Sitcom writer attacks executives Page 6

Quote: bob4apples @ August 15 2013, 9:07 PM BST

You're more likely to hear writers blaming failures on 'interference', but not so much when something does well.

Writers are people too Bob. Love your inverted commas by the way. Inspired. ;) I am guessing you are quite experienced in these matters to weigh in with such considered and insightful contribution.

Quote: bob4apples @ August 15 2013, 12:08 AM BST

He says that BBC execs ruined his sitcom, but then how do we know it wasn't all that good to begin with?

They did a 'finale' thing for the Comedy College in 2009 where they performed the finalists sitcoms on stage. Mark - aka the godfather of the BCG - went along to this (maybe Aaron too) and told me that Warburton's sitcom stood out as really good. This was, I imagine, before all the changes were made for the pilot.

Quote: Marc P @ August 15 2013, 10:35 PM BST

Writers are people too Bob. Love your inverted commas by the way. Inspired. ;) I am guessing you are quite experienced in these matters to weigh in with such considered and insightful contribution.

Well, it's pretty obvious, Marc, that someone's not going to come out and say they were wrong in that situation. Sorry if that's too much for you to take in.

And love the emoticon, by the way. You looking forward to starting secondary school?

Quote: Ben @ August 15 2013, 11:22 PM BST

They did a 'finale' thing for the Comedy College in 2009 where they performed the finalists sitcoms on stage. Mark - aka the godfather of the BCG - went along to this (maybe Aaron too) and told me that Warburton's sitcom stood out as really good. This was, I imagine, before all the changes were made for the pilot.

Okay, but then you're still hearing that opinion second hand.

And considering the polarity of BSG posters' views when it comes to TV comedy, maybe he should just publish his script online and we can all judge for ourselves.

Quote: bob4apples @ August 16 2013, 6:38 PM BST

Okay, but then you're still hearing that opinion second hand.

And considering the polarity of BSG posters' views when it comes to TV comedy, maybe he should just publish his script online and we can all judge for ourselves.

I think he's probably got better things to do.

The one thing I have taught myself is, don't worry about the reader; their level of stupidity is their problem. A lot of this kind of thing is due to misreading and the misinterpreting what the writer is trying to get across.

Yeah, as a writer you should expect a high level of scrutiny by the reader, and a lot of cutting through the shit by the editors, but when they completely ruin the whole concept of the thing, then there is going to be plenty of shit hitting the fan ... you can't make white into black because if you try, it will end up grey, dull and boring!

Quote: Nigel Ball @ August 16 2013, 9:14 PM BST

The one thing I have taught myself is, don't worry about the reader; their level of stupidity is their problem.

Surely it's about discernment. A reader is unlikely to be stupid, but they may be bored/tired/not like your brand of humour. Or they might be reading something that is genuinely crap.

As writers, we are constantly making decisions. Writing is as much about judgement as anything else - what to leave out, what to leave in, where to take that plot strand, what to do with that character.

All feedback is useful. Surely to get along with this process, you have to work with, rather than against the people already in the industry?

Surely it's about discernment. A reader is unlikely to be stupid, but they may be bored/tired/not like your brand of humour...

Oh, I like you jennie, but when I say "stupid" I actually meant rushed or reading of the cuff. Like I say "misreading is misunderstanding".

Quote: bob4apples @ August 16 2013, 6:38 PM BST

Well, it's pretty obvious, Marc, that someone's not going to come out and say they were wrong in that situation. Sorry if that's too much for you to take in.

And love the emoticon, by the way. You looking forward to starting secondary school?

I don't know Bob, I work in that situation. I understand things. What do you do?

Quote: Ben @ August 16 2013, 9:11 PM BST

I think he's probably got better things to do.

Like giving up writing?

Quote: Marc P @ August 16 2013, 10:11 PM BST

I don't know Bob, I work in that situation. I understand things. What do you do?

You don't know and then you say you understand things? Very considered and insightful.

Quote: bob4apples @ August 16 2013, 10:16 PM BST

Like giving up writing?

You don't know and then you say you understand things?

Yes. What do you do?

Quote: Marc P @ August 16 2013, 10:18 PM BST

Yes. What do you do?

Maybe I'm a 'writer'.

Well are you or not?

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Quote: Marc P @ August 16 2013, 10:29 PM BST

Well are you or not?

Not really, just a retired porn star and part time javelin tester

Took a while and I guess just .... well not funny or helpful in the writer community here. But hey :)

Quote: Marc P @ August 16 2013, 10:29 PM BST
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That's a lot of facial hair for one person

Quote: Marc P @ August 16 2013, 10:33 PM BST

Took a while and I guess just .... well not funny or helpful in the writer community here. But hey :)

Is English your first language?