Sitcom Writing

Workshop: Central Television, Birmingham

Structure

1 Make it orbital not linear. Events should ideally lead back to the beginning

2 Each episode should contain a beginning, middle and end

3 End of part one - a big laugh or cliffhanger - things deteriorate or become more complicated

4 Try not to make it more than 10 scenes

5 Limit the use of outside broadcasts - (3 inside sets - maximum)

6 Sub-plot - Should compliment main story, be threaded right through using secondary characters

Story

1) Provide a backstory - 5 Ws (Who are they? What are they doing? Where is it taking place? When is it taking place? Why are they doing it?)

2) Immediate dramatic conflict

3) Raise the stakes within any conflicts which arise

4) Set up further complications

5) Introduce your main characters

6) Turning point which escalates your story

Beginning (7 mins)

1) Give lots of information

2) Make sure things are clear

3) Avoid superfluous and `plonky' dialogue

4) Tell the story in pictures - start with an image

5) Use titles

Middle (12 mins)

1) Work out the beats in each scene which provides for varied and escalating conflict reaching to a turning point.

2) Complicate your story to reach a climax

3) Create barriers for characters (these can be physical and other characters)

4) Input turning points for situations characters face

5) Raise the stakes

6) Decisions followed by action

End (4 mins)

1) Actions and decisions that result from the conflict

2) Return to status quo

3) Loose ends tied up

4) Provide a twist or a lesson learnt - parable, moral

5) It is organic (no deus ex machina, no cavalry)