together at some point! Hx

10 years, 6 months ago - Timothy Coakley

I have written some comedies and could be interested.
You can contact me on tjcoakley@hotmail.com
Tim

10 years, 6 months ago - Nat Nollid

I have just rejoined SP after 3 years so looking to get back into things. I write comedy sketches but looking to develop further. Maybe you can let me know what you have in mind-we can chat further

10 years, 6 months ago - Michael Brandon

Hi Hollie,
You could also try the British Comedy Forum for collaborators, although most will want more information about where you are at professionally; what you bring to the table etc. Good luck

10 years, 6 months ago - Hollie Cooper

Thank you I will. Best Hx

10 years, 6 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

What kind of comedy so you like? It's such a broad canvas and covers everything from Adam Sandler's laughter-free 'Jack and Jill' (a blatant swizz at $79M) to McKenzie Crook's gentle character study 'Detectorists' (£notalot). Or 'Green Wing', in all its surreality. Or 'The Now Show' with its asubtle delivery. Or 'The Office' making you cringe with embarrassment. All successful comedy, but not a lot in common when you think about it.

10 years, 6 months ago - Hollie Cooper

Hello everybody, Thank you for your time, I really appreciate the response to my message, it's brought up some really valuable questions which I hadn't even asked myself. I've also realised I haven't made it clear in my message that I'm still at runner stage in my career but looking at how I can work my way up to a development/production Producer. I already make comedy radio shows which I would like to continue doing but I'd also like to expand into collaborating on live shows for something like the Edinburgh Fringe and also getting experience into developing ideas for the camera.

I love quite a broad range of comedy but I have to say I'm far more interested in British comedy although I respect the American market is something to bare in mind. The shows that inspire me are Peep Show, The Office, Faulty Towers, Young Ones, Alan Partridge, Ab Fab, League of Gentlemen, Mighty Boosh, Flight of the Concords, Crims, Green Wing, Spaced, Father Ted, Blackadder, The Thick of It, Modern Family, Phoenix Nights, Uncle, Royale Family, etc I'm not keen on shows filmed in front of a studio audience I would avoid wanting to make anything like Miranda or Mrs Brown's Boys.

So a follow up question I have now, which I probably should have lead with (but I have spent a few weeks working with development producers at NBC Universal owned company Lucky Giant and got all excited about contacting writers from it), is any advise from anyone about the route I would go from runner to comedy producer?
Best Hx

10 years, 6 months ago - Lee 'Wozy' Warren

I'd also think about what skills or knowledge or experience you bring to the table. It's a question that any writer with a modicum of salt will ask you. Do you have access to development funds, knowledge etc. Or can you bring production finance to a project? Or do you have skills with developing a script in some way? Also, what do you see yourself doing as a producer? Development? production? Finance? Some do all, but its rare... Maybe you don't have any of the above, but want to develop a skill or all those skills over time...

Only you can answer this. But maybe have a think before approaching writers.

Also answer the question for yourself, "Why me?" What's my unique take on comedy that will be different to others.

Anyway, my 2c worth. Hope it helps.

Best

Lee

10 years, 5 months ago - Lily Smith

Hi Hollie, I'd definitely recommend the LOCO film festival - they also have regular events throughout the year which comedy writers/directors attend. I'm currently on a comedy writing course at the NFTS which is so much fun - please feel free to take a look at my short films and get in touch if you see anything that you like! www.vimeo.com/imlilysmith

Good luck!

10 years, 6 months ago - Spike Jefferson

Hello Hollie,
I'm Spike Jefferson, and my email is spikej@tesco.net and my mobile is 07900 358 940
I've written several sketches, and could email them to you if you'd like and/or we could chat on the phone.
Regards,
Spike.