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This is my first time. Bacon and Herring
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Wildjesusfishkid said:
The scene: An inner city street after rain. You know, black shiny sellophane pavements and echoing footsteps.
An archetypal drug dealer type guy is hanging around by the boarding that is hiding some building work going on across the road from a dirty looking pub. A hippy approaches the guy after exiting the pub. Both of them are looking around them cautiously. Something is about to go down.
HIPPY: Have you got anything I can smoke?
DRUG DEALER: Yeah
Drug Dealer hands Hippy a side of bacon and some herring.
DRUG DEALER: That's twenty five quid mate.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Blenkinsop said:
10 out of 10
Really liked it simple and LOL
B
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, steve said:
Nice.Simple.Funny.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
Lol yeah good. Nice and simple
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Baumski said:
Short, sweet and very funny. 
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Skip said:
Perfect for a sketch show and a lot funnier than most of the stuff getting screened on Ch4 at the moment!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Baumski said:
Just a thought. How about pooling our creativity and submitting a plethora of short sketches of no more than several lines to a new thread, elect a script editor, and use as many of the BSG connections to get a decent pitch together. As I say, just a thought.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
Good idea, I had thought of that a bit ago but more on the sitcom lines, that would never work of course with all of us but with a sketch show we could have some real clout if we all work to get it noticed.
And I don't think we need to limit it to several lines either, just try and do some sketches.
We will need to plan it properly though. We would need a operations manager of sorts to keep logistics etc in mind.
Maybe we could have a number of submission dates and say at the end of each fortnight there is a massive poll to decide the top 3 sketches which go in, then we do the same again for another batch. Just ideas.
Can we get a sticky thread for this?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Skip said:
well you could actually film the sketch and try and enter the paramount comedy thing mentioned on another thread.
http://www.paramountcomedy.com/shortcuts/upload.aspx
btw the sketch writing thing sounds good too!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Sounds interesting. I would be interested. hmm . . . interesting.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Baumski said:
Working on the assumption that TV is still a closed shop to the kind of 'Bacon and Herring' sketch, has anyone got anything against launching a BSG sponsored sketch show website if there is no other alternative, if that's OK with Aaron and Mark of course.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Gavin said:
As long as my "Jesus in Paradise" sketch is allowed its a big Here here from me 
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
Yeah something I'd be deffo interested in, lol I'm already planning stuff in my head. Skip, filming to me would always be risky because it's hard to get past that amature look. If we actually have a team of writers I think we stand a better chance with production companies a)because two heads are better than one but also because if we can make ourselves sound like an organised company of writers we may be taken more seriously than an aspiring individual.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Quote: Tom Pk @ January 29, 2007, 7:45 PMYeah something I'd be deffo interested in, lol I'm already planning stuff in my head. Skip, filming to me would always be risky because it's hard to get past that amature look.
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Saw an interview on another site with someone from BABY COW productions where he said it could be an advantage to film bits of a script to send along with the material as it can help get across what your trying to do and help a script to stand out. And of course it would appear some what amateurish, no matter how much time you spend on it, but they know your not industry professionals and would be able to look past that.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
Well yeah ok, if it's to send to a production company as a sample of what we are trying to get across I can see the utility in that.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, ajp29 said:
Like the Vichy French i'm always willing to collaborate.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Fred Peters said:
Nice sketch! Great ideas. As user generated websites like this one are effectively acting as a form of radio or television, how about giving this new spin off site a name (the kind of name given to sketch shows) and let interested /worthy writers use it as many have used Radio 4?
I'd be very interested!
Very exciting. Now, what next. Any volunteers?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Baumski said:
Quote: Tom Pk @ January 29, 2007, 7:30 PMMaybe we could have a number of submission dates and say at the end of each fortnight there is a massive poll to decide the top 3 sketches which go in, then we do the same again for another batch. Just ideas.
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To me, as I am assuming this is not a satirical show, several fortnights would be too long. I reckon we should have a deadline and look for, say, up 50 sketches and songs. A vote is then taken and after it's decided how many are going to be used, we video them.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
Sounds like a good idea Mr B. So you are now thinking along the lines of actually trying to produce filmed sketches as opposed to just a website containing scripts? One problem that might arise there is that people who want to be involved could well be spread all over the country.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
Ok yeah good idea (by the way Baumski you can ignore your pm I didn't see the rest of these posts). But again, I think the videos should just be samples for sending to producers if they request them. I'm still not sure about trying to actually fully produce a sketch show. In my opinion it would be a much better to compile scripts to send to producers as a comedy writing company.
But that's my opinion, obviously if the majority of people just want to write sketches to film themsleves and put on Youtube that's fine.
EDIT: And yeah that's another good point raised by Matthew. I think keeping it to scripts is the best way personally.
Just seems the more professional way to go about things as well,I'm sure that's how writers in the trade would go about it.
EDIT AGAIN: And I think we need a sticky thread for this, it would be more organised maybe.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Baumski said:
I generally go along with the general gist of things. I guess we're all kind of hungry for success so in theory, at least, this should be one hell of an adventure. I think what's called for now is for those with experience in these matters to come forward. As for me, well, I guess like a lot of the writers in the BSG, I know a little something about writing but bugger all about filming so I can start posting to the designated thread just as soon as it's up and running.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
Yeah I think what's best is just to get a thread up and then fill it with scripts for sketches. I'm a real fan of the mass vote off I think that will be the best way to sort stuff in the future, but we could do with a proper website with voting facility. We need one of the guys to get down here.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, steve said:
I`d like to be involed if you`ll have me!I think we could turn out some funny,quality stuff from from what I`ve seen.
Steve
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Blenkinsop said:
I think it's a great idea Baumski and I'm sure it has legs. I'd be interested in getting involved
B
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Mark said:
Sorry I'm late to this thread - been a bit busy with the boring day job (booo!).
I like the idea of this - wouldn't it be cool to see a decent clip show on TV that makes everyone laugh and launches a few new writing careers as a result of this very thread! It's not entirely 100% un-feasible if everyone works on it together.
Looking in the critique forum there's certainly some material in there up to the standards that would be required of a broadcast TV sketch show. This Bacon and Herring is certainly one example - trouble is it stands at about 15 seconds long so there's still a lot of other material to source!
Before worrying about filming it all for a pilot (there may be some cheapish options available to us when it comes to that) I think it is a case of getting enough really, really good and unique sketches together to make up a full programme length.
I think that whatever happens from this point forward three golden rules will need to be adhered to if this project has any chance of being anything:
1. absolutely no padding of sketches
2. only really funny stuff is selected
3. all sketches must be unique – comparisons, however slight, with existing sketches should be dodged
Making sure the humour in the pilot is unique, zippy and has a very high hit to miss ratio is the only way that this project stands a chance of getting off the ground.
I'm not quite sure what the best way to approach the collection and selection of sketches is - after all judging and voting normally gets a bit controversial and the last thing anyone wants is arguments and nit picking over why one sketch was picked over another. I'm sure we can come up with something though?
I'm happy to lend the BSG's support wherever possible. The only problem is that, contrary to appearances, it is just a couple of us running this site and I'm particularly tied up with my day (and currently night) job till mid-February. After that though I'm sure we can come up with a voting mechanism, submission mailbox, a project website or whatever would be required and help arrange some filming then get the publicity machine whirring before steaming in and plonking it on commissioning editor's laps.
(At some point I'm really going to have to look into renaming this website so we can 'officially' cover sketch shows etc without confusing people)
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
Cheers Mark that would be great. I for one don't mind waiting til mid Feb, we can all be putting sketches together until then anyway.
Definately agree about your criteria for sketches. And I think we should be pretty brutal but understanding about what goes in, as you say we need to go for different and clever, not just puns and 'groan laughs'.
I know what you mean about the hazards of a voting system but if decisions were made by the masses (as it were)and we all just agree not to take any rejections personally it should be ok. I think maybe the voting system could just be a case of 'if the numbers say it's in it's, if not then it's out'. Depending on how many people are actually a part of this discussion of sketches may not actually be that productive (if there are a lot of people). And if we have a general adjudicator when needed, things wouldn't get out of hand.
Is it possible to get a sticky thread for this project with perhaps a summary of what has been said so far, try to get as many people as possible aware of this?
Cheers
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, dyingtolive said:
youll be surprised by what you can do on a small budget, if youve got a decent camera and know how to film and a pc that can run the edit software etc then you can get some good results on a small budget.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
Yeah that's a point. If we get enough of us together we should be able to gather some farily decent resources. I for one have done editing before and have the resources to do that.
We could do with a few budding actors.
First things first though, getting scripts together.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Ginger Jesus said:
Top notch idea fellas. Was on the verge of suggesting something similar myself but blah blah blah.
I assume it will be open to anyone from the BSG crew, an open submissions type scenario. How would the voting work then? Only the people who have put submissions can vote for say 3 (obviously they can't vote for their own material) And then maybe if we have a certain percentage in agreement the sketch is iin? Just an idea, sorry f I'm repeating.
Also, i'm sure you'll all agree, it'll be important to have a demogarphic(ish)to aim for, and whether it's going to be post/pre watershed. If it's gonna be aimed for 8 oclock, theres little point in people submitting dogging jokes week in week out.
How about as well having different criteria to write about each week, practice writing to a brief (and deadline) i.e. drug related sketches (just using the Bacon and Herring example). We could keep them simple, and not too strict and see where it takes people.
Why not call it Bacon and Herring for now?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Lewis Roberts said:
i like the sketch, it isn't to long but it still creates a good visual image, well done
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Baumski said:
Quote: Tom Pk @ January 30, 2007, 12:28 PMFirst things first though, getting scripts together.
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Or perhaps, as previously mentioned, a specific thread. Also, there's not much point in several people coming at it all at once. At this stage whats needed is one clear point of reference. By the way, I'm not putting myself forward but I do think someone to act as coordinator is also needed.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Fred Peters said:
Thanks Mark for taking this idea forward. Step forward contacts and personnel. I'd be happy to do a bit of acting and if you look at shootingpeople.org, you have a forum where you can get all sorts of people in the industry: if they like your project, they'll do it for nothing. Shooting People are largely about short films - that's another option, scripting/filming a comedy short - loads of avenues there and some of the films they get involved in are 2-3 minutes long.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
Yeah ok, getting a specific thread first. Just looking at Gigner's post, I know what you mean about having a specific topic to write about but I think that my hold some people back and what we want is just to let our creativity flow. Also if you look at the most successful sketch shows they encompass a wide variety of situations. I think at this point it's just about getting everything together and I'm sure we will find what sticks for repeat characters etc.
Fred, great find on the Shooting People site. I went to a forum to try and find an animator and whilst I haven't got one yet they are a great resource, we can use that when the time comes.
Baumski, I personally am happy for you to co-ordinate if you want to, if you aren't putting yourself out because you don't want to co-ordinate then I would be happy to do it alone or with two or three other people.
Up to everyone.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Baumski said:
At this stage I don't mind being part of a team but I don't want sole responsibility. The other thing to bear in mind that not every script will necessarily be laid out as it should be. Not everyone has experience in that field. However, when voting for a favourite my thinking is that if it's funny then please don't reject anything because the layout is wrong. That said, however, the one bugbear I have is that everything should be clear and double-spaced.
Quote: dyingtolive @ January 30, 2007, 1:05 PMyou need a rough/loose theme that everyone should write to though something like 'drugs' is a very loose theme and without a theme the proect would lack direction and the end result even if professionally made would look like a random mess of ideas with no overall 'point'.
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I'm not sure about that. Take 'The Sketch Show' for instance. That just comprised of very funny and different sketches.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, ajp29 said:
Wouldn't a time/length limit be more effective than a theme as it has inbuilt restrcitions e.g. can't develop characters but you can set the sketch anywhere and on any theme?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Fred Peters said:
I do like the idea of a theme that is loose enough not to restrict creativity but helps people identify with it. I find Little Britain rather tedious but that is a very broad theme - strange people in Britain. It is strongly themed and, dare I say, branded.
Whether we would like ongoing characters is a moot point and I am not a fan of what Ricky Gervais calls 'catchphrase based comedy'.
2 potential titles for our online sketch show:
1) Toss Bag - a random title to give an idea of the energy and tone of the show
2) Downers - restricting the show to scenarios about losers, bad experiences, irritants etc
Just ideas! Keep 'em coming!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
Well, I mean, take the fast show, what was the theme there? If you really want a theme then it will have to be really really broard, 'cause there's a danger of restricting people otherwise and then we will just get variations on the same old tired gags.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Fred Peters said:
Dead right!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Paul W said:
Just been skimming this thread looks very interesting I would love to give up some sketches/write new sketches etc.
As for a theme either work's doesn't it? if there isnt a theme that's not a bad thing I'm sure many of us have a large amount of sketches just hidden away in a draw doing nothing (I know I do).
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Ginger Jesus said:
When i suggested a theme, I wasn't necessarily refering to the show itself. I thought it might be a good way of judging sketches against each other. If you have a theme, then the better comedy will no doubt stand out against the not so good, like I say it's just a thought. I would say it's probably jumping the gun a little working out a theme for the actual show at the moment, as different people are going to have different ideas about what to expect from it. I think it's a good idea for later though. The sketch show format is a well trodden path, and I think an original idea will help it stand out.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, ShoePie said:
I'm a bit late to this thread, it sounds a great idea though.
I don't think a theme limits creativity at all. We're already bound by the fact that sketches can probably only have 2/3 characters and have to be set in contemporary Britain. A theme will just help us focus our ideas.
My suggestion would be to start a weekly challenge right now. Someone picks a vague theme, we all write a sketch and see where we are in a week. If we have a good selection of sketches we have a poll vote and the winner sets the next theme?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
But what if some people have some really good sketches already written but they can't use them because they don't fit the theme. And I reckon most good sketches just come in a flash of inspiration, having a theme stops sketches born that way even being seen.
When people actually sit down and think "right I've got to say something funny about this topic" I bet we will get forced comedy, and it will sound like that way.
We can always have a theme for the final thing but at the moment I think it will be most productive if we just submit anything and everything. That way everything will be judged simply on 'is it funny?' and then we can either create a theme based around the chosen material or one could well emerge naturally.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Paul W said:
It can't hurt setting some constraints on it such as time limit and a theme, if I'm given a week and a broad theme to work with I'm pretty sure I can come out with something.
But if you're given to much freedom people will end up sending in stuff thats all completely different and may not fit anything properly. to surreal or to dark for instance.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Ginger Jesus said:
Okay, then why not have two types of submission each week (or however long it is) There could be themed submission, and "open" submissions, and see how each turns out over a given period?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Paul W said:
Sounds like an idea.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Mark said:
My personal view point is that if it is funny, really funny, it should be included - we shouldn't overly concern ourselves with a theme?!?
Obviously if this is going to be filmed there may have to be some restraints - I doubt the budget will cover a sketch set on the Titanic as it sinks or a skit set in a crowd of hundreds.
Once we've hashed out the rough ideas I'll setup a dedicated sticky thread and we can take things from there (we seem to be doing ok discussing the basics here).
Another writers newsletter will be appearing next month so it can be mentioned it in there for more exposure.
I propose that once the ground rules are laid down people are given till maybe mid-March to come up with some sketches and submit these to a dedicated inbox (this gives us time to setup all the needed pages and voting stuff).
I'm happy to support whatever is the general consensus to be honest - I like Baumski's idea of a committee or some such thing as I don't think anyone could handle organising it by themselves - I definitely wouldn't want to!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Baumski said:
Quote: Fred Peters @ January 30, 2007, 1:19 PMpotential title for our online sketch show:
Toss Bag - a random title to give an idea of the energy and tone of the show
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As and when we come to thinking about a title, let's get away from alienating the audience with Rag Week innuendo's like 'Philly Sucker', if you know what I mean. Keep it simple and let the sketches hook the audience.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
Yeah agree with that. Also thanks Mark, sounds like a good process to me.
By the way, I think contraints such as a time limit or a watershed limit or something like that are fine. But like Mark says I'm not too bothered about a theme.
If people do want themes though, Ginger's idea about themed and open submissions is a good one
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Mark said:
Quote: Baumski @ January 30, 2007, 2:18 PMAs and when we come to thinking about a title, let's get away from alienating the audience with Rag Week innuendo's like 'Philly Sucker', if you know what I mean. Keep it simple and let the sketches hook the audience.
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If this gets anywhere some TV Exec will no doubt pick the title so lets not debate that in any detail yet.
That said, Bacon and Herring would be quite a fun name I think - it could be some obsure trivia pointing back to where it all started. Trouble is Bacon and Herring could sound like it is a sketch show starring Richard Bacon and Richard Herring!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Paul W said:
haha, bacon and herring do sound like a bad cop show, who's up for writing a bad cop show with Richard Bacon and Harry Herring? nope ok... sketch show it is.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
Quote: paul watson @ January 30, 2007, 2:28 PMhaha, bacon and herring do sound like a bad cop show, who's up for writing a bad cop show with Richard Bacon and Harry Herring? nope ok... sketch show it is.
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Lol good comment
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, dyingtolive said:
out of interest is anyone gonna be 'in charge' of this project or is everyone gonna be on level terms so to speak?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
Well as I understand it everyone will be on level terms, the only thing we will probably need is someone on more of a admin and co-ordinating roll just for the sake of organisation
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Andy W. said:
Just managed to read all the posts on what has proven to be a very active thread - proof alone that the basic idea of a full site-collaboration of sorts has gotten the old juices flowing.
I love the ideas being thown around and agree with those that think a fairly loose theme would be a good starting point for us all - nothing too exact as we do need a bit of licence to put our own angle on it.
Oh yeah - and before I forget what started this whole thread off - nice sketch Wildjesusfishkid.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Wildjesusfishkid said:
so you liked the sketch then? Oh yes. I'm in too!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
Lol I think it would only be fair to include the actual Bacon and Herring sketch
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Baumski said:
Quote: dyingtolive @ January 30, 2007, 2:34 PMout of interest is anyone gonna be 'in charge' of this project or is everyone gonna be on level terms so to speak?
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Well, it ain't gonna be me or solely me and just as a by the by, I think 'Bacon and Herring' is a wonderful and irreverent title.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
I like Bacon and Herring is a good title too. Baumski I'd be happy to help with organisation if you wanted
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Baumski said:
In all honesty I am absolutely amazed by what began as an observation has snowballed into something of such good intent. As I am hesitant to get too far ahead of myself, I think 'Bacon and Herring' has to be run in conjunction with BSG and go from there. Obviously if you're keen to get something going in the meantime, then OK.
I think now is the time to introduce a new and 'Bacon and Herring' thread. However, if there's some way of incorporating this current thread into it by way of a simple name change, then continuity would be assured.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Fred Peters said:
I agree Baumski - anything that moves this exhilarating idea closer to reality has to be a good idea.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, swerytd said:
Just joined this thread and one thing I reckon we need, regardless of theme, is that they're written for a set cast. Think of sketch shows at present -- they have a set cast ie. three men, three women. So we'd need ground rules to not exceed that. Think Man/Woman, Swinging, etc.
Dan
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
I think we need the 'Bacon and Herring' thread now. If you want I can make one with a summary in it of what we have said then we can get that pinned to the top of the board and take it from there. I'll make the thread by tomorrow at the very latest.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Fred Peters said:
Good man, Tom. I hope noone objects.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Blenkinsop said:
I think that this is a crap idea!
What a lot of nonsense..........................!!
Only joking guys.
I'd be happy to contribute in some capacity both as writer and organiser / helper-outer / team member etc. etc.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
My, theres been a lot of action in this thread since I last posted! Think the idea of just getting some sketches together to start with, rather than throwing around things like themes and number of actors, etc, would be advisable. Learn to walk before you can run and all that.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Paul W said:
I agree but this is awfully exciting, don't you agree!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, SlagA said:
I joined this late.
I liked the original idea of keeping it as short as possible. Mine are often four lines of dialogue split between two people because I hate sketches that really outstay their welcome. I'm totally behind Mark's no padding ethos.
What if all sketches had to fall in at under 60 seconds or so many words.
This 60 second rule could be a theme and a neat way of making us all think of the shortest way to the payoffs. A suggested title could be: 60 seconds (or variations like 'One minute wonders' etc) to go in to the hat with other titles put forward so far. Bacon and Herring has too much association with Lee and Herring in my mind.
The voting idea is neat but I'm worried that solicitation may occur - "I'll vote for you, if you vote for moi." We need at the outset to think of a way that will clear us all of the finger of suspicion. What if each writer subs four or five and their highest voted sketch goes in regardless. This will even out the honours, make everyone involved, ensure only each writer's best is forwarded and avoids the situation where people feel aggreived at the share. The highest placed second and thirds (depending on number of writers in pool) then get in through another secret vote based on popularity.
Advantage, in my mind, all get one sketch, the better sketches will also make it through.
Ideally get enough to make a pilot then get the pilot made (20-40 if we go for the minute or less idea). I think a script has a harder chance than a DVD, no matter how shitty the DVD.
I'd tend to avoid sketches that are related to topical events as by the time compilation is due, they'll have passed the sell-by date.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Baumski said:
Ah, welcome Mr Slagg, we've been expecting you.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
Quote: SlagA @ January 30, 2007, 6:20 PMI joined this late.
I liked the original idea of keeping it as short as possible. Mine are often four lines of dialogue split between two people because I hate sketches that really outstay their welcome. I'm totally behind Mark's no padding ethos.
What if all sketches had to fall in at under 60 seconds or so many words.
This 60 second rule could be a theme and a neat way of making us all think of the shortest way to the payoffs. A suggested title could be: 60 seconds (or variations like 'One minute wonders' etc) to go in to the hat with other titles put forward so far. Bacon and Herring has too much association with Lee and Herring in my mind.
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I just think, why not let people just put stuff forward, let stuff flow. If a sketch goes on too long then it won't be picked, if it isn't punchy enough then it won't be voted for. There's nothing wrong with a sketch over 60 seconds if it's done right
Quote: SlagA @ January 30, 2007, 6:20 PM
The voting idea is neat but I'm worried that solicitation may occur - "I'll vote for you, if you vote for moi." We need at the outset to think of a way that will clear us all of the finger of suspicion. What if each writer subs four or five and their highest voted sketch goes in regardless. This will even out the honours, make everyone involved, ensure only each writer's best is forwarded and avoids the situation where people feel aggreived at the share. The highest placed second and thirds (depending on number of writers in pool) then get in through another secret vote based on popularity.
Advantage, in my mind, all get one sketch, the better sketches will also make it through.
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That's fine but it could also mean that if someone's best is well below par (this is hyperthetical) then it will still be put in. I'd like to think we were all adult enough to vote properly without corruption and that if we didn't get in it wouldn't be taken personall. If you think it's really a problem then scripts could even be submitted anonymously, but I should hope for the sake of the forum that that isn't necessary.
Quote: SlagA @ January 30, 2007, 6:20 PM
Ideally get enough to make a pilot then get the pilot made (20-40 if we go for the minute or less idea). I think a script has a harder chance than a DVD, no matter how shitty the DVD.
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Like I've said in previous posts, my leaning is still towards scripts, that is what producers expect and their job is to see the potential in the writing so they shouldn't need footage really. But as most people want to film this stuff, it has to look as near to pro as poss, proper editing, sound etc, otherwise a producer could be drawing prejudices before he has even heard the first gag. But this aspect is way in the future
Quote: SlagA @ January 30, 2007, 6:20 PM
I'd tend to avoid sketches that are related to topical events as by the time compilation is due, they'll have passed the sell-by date.
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That's a good point
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Matthew Stott said:
I think SLAGAs idea of trying to keep the sketches short and punchy is a good one, then there will be a lot of material in each episode and if any fall flat then theyre not outstaying their welcome; therell be something better along in a minute.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Paul W said:
Tom I really am not been nasty here but SlagA has a lot more experience in these area's compared to you and what he said made sense. Any writer can work within a 60 second limit its not hard, if you have a 90 second sketch skim it down. (cut the fat off it)
As for the DVD thing again he's right, a producer would much rather watch someone performing a sketch rather than reading the script for it. (helped the office off the ground). As a performed piece also gets past the script readers etc etc.
As for the voting system, I'm not even going to bother voting's voting.
Look Slag I'm learning what you told me! what the hells a sketch?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Wildjesusfishkid said:
THIS IS A VERY GOOD IDEA.
Some-one needs to run with this a little and see what evolves
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
No need to explain Paul, I wouldn't have thought you were being nasty, it's just differences of opinion. No one is arguing or proving anything here, just batting ideas about.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, dyingtolive said:
60 seconds? ouch whats that like 200 words? why not have some lnger ones and shorter ones for people who write in that style i was tihnking about 500 words
Quote: Tom Pk @ January 30, 2007, 6:55 PM
There's nothing wrong with a sketch over 60 seconds if it's done right
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true like
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Baumski said:
These are all valid points and let's face it guys, the last thing I want to see is a Catherine Tate overwrite. 60 seconds is good but I think the framework could cater for the few submissions that run up to 120 seconds over. We'll just how to see how things pan out.
There has to be allowances too for discretion in the script edit. It's an accepted practice. If a script is good but it's felt by the script editor/s that it's overrunning then it will serve no purpose for the writer to pick up his quill and throw a paddy. C'mon, be honest, who amongst us hasn't had work abridged in a script edit?
All credit to the Slagg’s for finally throwing their lot in as it wouldn’t have been the same without them.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Mark said:
Wow. This thread is snow balling (incidentally this was the 666th thread to be posted on the site... ohh err... not that I'm superstitious mind).
I think imposing a 60 limit might be a little stifling - thinking back to my favourite sketches of all time, most come in at between 1 and 2 minutes long. Maybe the guideline should just be something like "short and snappy - no waste".
SlagA - there was a BBC3 standup show called something like 60 acts, 60 seconds - maybe a bit close to your suggested title? Anyway, lets not worry about the title yet, least of our worries!
re: another thread - I was going to start one but things seem to be flowing here. If another thread is wanted someone do go ahead and do so. (Alternatively I have the option or re-naming this thread and moving it if it is of any help).
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
Well I have an exam tomorrow, but after that I was thinking of going through this thread and making another with a summary in it. Just to keep things concise. I can still do that if people want?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Baumski said:
Quote: Mark @ January 30, 2007, 8:35 PMI have the option or re-naming this thread and moving it if it is of any help.
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I think that is a most excellent idea.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
Probably easier. Although then we would still have this mish mash of ideas. I'll make a new thread tomorrow Mark to try and organise stuff
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, SlagA said:
I'll open a thread for people to sign in their names only so we can get a clue on numbers.
Done - I pinned it in Writers' Discussion - a more apt forum for the nature of this thread. Just append a small message so we can see how many and who.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
Cheers SlagA. I'll have a summary thread done for tomorrow if that's ok? Perhaps you could pin that just below it or something?
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, SlagA said:
yep, just open the thread in the Writers' forum and i'll pin it.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Mark said:
Thanks SlagA and Tom sounds like a good plan!
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Ginger Jesus said:
With regards the length of the sketch, if everyone agrees they should be 60 seconds I'll role with that, however I think perhaps each sketch should be judged on merit. Also, people could have a really good idea and may struggle to cut it down, and therefore not submit it. Whereas, as we've seen throughout the critique forum, a few words of wisdom here, or view from "outside the box" and an average sketch can be transformed into a great one. Or long one made shorter. You see what I'm getting at.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Badge said:
You don't view the forums for a while, and hey presto all hell breaks loose (in a good way, rather than other e-mountains of mayhem)!
I love the idea of pooling the collective quality of this site. We have it in us! I'm already voting for whatever the smoking sketch was that started this off, and Shoe Pie's office-based watercooler sentence length argument (despite Charlie's disappointment with its vulgar pay off).
Anyway, back on track - I will check out the other thread of interest, but I make these observations meanhile:
- what is the purpose of all this? if it's to get together a decent 15 min showreel of talent, then we don't need a theme or a whole multitude of sketches, but we do need them to be good. If it's to get together a pilot sketch show idea then we need a theme or idea or something that sets us apart
- I agree with the Slag (I always love saying that) that sketches should be as short as poss. But I don't agree they should all be short. I'm all for a variety of interior-exterior/quickie-short-longer sketches. easier to view.
- Not keen on character based stuff myself, but some of you will no doubt prove me wrong
- Voting: here's the rub. I really really really don't think this can be done by committee. If we are going to vote, I'd rather vote for a couple of script editors to have ultimate call on stuff and leave em to it.
- deadline: depends on the ultimate output. Best sketches showreel much shorter than pilot idea for new sketch show.
Right, that's me done with more than I've ever written on here before. Though I'm still thinking I should have written "fora" back in the opening sentence.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, SlagA said:
Script editors are a good idea.
Another idea for the pot: Badge rightly suggests that some sketches here have been transformed by the 'committee' throwing in ideas. Off top of head Monolis' 'Dog alone in house' sketch was transformed from confused and below par (because of the surrounding confusion) into a new level by several suggested ideas. Although the idea of 'committee' could have negative connotations, it may be positive too. At this stage we can keep all options open until we settle on a distinct shape / format etc
Some ideas for the pot:
Maybe create a pool solely for submissions: if a sketch is agreed to be worthy (by a method yet to be decided), it goes through but if it is below or not quite there, perhaps move it to a holding pool where others can pitch ideas and let's see if the sketch can transform into a new level and make the cut. If at the end of a rewrite, it still isn't there or the original author disagrees with the suggestions, we can bump it off the list.
What about another theme idea. (think taking the 'committee' to a new tangent here) Each show has many different sketches BUT in amongst them we have one short sketch set-up and then each writer pitches a short different end to the set-up? (Variations on a theme in art terms) For example, the number of better cat on passenger seat endings that were suggested (it also happened with a few of the 'committee' possible ends to sitcom-er sketches in this forum). We can also interactive this bit and have viewers vote on the best end. This has to be short and sweet tho. And the TV people love phone-ins (ching ching)
I would still tend to the idea of each writer getting something in, even if it was agreed that a rewrite or a script editor had to overhaul it. The reasons I'm keen on this:
Equity. If everyone is going to get something in, then possible grumbles of 'fix' aren't going to be well-founded. If a writer is excluded, there will be grumbles.
Subjectivity - What's funny for us, isn't funny to everyone else. How often has a pool of writers agreed that this line is a 'zinger' and the audience thought it was a minger? Just look in the Sitcom discussion threads for examples. We'll be just as capable of making the same errors of 'judgement'
Diversity - every style, and taste, represented by the pool will appear at some point. It'll increase our chances of hitting everyone's funny bone at some point in the pilot. If it's all surreal or all Character then we'll narrow our chances.
Perhaps if a rejected writer is told that if they can rewrite a sketch at under a suggested time / length (or agree to a script edit) then it'll go in. We can think of more elegant solutions to accomodate everyone.
All of us on this forum are now known to each other. Most of the names in this thread have been here for a while, and in the case of newbies they were in on the forum before the show idea grew. However, I think we need to restrict new guys, or put them through a pool submission stage until they've demonstrated stickability. We don't want floods of new people signing up to Sitcom just because they've heard that there's the potential carrot on the end of a sketch show stick.
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Tom Pk said:
The summary is complete, it's in the writer's forum
On Wednesday 31st December 1969 GMT at 7:00 PM GMT, Fantasy Bazaar said:
Good 1