James Cary
- English
- Writer and script editor
Press clippings Page 3
How to hit that deadline with a script you're proud of
Since I started blogging about writing sitcoms ten years ago, and more recently podcasting, I've spoken to lots of writers who have sent scripts into competitions like the BBC Writersroom or the BAFTA Rocliffe. A surprising number say things like, "The script wasn't any good, but I sent it anyway."
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 22nd October 2021How to write a sitcom like a pro
The problem with a sitcom script is that it looks easy. It's just words on a page. Anyone can type and hit print or send. It's not technically difficult. And a good script by a seasoned pro and a bad script by a rookie look the same. Superficially. The two documents are virtually identical. Except for the words.
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 28th July 2021Writing sitcoms: hard work vs frustration
Your sitcom characters can normally be described using adjectives. In general, you need to think of actions they can take so you are showing us, not telling us. But let's stick with the adjectives for now.
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 22nd July 2021Climbing the sitcom script mountain
In the last post, we established that writing a spec pilot script is really hard. Why? Because you're trying to do two very hard things at the same time, from a standing start.
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 20th July 2021Why's writing a pilot sitcom script SO INCREDIBLY HARD?
Writing a sitcom script is really hard. There's so much to think about. Situation. Characters. Plot. Pace. Oh, and jokes.
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 15th July 2021Plotting my sitcom: how do I handle a series arc?
In the last post, I looked at the desire to have a series arc in a sitcom or comedy drama. I showed how comedies had overarching narratives decades before streaming services and boxed sets. And if your show runs for a long time, you can't avoid children becoming adults, adults getting married and growing old - and actors leaving or dying. But let's say your continuing story in your sitcom is a choice rather than a reality of the aging process. How is that best handled?
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 17th May 2021Plotting my sitcom: Do I need a series arc?
Short answer: No. You don't need a series arc. In fact, I think it's better if you don't have one. But I also know I won't be able to talk you out of it. So let's dig into this.
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 13th May 2021The other key to sitcom success
There will be sitcoms that fail for whatever reason. On the Sitcom Geeks podcast, we enjoy talking about them, partly because failure is funny. But also examining failure is often more informative than the successful show where success seems inevitable. (It wasn't).
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 27th April 2021Where do mainstream sitcoms come from?
"Line Of Duty gets 9+ million viewers. Could a sitcom could get those numbers? Has their time passed? I argue that sitcom could easily make a HUGE return, that the talent is ALL there and that sitcoms are NOT just for Christmas."
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 20th April 2021A to A of sitcom characters
I've been writing, YouTubing and Webinaring about sitcom characters a fair amount, and I'd like to move on and talk about plotting. But before we start with the stories, here's a quick round up of some headline thoughts on characters. Use this list to give your main characters a good going over. It'll do them - and you - the power of good.
James Cary, Sitcom Geek, 2nd March 2021