Product Description

Everyone loves - and hates - sitcom. On TV it's the goldmine genre, the one watched by millions. There's a special place in our hearts for Fawlty, Frasier, Blackadder and Brent. An absurd predicament, witty banter, a group of hilariously dysfunctional people: it all seems so easy. But is it? If you've ever said 'I can do better than that', then this is the book for you. How to be a Sitcom Writer will encourage, test and pull you through the comedy boot camp that is writing narrative-led character comedy for radio/TV.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #35826 in Books
• Published on: 2005-07-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

Suite 101 website, July 2007
"Amazing value for money... It is packed with practical
exercises, guaranteed to improve your sitcom"

About the Author
Marc Blake has been working in comedy since 1986, starting out as a fledgling stand-up at the notorious Tunnel Palladium in Greenwich. Since then he has performed over 2000 gigs nationwide.

Customer Reviews

Genius
A fantastic book, full of top tips and insights into the industry. This book covers stuff like character development and structure in depth. I have learned a lot from this work of this genius. I f you're thinking of becoming a sitcom writer but you don't know where to start, I recommend this book as your starting point.

Essential reading if you want a career in writing sitcom
Just because you're funny doesn't mean you can write a great sitcom. You need great characters, plots, situations etc. This book is excellent for teaching ways of coming up with ideas and after years of writing sitcoms and sketches I already feel more confident about my current project. This is invaluable to anyone looking to get into sitcom writing.

Reaching parts other sitcom books don't!
This is a very commendable little book! Ideal for the writer starting from scratch, or just what the script doctor ordered for the worn out frustrated wannabe sitcom writer, whose read every book under the sun, but still hasn't quite got their finger on the pulse of the genre.[ THAT'S ME!]

Marc Blake sets out a book were the operative word is clarification! I found the book not only helpful but enjoyable to read. He gives very clear and succinct ideas on PLOTTING,DIALOGUE,CHARACTERISATION AND DIALOGUE. Throughout the book he sets out very helpful exercises as you go along- Not just at the end of each chapter. I found after doing these along with the relevant reading, that EUREKA MOMENT OCCURED several times throughout the book! I didn't run naked into the street though and risk getting sectioned!

Marc Blake has been in the business for over twenty years, and that vast experience has enabled him also to give us invaluable advice about the business side of writing a sitcom, such as where to submit your polished script, copywriting and also, how to get an agent.
There's also some very good writing websites at the back which I certainly hadn't come across before.

This is only a small book but I think it has everything in it, and it's ideal because of it's size to take anywhere for when you have a spare moment. Just make sure when you get THE EUREKA MOMENT, don't be in a built up area- just to be on the safe side!!