Creating a Winning Sitcom
Daniel Peak
After winning New Talent's Sitcom Writer award in 2002 Daniel Peak joined
the 'Two Pints of Lager' scriptwriting team with Susan Nickson. Most recently
he co-created 91Èȱ¬ Three's hit comedy 'I'm With Stupid'.
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Find out more about Daniel and his success since winning the scheme.
Here Daniel talks about the process of making a sitcom and how to get a foot in the door.
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Q1. What's the best way to get started?
Put some words down on paper no matter how bad they are.The first draft of one of my scripts I wouldn't even show to a dog! Writers who perform their own stuff or who work with a sketch group have a bit of an advantage. Get your work out there in front of as many people as possible. The best way to improve is to see your work performed...
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Q2. How do you know what's funny - do you have to shock people?
I always know that everything I've written is funny - it's just whether other people agree! You don't find out til you've shown it to somebody else...
Just write whatever you think is funny - if that's something sick and depraved then go for it!
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Q3.
What's the process of getting a sitcom made and what sort of things get commissioned?
For a new writer I think the way to get a show made is to write a half hour script and get it in front of as many producers as possible. The first step is making your name known. Once you know a few people you've got somewhere to take your next idea. An awful lot is down to luck...
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Q4. What do you think is the best type of training for a sitcom writer?
Watch loads of TV and work out what you like and what you don't like, and what
bits you can copy! I think the Phil Silvers / Sgt Bilko shows are so clever,
and of course the Simpsons have done every joke possible in the world!
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Q5. Are there any websites or handbooks that you find useful?
I look at the 91Èȱ¬ New Talent website quite a lot, and the 91Èȱ¬ Writersroom too. It
has details of competitions you can enter which is great...
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Q6. What do you wish you'd known when you started out - any tips for aspiring
writers?
I wish I'd been less precious about showing people my work and getting it performed.
I'd also say: Watch loads of TV and sitcoms - old and new, enter lots of competitions
and don't be afraid to steal from people!
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