A podcast series for those interested in the mechanics of situation comedy. James Cary and Dave Cohen discuss the art of sitcom writing for TV and Radio.
A fortnightly podcast by James Cary (Bluestone 42, Miranda) and Dave Cohen (Not Going Out, Horrible Histories) about the art of sitcom-writing for TV and Radio.
216 Available Episodes (216 Total)Average duration: 00:44:33
Apr 12, 2023
Episode 216 - From Wireless To West End
00:50:00
Bleak Expectations was an instant Radio 4 comedy hit and is now headed for the London stage... a mere 16 years later. Creator and writer Mark Evans talks Dave and James through the ups, downs, sideways, hope-crushing disappointments and finally triumphant arrival of the show to the West End.
Mar 29, 2023
Episode 215 - Playing The Long Game
00:52:00
There are quick wins to be had on your comedy writing career journey. And there'll be plenty of help with these at our upcoming weekend of Comedy Conferences. But as Dave and James explain, if you want a long lasting career you need ideas, purpose and a desire to help others.
Mar 16, 2023
Episode 214 - Liking The Sound of Your Own Voice
00:45:00
Ooh listen - a podcast about why you should be thinking about making a podcast! No really, tonnes of useful advice about kickstarting your comedy career by writing for audio, listening to BBC Sounds and getting to know radio producers.
It's a long time since Dave and James took a deep delve into the heart of storytelling. Find out why a flat tyre is not a plot. An inspector calls? Not a plot. What about when James blew eleven quid on an ill-fitting pair of designer trousers? Now we're getting somewhere. Our Geeky pair explain how to make stuff happen in your show.
Feb 02, 2023
Episode 211 - Steve Bugeja is Buffering
01:01:00
Dave and James talk to writer, performer, stand-up and Buffering co-creator Steve Bugeja about driving with a murderer in your passenger seat, working with the most famous voice in the country... And what's left for Steve now he's achieved his life's ambition of appearing on his favourite podcast.
Episode 209 - Chasing The Dream: 5 Ways to Build Your Writing Career in 2023
00:42:00
What do you want to achieve this year? Still chasing the dream? Is it even the same dream that you think you want? There are still plenty of ways to succeed, as James says "as long as people like laughing and they like watching television".
Dec 22, 2022
Episode 208 - What's So Special about the Christmas Special?
01:00:00
Christmas and Sitcom. Two words that go together like turkey and stuffing. There are more than 300 Christmas sitcom specials and in this episode Dave and James unwrap their favourites with Pozzitive radio producer David Tyler and the actor Laura Aikman, who has appeared in a few great Christmas episodes herself (including Gavin & Stacey). What makes a great Christmas special? And why do we love them so much?
Dec 08, 2022
Episode 207 - Writer's Block and How to Fix It
00:45:00
Ever get one of those days where it's just not happening? Days that turn into weeks... Dave and James confront the bane of the new writer's life, offer ways and means of pushing through it, and dare to suggest that it might not be a thing at all.
Nov 24, 2022
Episode 206 - We Love Lisa
00:34:00
Part 2 of our wide-ranging chat with top comedy drama writer Lisa Holdsworth (Call The Midwife, New Tricks, All Creatures Great And Small) with advice to new writers, the joys and perils of show running and the importance of the Writers' Guild, which she currently chairs.
Nov 10, 2022
Episode 205 - Lisa Gets An A
00:40:00
Dave and James talk to the brilliant comedy drama writer Lisa Holdsworth. What is comedy drama? If anyone knows Lisa does, she's written loads of them - New Tricks, Call The Midwife, All Creatures Great And Small. Tonnes of great advice if you're planning to enter the BBC Writersroom call for Comedy Drama Scripts.
Oct 27, 2022
Episode 204 - The Complete Comedy Writer Writes Again
00:46:00
Join James for this exclusive interview with Dave Cohen, whose new improved second edition of the indispensable Complete Comedy Writer is published on 21st November. Hear what happens when James throws random sitcom writing questions across the table to his co-host. Our first non-Zoom show for two years.
Oct 13, 2022
Episode 203 - He Knows His Onions
01:01:00
Fascinating chat with Scott Dikkers, legendary creator of The Onion. His is a great story of how someone with no connections to the comedy world can break in and create their own niche. This episode is packed with helpful insights from his excellent How To Write Funny trilogy of comedy writing books.
Sep 29, 2022
Episode 202 - Speak Up!
00:42:00
Producers, commissioners, script readers - everyone tells you what they want more than anything from a script is to hear "your authentic voice". What do they mean by that? The answer is different for everyone. Dave and James offer tips to help bring you closer to finding yours. Yes that means you! And you. Every single one of you.
Sep 15, 2022
Episode 201 - Sketchwriting Gems From Gemma
00:51:00
Dave and James talk two-minute-movies with the queen of sketchwriting Gemma Arrowsmith, best known for her work with Tracey Ullman and whose new Radio 4 series begins next week. Gemma knows everything about how to write comedy sketches and she wants to share her knowledge with YOU.
Sep 01, 2022
Episode 200 - How Many!?
00:59:00
James and Dave are joined by a gang of Geekers to celebrate the first 200 episodes. A deep but fun discussion about credits, com dram and commissioners. Where things were when we began in 2015, where they are now and where they're going for comedy writers.
Aug 18, 2022
Episode 199 - Sketch Shows, Scotsmen And Sadowitz
00:42:00
Dave's been in Edinburgh to see the first full on Fringe since 2019. What's changed? What hasn't? And what's all the fuss about Jerry Sadowitz?
Aug 04, 2022
Episode 198 - What Is Comedy Drama?
00:43:00
The simple answer is "it's what BBC Writersroom are looking for this November." Dave and James return to this tricky question to help you work out your best strategy for entering the competition - with extra helpful advice from top writers who excel at the form.
Submissions open Wednesday 9 November and close Wednesday 7 December 2022. Details here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunities/send-a-script/
Sign up for Dave's fortnight of free emails (15-26 August) "What Is Comedy Drama?" davec@bindman.net
Jul 21, 2022
Episode 197 - Yes We Cannes with Danny and Tim
00:53:00
Dave and James welcome back the kings of DIY moviemaking Danny Stack and Tim Clague. Fresh from their triumphant week at the Cannes Film Festival, the UK Scriptwriters team talk about making your own shows, selling them abroad, and how to make a name for yourself even if you don't know anyone in the business.
Jul 07, 2022
Episode 196 - Should You Write An Audience Sitcom?
00:44:00
Commissioners say they love them, they remain hugely popular, nobody's writing them. Surely the answer is obviously yes yes yes! Dave and James think so but be aware of the high risks - and you'll need to think creatively about pitching the idea.
Jun 23, 2022
Episode 195 - Is There Life After Mars?
00:32:00
In Part 2 of the interview, Ashley Pharoah, co-creator of Life On Mars, explains the eight years of development that preceded the hit drama, and how it literally involved bags of money. And entertains us with tales of his other top-rated shows and, ah, Bonekickers.
Jun 09, 2022
Episode 194 - Is There Life After EastEnders?
00:41:00
There most certainly was for Ashley Pharoah, who went on to co-create of Life On Mars, one of the best comic drama series of the last 20 years. In Part 1, he talks about breaking into the industry through writing for soaps and making his own stuff, including Where The Heart Is and Around The World In Eighty Days.
May 26, 2022
Episode 193 - Tips For Topical Comedy Writers
00:52:00
Writing topical jokes for radio is one of the fastest ways to build your credits and get to know producers. With The Skewer winning bucketloads of awards, Scotland's Breaking The News and now a new Radio 4 Extra show DMs Are Open, there's never been a better time to write topical comedy. Learn the secrets of successful gag writing from Dave and James, and regular topical writers Dan Sweryt and Eleanor Hayward.
May 12, 2022
Episode 192 - How To Add Zing Your Dialogue
00:53:00
Dave and James talk about... talking. How do you bring your comic conversations to life? What gets left out? How do you make it funny? And find out which hugely famous TV writer calls dialogue "the least important part of my job".
Apr 28, 2022
Episode 191 - Fergus Craig
00:58:00
Creator of the great comedy monster Martin Fishback, Fergus Craig talks about his early love for Mr Bean, the Edinburgh hit double act of Fergus & Colin, and tries to persuade James that Reeves and Mortimer are the business.
Watch the Martin Fishback pilot on iPlayer:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0014bxd/martin-fishback
"Build A Sitcom" begins Friday 6 May. Email funnyup02@gmail.com
Stand Up, Barry Goldman is now available to download.
Sign up for the Situation Room Newsletter for more info on Kickstart Your Sitcom on 30th May:
trailblazer-4053.ck.page/b2bdfd5a77">https://prodigious-trailblazer-4053.ck.page/b2bdfd5a77
Apr 14, 2022
Episode 190 - The Secret Trick of Success
00:38:00
Dave and James talk to Hat Trick boss Jimmy Mulville about his decades of phenomenal comedy success, developing new writing talent and why you should never send him a substandard script.
Mar 31, 2022
Episode 189 - Makes Peak Perfect
00:32:00
Part 2 of the advice-packed interview from Daniel Peak, one of our most successful sitcom creators. Code 404, Not Going Out - and he's not afraid to talk about the ones that got away. This week, Daniel heroically relives Big Top, an episode or six of what happens when a sitcom fails to please the Lords of TV Criticism.
Mar 17, 2022
Episode 188 - And The Winner Is...
00:44:00
...announced in this week's bonus episode. Dave and James discuss what made it onto the shortlist, how the quality of scripts has improved in recent years and why the future of narrative sitcom is hopefully assured. (And congratulations to Lloyd Glanville for the winning script Unsustainable). For show notes see https://www.comedy.co.uk/podcasts/sitcom_geeks/episode_188/
Mar 10, 2022
Episode 187 - Peak Practice...
00:35:00
Part 1 of our deeply insightful natter with brilliant sitcom writer Danny Peak, regular writer on Not Going Out and creator of one of Sky's most popular comedies, Code 404.
Feb 24, 2022
Episode 186 - Mockumentaries and Meanies
00:51:00
James and Dave have read your Hat Trick Script Competition Scripts and here are the headlines:
1. It really is hard.
2. Thanks so much for sending them in.
Oh and a few thoughts about mockumentaries, sociopaths and the language of sitcom scripts.
Feb 10, 2022
Episode 185 - Georgia Pritchett On Success, Succession and The Shrink Next Door
00:51:00
Currently one of our most successful comedy writers, Georgia Pritchett talks to Dave and James about the long road to success, working virtually in LA and making Armando laugh.
Jan 27, 2022
Episode 184 - Things We Wish We'd Known At The Start Of Our Careers
00:44:00
Dave reports back from his first two years of trying to become a novelist, and details the ups and downs of starting a new writing career. Warning: includes ignorance about the industry, misplaced arrogance and emotional attachment to worn out old ideas.
Jan 13, 2022
Episode 183 - The Secrets Of Comedy Writing Success
00:41:00
Work deep, build habits. Dave and James return from the break with great ideas to improve your writing productivity and increase fun. Plus a great new topical opportunity for 2022.
Dec 30, 2021
Episode 182 - Want To Do Better In 2022?
00:56:00
Make 2022 The Year Of The Comedy Writer. James and Dave offer a great guide for ensuring that next year is your best for writing yet. Includes hopes and goals, brutal frankness and the number one key to comedy writing success.
Dec 16, 2021
Episode 181 - Any Questions?
00:52:00
Still time to polish that Hat Trick sitcom script to perfection. In this episode we answer your last-minute queries. What's a self-contained episode? How do we introduce characters? How much rewriting should we do? How can we be sure you won't steal your ideas? (SPOILER: we won't)
Dec 02, 2021
Episode 180 - The Last Ten Pages
00:41:00
The Hat Trick Sitcom Script competition window is now open. Brrr! You've got five weeks to bash that script into shape. Everyone talks about the first ten pages but how do you write the end? James and Dave explain why "it's not about the pumpkins."
Nov 18, 2021
Episode 179 - What Do We Want? When Do We Want It?
00:43:00
Good news - TV's top comedy commissioners want the same as we do for our Hat Trick Sitcom Script Competition. Dave and James discuss Broadcast magazine's Commissioners Panel meet in which Channel 4, Sky and UKTV are all asking for broad, multi-generational, family-like sitcoms by new writers, and not a narrative arc in sight. Plus details of when to send us your scripts. And how to make the leap from episode outline to first draft. James's Sitcom Supercharged online course is here https://jamescary.samcart.com/products/sitcom-supercharged
Also: if you want to sign up for Dave's free email series Make 2022 The Year Of Your Comedy Career write to funnyup02@gmail.com
Nov 04, 2021
Episode 178 - Where In The World Is My Sitcom?
00:45:00
You've got two months to write your script for our Hat Trick Sitcom Contest. In this episode Dave and James talk about the pros and cons of setting your sitcom at work, home, in outer space or the land of the fairies. Find out which settings are most likely to work for this particular competition.
Oct 21, 2021
Episode 177 - Hat Trick Sitcom Script Competition
00:44:00
Exciting news - today Sitcom Geeks launch our Sitcom Script Competition in association with the mighty Hat Trick and BCG Pro - with £1000 for the winning script. What we're looking for, what we're not looking for, why it's free to enter and what to do next, all discussed in breathless excited detail by James and Dave. Competition website: www.comedy.co.uk/hattrick
Oct 07, 2021
Episode 176 - The Comedians' Comedian Comedian Speaks
00:56:00
Stuart Goldsmith is a great stand-up and host of the superb long-running podcast examining what makes people funny. Great advice for freeing yourself up, going to Edinburgh "every show this year was a work in progress". And a searingly honest examination of his own favourite question "why aren't I more successful?".
Sep 23, 2021
Episode 175 - Rules Of Life - And Comedy Writing
00:52:00
Dave and James go deep into smelling the flowers, keeping perspective and learning to love Bill Gates - all of which can help you to become better comedy writers. Also exciting news about the autumn's topical shows The Skewer and Breaking The News.
Sep 09, 2021
Episode 174 - Can You Teach Comedy Writing - Yes You Can!
00:59:00
Top comedy writing teachers Chris Head and Kay Stonham join Dave and James with great tips for how to develop your career. A big shout out for the solo comedy writers in this age of the comedy-performer, understanding there's room for everyone - plus The Joy Of Sketch, and the excellent 'Big hat little hat' theory of comedy writing.
Aug 26, 2021
Episode 173 - Knowing Me, Knowing You
00:38:00
You've created a great character - congratulations! Now all you need to do is create another, and another, and build your stories around them. This episode Dave and James delve deep into creating relationships between characters.
Aug 12, 2021
Episode 172 - Listen To The Man Who Knows Everything About Sitcom
00:54:00
Writer John Vorhaus has been teaching us how to do comedy for decades - his 1994 Comic Toolbox is one of the oldest and best guides for sitcom writers and this episode is PACKED with profound knowledge and glittering jewels of advice.
Jul 29, 2021
Episode 171 - Writing Is Rewriting Is Rewriting Is Rewriting Is
00:47:00
You can find a million books, blogs and vids about how to make that first draft sparkle - but hardly a word about the next step. This episode James and Dave fill the chasm and offer tips on how to turn your possibly-not-yet-perfect work into something special.
Jul 15, 2021
Episode 170 - Tell Don't Show
00:48:00
James and Dave explain what's needed in the final steps before you write the first draft of your script. Plus comedy news - the backlash against the government's Channel 4 sell-off and Life Of Brian - The Musical.
Jul 01, 2021
Episode 169 - Plenty of Pozzitives
01:06:00
Last year David Tyler of Pozzitive Productions asked for your radio sitcom scripts. 600 competition entries later he joins Dave and James, armed with masses of encouraging help and advice - and hopefully some positive news for the winners.
Jun 17, 2021
Episode 168 - James Has Written A Book, And Why Comedy Writing Is Child's Play
00:48:00
If you thought the Bible was a proper serious tome, prepare to have your viewpoint challenged by James's new book The Gospel According To A Sitcom Writer. Also in this episode, Dave explains why there has never been a better time to think about writing for Children's TV.
Jun 03, 2021
Episode 167 - Dave Has Made A Novel, James Is Telling A Story
00:51:00
Dave talks about his debut novel Stand Up, Barry Goldman ("funny and fascinating, a lovely tale" Jo Brand) out on 8 June, and he and James discuss sitcom story arcs - who needs 'em?
May 20, 2021
Episode 166 - Revenge of the Two Minute Movie
01:05:00
Sketches are BACK! Charlie Dinkin and Ben Sutton talk about comedy quickies and Daddy's Super Yacht TV, a production company focused on making online and TV sketches. They're joined by Becca Bain and Alex Garrick-Wright, winners of Dave's Making A Scene Of It competition. Tons of inspiring information and advice about how to be short, sharp and silly.
May 06, 2021
Episode 165 - He Did It Himself
00:50:00
Sitcom Geeks/BCG Pro Script Challenge winner Peter C Hayward took our advice, went out there and made a pilot of his radio sitcom. Yes, it can be done! He tells Dave and James how he created the show during lockdown, and how with the help of Kickstarter he's planning to make the whole series. Ever wondered what happened to the co-creator of Phoebe's Smelly Cats? Peter has the answer. Listen to Night Crew here: https://www.nightcrewpodcast.com/
Apr 22, 2021
Episode 164 - Where Do You Start?
00:46:00
As viewing habits change, we have to find new ways to hook our viewers. Dave and James talk about big entrances, life changing starts, tough choices and when you should have sex on a bus. Plus why it's vital you should 'go' to Edinburgh this summer.
Apr 08, 2021
Episode 163 - The State of Things
00:42:00
What will the comedy writing landscape look like as we come out of covid? James and Dave are surprisingly upbeat about the future for comedy writing despite the demise of BBC Four and the question marks hanging over the future of stand-up.
Mar 24, 2021
Episode 162 - Fun With Father Ted - Lissa Evans
00:56:00
Writer, producer and acclaimed comic novelist Lissa Evans tells us what it was like directing and producing Father Ted - and what makes a funny script.
Mar 11, 2021
Episode 161 - Funny Business
00:49:00
James and Dave discuss the importance, if you want to get on in comedy, of having A Plan. Plus we announce the winner of Dave's Making A Scene Of It competition.
Feb 25, 2021
Episode 160 - We've Scene The Results
00:46:00
Dave announces the shortlist for the Making A Scene Of It competition, James reports back from his sitcom webinar about character - plus some surprising conclusions are drawn from the great Tuesdays Are Funny experience.
Feb 11, 2021
Episode 159 - The Lost Voice Guy Tells All
00:55:00
Top stand-up and BGT winner Lee Ridley aka Lost Voice Guy shares his amazing story of comedy success, the influence of heroes The League Of Gentlemen and Lee Evans, the new series of Ability on Radio 4 and his hilarious book I'm Only In It For The Parking, out in paperback on 11 March.
Jan 28, 2021
Episode 158 - Why Tuesdays Are Funny, And Jessica Too
00:51:00
In today's episode James explores creating new characters using Jessica the fictional celebrity chef. And Dave launches #TuesdaysAreFunny the weekly 8:30pm Twitter Sitcom Geekery Watchalong.
Jan 14, 2021
Episode 157 - Rejection And Waste And Other Jolly News
00:46:00
Welcome to a new year of comedy writing, as Dave talks about writing topical comedy (hence the rejection and waste), James tries to enforce good habits for writers (other jolly news) and Dave launches If Only I Had The Time, his short book about trying to write when there's a pandemic going on.
Dec 31, 2020
Episode 156 - 2021 Vision
00:50:00
Dave and James reveal their plans for next year, including the launch of The Situation Room, home for James's brilliant new online sitcom writing masterclass. Meanwhile Dave will be finding out again what it's like to be starting out as a new writer as he plans the spring publication of his first novel.
Dec 17, 2020
Episode 155 - So That Was 2020
00:57:00
Dave and James look back on the closed down year - what is comedy drama, scene competitions and a little shard of light and love for our fellow comedy scriptwriters.
Recorded infuriatingly three days before the BIG BBC COMEDY ANNOUNCEMENT we had been trailing for the last three episodes - but still lots to report here about BBC changes.
Dec 03, 2020
Episode 154 - Writersroom Changes and Let's Do It Some More
00:56:00
Big changes at BBC Writersroom - they want your comedy drama scripts NOW. Plus part 2 of our fascinating chat with Victoria Wood biographer Jasper Rees. He reveals all about her hopes and successes, extraordinary confidence, and relationships with Julie Walters and the gang who stayed with her through years of fabulous shows.
Nov 19, 2020
Episode 153 - The Real Victoria Wood
00:45:00
Part one of our revealing interview with Jasper Rees, author of the brilliant Let's Do It Victoria Wood biography. 'Everyone thought they knew her but they were wrong, it was she who knew them.' The story of dinnerladies, and Victoria's advice to aspiring sitcom writers.
Nov 05, 2020
Episode 152 - Making A Scene Of It Part 2
00:50:00
Ahead of the deadline for Dave's scene writing competition the Geeks discuss how you can learn from the greats: specifically Richard Curtis, Ben Elton and Blackadder The Third. Plus a surprisingly upbeat prognosis about the future of comedy writing (spoiler alert: plenty of positives but it's still bloody hard to breakthrough).
Oct 22, 2020
Episode 151 - Making A Scene Of It
00:32:00
Dave and James discuss Dave's new BCG Pro scene-writing competition and what we might learn from Blackadder, plus news about news - topical comedy's moment. And bonus sitcom writing advice from James's 'Writing That Sitcom' book.
Oct 08, 2020
Episode 150 - Guy Jenkin and Andy Hamilton
01:00:00
Dave and James celebrate the big 150 chatting to the great writing pair who brought you Drop The Dead Donkey, Outnumbered, Kate & Koji and tonnes more. Great stories of rejection (how many pilots turned down by the BBC since Outnumbered?), acceptance (yes sometimes that happens too), and some novel advice from Andy about how to sit.
Sep 24, 2020
Episode 149 - The Future Is Now
00:59:00
Self-Publishing guru Joanna Penn explains why the future of comedy lies in doing it yourself. Why we must write what we love, embrace AI and produce our own audio. A must listen if you're keen to make a career of comedy writing.
Sep 09, 2020
Episode 148 - Cancel Your Hero
00:45:00
Dave and James with news of an exciting new competition, plus keeping your plots clear and what to do when your main character isn't funny (clue is in the title).
Aug 26, 2020
Episode 147 - Jenny Eclair
00:59:00
Dave and James talk to the stand-up star and top writer about her brilliant radio monologues Little Lifetimes, the Edinburgh Festival that wasn't, her fondly-recalled Channel 4 sitcom with Henry Normal and Frank Skinner - and exactly how close she came to becoming the new host of Bake Off.
Aug 13, 2020
Episode 146 - Rufus Jones has something to write Home about (Part 2)
00:53:00
Part 2 of our fascinating interview with the creator, writer and star of Channel 4's hit series Home about how the show came about and how they found their star. Plus BAFTA Rocliffe script tips, Comedy Crowd comes clean and life without Edinburgh.
Jul 30, 2020
Episode 145 - Rufus Jones on the road to Home (Part 1)
00:30:00
The writer and star of Channel 4's hit TV series Home talks to James and Dave about the journey, via the distinctly-named Dutch Elm Conservatoire sketch group, a dramatic role in White Teeth and... financial journalism?
Jul 16, 2020
Episode 144 - The Office: How It All Began, with Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto (Part 2)
00:55:00
James and Dave update on sitcom news (including jingle), then a fascinating insight into how The Office came about from producer Anil Gupta, and more tales of TV mayhem from Anil and Richard Pinto, the writer-producer team that gave you Goodness Gracious Me, Citizen Khan and more.
Jul 02, 2020
Episode 143 - Gracious Me! It's Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto (Part 1)
00:38:00
A great interview with the writer-producer team behind Goodness Gracious Me, Citizen Khan, The Kumars and more - and we haven't even got to The Office yet.
Jun 18, 2020
Episode 142 - How Do You Write About Race?
00:58:00
Dave and James catch up with the latest comedy news - is there a future for Channel 4, why writing a new sitcom is like coming out of lockdown, and how we need to approach writing race in comedy.
Jun 04, 2020
Episode 141 - Producing Your Own Media
00:39:00
Dave and James talk to inspirational DIY moviemakers Danny Stack and Tim Clague about seizing the initiative and producing your own media - plus some delightfully optimistic predictions for how coming out of lockdown may be most helpful for writers who are starting out.
May 21, 2020
Episode 140 - Galton, Simpson and Pixar Returns
01:05:00
Last minute tips for ensuring you send your best work to the BBC Galton & Simpson bursary competition, news of more contests and fabulous prizes (Prizes!), and learn from the best as Dave and James dissect Pixar's comedy rules 12-22.
May 06, 2020
Episode 139 - Housebound Guest
00:57:00
Dave and James talk to multi-talented writer-producer-director-editor Justin Sbresni (The Worst Week Of My Life, The Robinsons) about the new lockdown sitcom Housebound and plenty more besides, including hot tips on the best new comic actors and great advice on creating visual comedy.
Apr 23, 2020
Episode 138 - Pull Apart, Simplify, Do Better Next Time
00:58:00
Pixar are the most successful movie makers of the last 50 years. This week Dave and James examine the first 11 of their 22 rules of storytelling, judging how they might apply to the current series of Friday Night Dinner.
Apr 09, 2020
Episode 137 - A Winning Writer Speaks
00:55:00
Dave and James chat with Australian writer Peter C Hayward, writer of Night Crew, the winner of our first BCG Pro/Sitcom Geeks Sitcom Script Challenge. Featuring giant toasters, Finnemore fandom, and a bee plot. You can read the first 10 pages of Night Crew via Dropbox: https://bit.ly/NightCrewScript
Mar 26, 2020
Episode 136 - Chortle Book Festival
01:02:00
Dave and James talk to John O'Farrell and Brenda Gilhooly at the Chortle Book Festival about all things writing, including coming up with the right idea at the right time.
Mar 12, 2020
Episode 135 - Make Your Script Stand Out
00:47:00
With the BBC comedy writing window all set to open on 16th March, Dave and James find out from Writersroom Comedy overseers Simon Nelson and Amanda Farley how to dazzle them with your comedy entries. They're joined by one of last year's winners and current Felix Dexter Bursary writer, Athena Kugblenu.
Feb 27, 2020
Episode 134 - Sitcom Scripts Q&A
00:46:00
James and Dave answer your sitcom script-based questions about turning your idea into a sitcom, making sure your idea hasn't been done (it has), what makes a studio sitcom script, resolving plots, series arcs, budgets and how much writers actually get paid. Plus exciting news about the upcoming BCG comedy writers' conference.
Feb 13, 2020
Episode 133 - Where Did We Go Right?
00:50:00
Dave and James dig deep into the 15 scripts on the longlist of the BCG Pro Sitcom Geeks Script Challenge and explain what works, and how you can all move your scripts forward.
Jan 30, 2020
Episode 132 - Story Is Character
00:49:00
James and Dave talk more about the scripts from the BCG Pro competition, with some more thoughts on getting the story going, how story is character (saving you a fortune in Robert McKeen seminars) and when talking under your breath is funny, and when it isn't.
Jan 23, 2020
Episode 131 - Writing Comedy Is Hard!
00:48:00
While you were eating and sleeping your way through the holidays Dave and James were reading your script entries to the BCG Pro Sitcom Geeks Script Challenge - all 65 of them. Ahead of announcing the final shortlist they discuss what they've learned. Essential listening if you want to enter this year's BBC Writersroom Script Competition.
Jan 09, 2020
Episode 130 - Milton Jones
00:54:00
'My act is like putting a cartoon in someone's head.' Dave and James enjoy a fascinating session in the company of one of the country's top comedians, ahead of his biggest live tour in years.
Dec 26, 2019
Episode 129 - Old And New
00:48:00
Four comedy writers walk into a bar. Ahead of the comedy writers' Christmas Party, Dave chats with NFTS comedy graduate Sara Gibbs, improv superstar Pippa Evans and writing legend Paul Bassett Davies about women in writing rooms, the changing definitions of sitcom, Stephen King and Dolly Parton. Summing up: Yes it's still tough, but the opportunities are still there.
Dec 12, 2019
Episode 128 - What's The Difference?
00:51:00
This episode Dave and James ask what's the difference between character and characters, story and stories, stand-up and acting? (Spoiler - it's not 8 quid). Also not to be missed - James's theory that all sitcoms are like biscuits. Nice.
Nov 28, 2019
Episode 127 - How To Plot Your Sitcom
00:52:00
Dave and James revisit the dos and don'ts of plotting, adding sparkle to your stories, with added jeopardy for comedy drama fans.
Nov 14, 2019
Episode 126 - Honing Your First Ten Pages
00:53:00
Here's plenty of valuable last-minute tips from James and Dave before you send your script out to a producer or competition. And don't worry if you miss the Sitcom Geeks Script Competition deadline - the next BBC Writersroom deadline is closer than you think.
Oct 31, 2019
Episode 125 - Creating Comedy Characters
00:43:00
With the November 17 deadline approaching for the Sitcom Script Challenge, Dave and James talk about extracting maximum mileage from your characters. Spoiler alert: they don't have to be likeable.
Oct 16, 2019
Episode 124 - What's Your Sit?
00:40:00
It's half of our name but we don't talk often enough about the situation. Dave and James talk to producer David Tyler (Cabin Pressure, Dinnerladies, Milton Jones and loads more) about what makes a good sit, plus James's chapter on this from Writing That Sitcom.
Oct 03, 2019
Episode 123 - Building A Writing Career
00:37:00
Dave and James look at the recent Emmy successes for British shows Fleabag and Succession, and talk about what makes a successful career, and why overnight success can be years in the making.
Sep 19, 2019
Episode 122 - Cole Moreton: My Life with The Krays & Jeffrey Archer
00:45:00
James talks to Cole Moreton, multi-tasking multi-talented writer/author/journalist about books, the Krays, and writing tips from Jeffrey Archer. Dave chimes in helpfully with a list of rock stars called Colin.
Sep 05, 2019
Episode 121 - Rules of Sitcom
00:35:00
Back to school as Dave and James update the complete guide for writing the best sitcom script. Plus news of an exciting new competition for all aspiring sitcom writers.
Aug 22, 2019
Episode 120 - What We Did On Our Holidays
00:44:00
James wrote a script, Dave read eight novels thanks to not having WiFi and now they're ready to guide you through the start of a new term and a new season of comedy writing.
Aug 08, 2019
Episode 119 - Vomit Drafts, Joke Rates and Gavin and Stacey
00:43:00
"The show is the cheap and easy bit, the accommodation is the nightmare" - Dave and James discuss the true cost of Edinburgh; plus selling yourself, revisiting what type of writer you are, and in praise of Gary Delaney the Human Joke Machine.
Jul 25, 2019
Episode 118 - Anna Nicholson: Woman Of The Year?
00:43:00
With the Edinburgh Fringe about to start, could this be the festival where the rest of you discover Anna Nicholson, whose Woman Of The Year show won best comedy at the recent Adelaide Festival. James talks to Anna about the leap required from festival regular to solo performer. Includes a love letter to the great live topical show NewsRevue, 40 years old this summer.
Jul 11, 2019
Episode 117 - Time Management
00:46:00
Whether you have a day, an hour, or five minutes waiting for the bus to spare, Dave and James offer lots of practical advice on how best to use your time. Plus news of a great comedy script contest this autumn, and shows with Good in the title. Easily your most efficient use of 46 minutes and 10 seconds.
Apr 12 | 00:50:00
Episode 216 - From Wireless To West End
Mar 29 | 00:52:00
Episode 215 - Playing The Long Game
Mar 16 | 00:45:00
Episode 214 - Liking The Sound of Your Own Voice
Mar 02 | 00:51:00
Episode 213 - Abigail's Book Party
Feb 16 | 00:47:00
Episode 212 - What A Plot Is Not
Feb 02 | 01:01:00
Episode 211 - Steve Bugeja is Buffering
Jan 19 | 00:38:00
Episode 210 - Attention! Your BBC Needs You
Jan 05 | 00:42:00
Episode 209 - Chasing The Dream: 5 Ways to Build Your Writing Career in 2023
Dec 22 | 01:00:00
Episode 208 - What's So Special about the Christmas Special?
Dec 08 | 00:45:00
Episode 207 - Writer's Block and How to Fix It
Nov 24 | 00:34:00
Episode 206 - We Love Lisa
Nov 10 | 00:40:00
Episode 205 - Lisa Gets An A
Oct 27 | 00:46:00
Episode 204 - The Complete Comedy Writer Writes Again
Oct 13 | 01:01:00
Episode 203 - He Knows His Onions
Sep 29 | 00:42:00
Episode 202 - Speak Up!
Sep 15 | 00:51:00
Episode 201 - Sketchwriting Gems From Gemma
Sep 01 | 00:59:00
Episode 200 - How Many!?
Aug 18 | 00:42:00
Episode 199 - Sketch Shows, Scotsmen And Sadowitz
Aug 04 | 00:43:00
Episode 198 - What Is Comedy Drama?
Jul 21 | 00:53:00
Episode 197 - Yes We Cannes with Danny and Tim
Jul 07 | 00:44:00
Episode 196 - Should You Write An Audience Sitcom?
Jun 23 | 00:32:00
Episode 195 - Is There Life After Mars?
Jun 09 | 00:41:00
Episode 194 - Is There Life After EastEnders?
May 26 | 00:52:00
Episode 193 - Tips For Topical Comedy Writers
May 12 | 00:53:00
Episode 192 - How To Add Zing Your Dialogue
Apr 28 | 00:58:00
Episode 191 - Fergus Craig
Apr 14 | 00:38:00
Episode 190 - The Secret Trick of Success
Mar 31 | 00:32:00
Episode 189 - Makes Peak Perfect
Mar 17 | 00:44:00
Episode 188 - And The Winner Is...
Mar 10 | 00:35:00
Episode 187 - Peak Practice...
Feb 24 | 00:51:00
Episode 186 - Mockumentaries and Meanies
Feb 10 | 00:51:00
Episode 185 - Georgia Pritchett On Success, Succession and The Shrink Next Door
Jan 27 | 00:44:00
Episode 184 - Things We Wish We'd Known At The Start Of Our Careers
Jan 13 | 00:41:00
Episode 183 - The Secrets Of Comedy Writing Success
Dec 30 | 00:56:00
Episode 182 - Want To Do Better In 2022?
Dec 16 | 00:52:00
Episode 181 - Any Questions?
Dec 02 | 00:41:00
Episode 180 - The Last Ten Pages
Nov 18 | 00:43:00
Episode 179 - What Do We Want? When Do We Want It?
Nov 04 | 00:45:00
Episode 178 - Where In The World Is My Sitcom?
Oct 21 | 00:44:00
Episode 177 - Hat Trick Sitcom Script Competition
Oct 07 | 00:56:00
Episode 176 - The Comedians' Comedian Comedian Speaks
Sep 23 | 00:52:00
Episode 175 - Rules Of Life - And Comedy Writing
Sep 09 | 00:59:00
Episode 174 - Can You Teach Comedy Writing - Yes You Can!
Aug 26 | 00:38:00
Episode 173 - Knowing Me, Knowing You
Aug 12 | 00:54:00
Episode 172 - Listen To The Man Who Knows Everything About Sitcom
Jul 29 | 00:47:00
Episode 171 - Writing Is Rewriting Is Rewriting Is Rewriting Is
Jul 15 | 00:48:00
Episode 170 - Tell Don't Show
Jul 01 | 01:06:00
Episode 169 - Plenty of Pozzitives
Jun 17 | 00:48:00
Episode 168 - James Has Written A Book, And Why Comedy Writing Is Child's Play
Jun 03 | 00:51:00
Episode 167 - Dave Has Made A Novel, James Is Telling A Story
May 20 | 01:05:00
Episode 166 - Revenge of the Two Minute Movie
May 06 | 00:50:00
Episode 165 - He Did It Himself
Apr 22 | 00:46:00
Episode 164 - Where Do You Start?
Apr 08 | 00:42:00
Episode 163 - The State of Things
Mar 24 | 00:56:00
Episode 162 - Fun With Father Ted - Lissa Evans
Mar 11 | 00:49:00
Episode 161 - Funny Business
Feb 25 | 00:46:00
Episode 160 - We've Scene The Results
Feb 11 | 00:55:00
Episode 159 - The Lost Voice Guy Tells All
Jan 28 | 00:51:00
Episode 158 - Why Tuesdays Are Funny, And Jessica Too
Jan 14 | 00:46:00
Episode 157 - Rejection And Waste And Other Jolly News
Dec 31 | 00:50:00
Episode 156 - 2021 Vision
Dec 17 | 00:57:00
Episode 155 - So That Was 2020
Dec 03 | 00:56:00
Episode 154 - Writersroom Changes and Let's Do It Some More
Nov 19 | 00:45:00
Episode 153 - The Real Victoria Wood
Nov 05 | 00:50:00
Episode 152 - Making A Scene Of It Part 2
Oct 22 | 00:32:00
Episode 151 - Making A Scene Of It
Oct 08 | 01:00:00
Episode 150 - Guy Jenkin and Andy Hamilton
Sep 24 | 00:59:00
Episode 149 - The Future Is Now
Sep 09 | 00:45:00
Episode 148 - Cancel Your Hero
Aug 26 | 00:59:00
Episode 147 - Jenny Eclair
Aug 13 | 00:53:00
Episode 146 - Rufus Jones has something to write Home about (Part 2)
Jul 30 | 00:30:00
Episode 145 - Rufus Jones on the road to Home (Part 1)
Jul 16 | 00:55:00
Episode 144 - The Office: How It All Began, with Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto (Part 2)
Jul 02 | 00:38:00
Episode 143 - Gracious Me! It's Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto (Part 1)
Jun 18 | 00:58:00
Episode 142 - How Do You Write About Race?
Jun 04 | 00:39:00
Episode 141 - Producing Your Own Media
May 21 | 01:05:00
Episode 140 - Galton, Simpson and Pixar Returns
May 06 | 00:57:00
Episode 139 - Housebound Guest
Apr 23 | 00:58:00
Episode 138 - Pull Apart, Simplify, Do Better Next Time
Apr 09 | 00:55:00
Episode 137 - A Winning Writer Speaks
Mar 26 | 01:02:00
Episode 136 - Chortle Book Festival
Mar 12 | 00:47:00
Episode 135 - Make Your Script Stand Out
Feb 27 | 00:46:00
Episode 134 - Sitcom Scripts Q&A
Feb 13 | 00:50:00
Episode 133 - Where Did We Go Right?
Jan 30 | 00:49:00
Episode 132 - Story Is Character
Jan 23 | 00:48:00
Episode 131 - Writing Comedy Is Hard!
Jan 09 | 00:54:00
Episode 130 - Milton Jones
Dec 26 | 00:48:00
Episode 129 - Old And New
Dec 12 | 00:51:00
Episode 128 - What's The Difference?
Nov 28 | 00:52:00
Episode 127 - How To Plot Your Sitcom
Nov 14 | 00:53:00
Episode 126 - Honing Your First Ten Pages
Oct 31 | 00:43:00
Episode 125 - Creating Comedy Characters
Oct 16 | 00:40:00
Episode 124 - What's Your Sit?
Oct 03 | 00:37:00
Episode 123 - Building A Writing Career
Sep 19 | 00:45:00
Episode 122 - Cole Moreton: My Life with The Krays & Jeffrey Archer
Sep 05 | 00:35:00
Episode 121 - Rules of Sitcom
Aug 22 | 00:44:00
Episode 120 - What We Did On Our Holidays
Aug 08 | 00:43:00
Episode 119 - Vomit Drafts, Joke Rates and Gavin and Stacey
Jul 25 | 00:43:00
Episode 118 - Anna Nicholson: Woman Of The Year?
Jul 11 | 00:46:00
Episode 117 - Time Management
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