Hi James, looking to start writing my first sitcom pilot script, a big inspiration for me is It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia which I've not heard you speak about in your videos yet, I'd love to know your thoughts on the show from a writer's perspective?
@thesituationroom902613 күн бұрын
I'm afraid I've never actually seen it. I've heard good things about it, particularly how they escalate plots, but have nothing to offer there in terms of insights. Maybe I'll get around to watching it before long, but it doesn't really sound like my kind of show.
@LozJeppy4206 күн бұрын
@@thesituationroom9026 Ahh no worries, I'd recommend it - after 16 seasons they must be doing something right! I think it's incredible how they've made an entire cast meant to represent the worst aspects of humanity relatable and funny, tackling some controversial topics satirically whilst keeping with the times over all these years. They also have some creative bottle episodes and some surprising emotional scenes (ep - Mac Finds his Pride)
@experi-mentalproductions5358Ай бұрын
What about Bottom? That's mostly just Rik and Ade talking to eachother.
@thesituationroom902628 күн бұрын
Not really. Go back and watch the episodes and you'll find plot, character and motivation.
@experi-mentalproductions5358Ай бұрын
Also, "Confusion is the enemy of comedy"? Never seen Monty Python or The Young Ones then? Actually from watching your videos I'm getting the impression that you haven't a clue what you're talking about.
@thesituationroom902628 күн бұрын
So, Monty Python isn't a sitcom. And actually, quite a lot of the original TV sketch show is confusing and don't work as well as the movies, which make much more sense. And The Young Ones is almost an anti-sitcom. I'm interested you think I don't have a clue. I've made a living writing comedy for TV and radio for 25 years so I have, at least, a clue.
@experi-mentalproductions535828 күн бұрын
@@thesituationroom9026 But you didn't say "Confusion is the enemy of sitcom" you said "confusion is the enemy of comedy".
@experi-mentalproductions5358Ай бұрын
Isn't Monk an example of a sitcom that does this?
@thesituationroom902628 күн бұрын
Monk isn't a sitcom.
@experi-mentalproductions535828 күн бұрын
@@thesituationroom9026 It's a comedy that features the same cast in every episode. That may not be the definition of "sitcom" in your world. But it is in everyone else's.
@KAZVorpalАй бұрын
"Start in the middle" is the most mindlessly overdone thing in video media, today.
@LostInAScrapbookАй бұрын
Thank you for making videos 🧡
@Paul-vs8zqАй бұрын
Thanks mate
@gianttwinkie2 ай бұрын
You have a different definition of sitcom when you kill someone on their first day at work. In the States we refer to that as a tragedy.
2 ай бұрын
I'm glad you came back. 6 months ago I watched all your videos and I was sad that you didn't make new videos
@sethxenofightersofficialx3 ай бұрын
Here is my progress on the script of the first season of xenomon fighters docs.google.com/document/d/1BQrYHV8qVqPj5XoIvT_pM-SPeFci5w_AEoT7vW0jtbo/edit?usp=drivesdk
@Wordsmiths3 ай бұрын
"A sitcom is a permanent Act 2" // "[in a sitcom,] they never learn..." A casual side comment right at the beginning and already I had to pause it to write that down. Why have I never heard situation comedy summed up like this? It answers so many questions...
@jonriley6413 ай бұрын
Smashing! Andy's my brother so I'm biased but looking forward to it very much.
@kingsnorthlobotomy3 ай бұрын
I am looking forward to seeing the film
@RuNacken3 ай бұрын
This was wonderful!
@makedonprodukcija21884 ай бұрын
I've been writting novels short stories playwrights and poetry my whole life. In December of '23 I finished my 1st script and already won over 100 international festivals and Cannes awarded me as an author of the year. To get to my point, I just finished my 4th script meanwhile working on a jokes for a sitcom (already have 5 pages of it) I though sitcoms are easy but I totally agree with you that characters don't change it's so hard to do that for a novelist because everything is chained reaction as we call it in Europe you guys in americas call it the butterfly effect. I'm starting monday with it so God help me :)))
@SeanMcConvillefilms5 ай бұрын
Really interesting idea! I'm currently writing a sitcom pilot and was considering the stage of life the other day. Mine is about the stage of your twenties when you've just left school and are trying to figure out who you are and whether you're pursuing the right things. Love your content!
@KarpoCottage5 ай бұрын
I've been wanting to make "gag" comics, but I kept writing the beginning and feeling it was taking forever to get the the status quo. Thank you so much for this!
@miketemple76867 ай бұрын
This podcast was packed with so much valuable information! To much to list here.
@grandmastersethy9 ай бұрын
Haha, I was totally going to start my pilot on her first day of work. Thanks for this!
@thesituationroom90269 ай бұрын
It can be done - but I think it's very hard to make the main character active. So I personally would avoid it. It could be someone else's first day and your protagonist has to show them around, or deal with them in some way.
@WannabeWryter2 ай бұрын
@thesituationroom9026 So if my character with in an animated cartoon & starting a super hero revolution, against a grimdark empire. Would it be decided to start at thier 1st hijacking, for the revolution or with the event that triggered the revolution? Because I've been stuck for like a year working on the latter, so maybe I'll try the former
@simonharvey67699 ай бұрын
Really inspiring video
@fh9061 Жыл бұрын
The answers thing I haven't thought about before but it's a fascinating angle I can't stop thinking about it
@bubz3t136 Жыл бұрын
Hey, there's a guy here on KZfaq who is telling people that it's impossible for writers to get a show on TV unless they are freemasons - is this true?
@SM-gd6jh Жыл бұрын
Can you make a video on how to get your scripts to a production channel for people like me who have no clue
@SM-gd6jh Жыл бұрын
I really loved it❤❤❤❤❤❤ would use your wisdom ❤
@two-moonz2953 Жыл бұрын
Amazing. In process of creating animated TV pilot. Fantastic information. Thank you. New sub
@SallyBunBun Жыл бұрын
I can’t see the link for the “7 ways to improve your script right now”
@thesituationroom9026 Жыл бұрын
Sorry about that. I've stopped using that platform - but you can actually find the content of that PDF over here at the Situation Room substack: thesitutationroom.substack.com where lots more content will be dropping throughout the year.
@SallyBunBun Жыл бұрын
@@thesituationroom9026 I signed up you your course a few days ago :) - the full one But will check the link too, case it is extra material. Thank you for getting back to me.
@pedrocatoira2695 Жыл бұрын
The Nanny
@riteshthahryani Жыл бұрын
can you suggest a book on writing sitcom
@thesituationroom9026 Жыл бұрын
Yes! This one! jamescary.samcart.com/products/writing-that-sitcom Also available for Kindle on Amazon.
@HelloMisterJAMWAH Жыл бұрын
I ran into this problem earlier this year. Having the inciting incident be the setup for multiple ongoing episodes rather than a plot point in itself exposed how it could only work as a contained story.
@splaff6507 Жыл бұрын
Great video really helped and inspired me, this channel should get more recognition
@merleetomlin6218 Жыл бұрын
I'm an aspiring comic illustrator/writer and have an undying love for sitcoms, old and new, and far and wide. I understand the medium isn't exactly the best place for such a genre these day, but I'm just doing this for fun and your advice is extremely helpful and motivating. Cheers!
@hailufentahun7032 Жыл бұрын
Thank you!!!
@ThirdwingLTD Жыл бұрын
I've always found it utterly fascinating how many actors work hard to write their own web series to showcase their talents, where they could do anything they wanted, and just literally do this.
@bigthingsproductions Жыл бұрын
I can't believe this has so few views. (Though I guess there aren't many sitcom writers our there.)
@VicForAChange Жыл бұрын
Your channel has been so helpful to me and my writing! Thank you so much for making these videos!
@rickdonald9305 Жыл бұрын
I am loving these videos! James makes me laugh out loud... a lot!
@rickdonald9305 Жыл бұрын
Hi James. Love your work! Are you available for a chat to help me with a 'hero want' I'm struggling with? I'm writing a 6 half-hour comedy for an Australian network and would love to pick your brain. Paid of course. If so, please let me know, and ill send on my email. Loving your videos
@1Mviewsss Жыл бұрын
Waww thanks
@terrydray Жыл бұрын
Love your work… bluestone was brilliant… Bletchley was too… you definitely inspired me. Thank you got this.
@tharealunclericky5317 Жыл бұрын
I need your help with my character
@anonymouslyanonymous7883 Жыл бұрын
Amazing. Thank you really
@anonymouslyanonymous7883 Жыл бұрын
Fantastic advice, thank you
@OhHappyDayz00112 жыл бұрын
You really know your stuff! I learned so much. Lmk when you come out with a course !
@thesituationroom9026 Жыл бұрын
Hello! Sorry I didn't spot this earlier. I do have a course: jamescary.samcart.com/products/writing-your-sitcom-video-course
@thesituationroom9026 Жыл бұрын
You could also start reading my new blog on Sitcom Writing: thesitutationroom.substack.com
@wiseprocurement66762 жыл бұрын
Very useful and interesting, I’m off to watch your other video’s! Thank you for sharing 😊
@Claire.SageGreenCreative2 жыл бұрын
Super engaging channel thanks for all these gems glad I ran into your channel!
@davidaarthur2 жыл бұрын
I just watched the pilot for the US series 'Just Shoot Me', and it was really bizarre in exactly this respect. It starts in the middle, with the main character working at a television station, and it works instantly. But after a couple of minutes, she's fired - and the rest of the show is about her starting a new job!
@thesituationroom90262 жыл бұрын
HA! Thanks for pointing that out, David. Yes, breaking the rules can work if you're experienced and already have a deal with the network, etc. But if you're starting out, start in the middle and stay there, I reckon.
@SJ-rh2xu2 жыл бұрын
James, just come across your videos - you're completely brill, please never stop
@thesituationroom90262 жыл бұрын
Hey, thanks for that encouragement! I really appreciate it. I'm trying to make more, but they take a while. In the meantime, there's hours and hours of content on the Sitcom Geeks podcast, so maybe give that a try?
@jarvids2 жыл бұрын
Starting in the middle is very much the mantra, as it should be. And I like the initial idea of them fleeing to a remote Scottish island without internet access. But how they can then set up a tech bunker in a warehouse and mine for crypto and run an IT business without internet access may be a stretch. I think the real comedy here would be for these kids to lose everything they ever had - cybermobility - and have to learn to live with public phone boxes that don't work, go to a strange physical entity called "a shop", discover that alcohol can only be acquired in a place called a pub (but not on Sunday) - and even find out that food is stuff that can be pulled out of the ground. Deliveroo up here is the nickname of Mary, the island's only midwife. Not to mention the weird, wonderful yet cynical characters called "local people" who have always lived perfectly well without tech. No - you can't call up Esteo in Brazil any more, but word has it that Jack Laurie a couple of miles down the road has a wireless room and transmitter. And then perhaps at the end of episode six, there's a knock on the door from a very official and serious looking American...
@marcpaters0n2 жыл бұрын
I have a question (this might not be the best place to ask this I apologise): Do you need an agent?
@thesituationroom90262 жыл бұрын
It helps, but it's not essential. If you don't have an agent, it's worth sending your very best polished script to an agent because they have better contacts than you. But also send the script to people who make stuff you like - and/or a link to something you've made on KZfaq, or a Fringe Show to show your intent/idea/talent.