How to Be a Sitcom Writer : Secrets from the Inside

by Marc Blake

TV sitcom is the goldmine genre, watched by millions. 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 book will encourage, test and pull you through the sitcom-writing boot camp. Comedy guru Marc Blake has written for Spitting Image, Frankie Howerd and Craig Charles, and had his own TV show and BBC Radio 4 series Whining for England. The author of several humour books and comic novels including the bestselling Sunstroke, he has taught comedy writing across the UK for ten years.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jack Pilkington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very quick to the point with no filler and a good informative read.

[Hai Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read.

I’m always sceptical of these ‘how to books’ and whether or not they will come across as overly cheesy.

However, this book was the opposite and was no nonsense and straight to the point.

It gives the reader a good foundation in which to pursue a career as a sitcom writer.

It also explores some of our old comedy favourites and why some shows work and don’t work with a keen focus on US vs UK sitcom.

If you’re looking to dip your toes into the industry, this book’s a good start.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straight to the point. No padding. It's as though you stopped by the Marc's house and asked him to give you some guidelines.

Nb: it is geared to UK and British sitcoms. While there is a little insight into the USA anyone looking at the USA market would be disappointed.

[Mahmoud · Rating 4 out of 5]

والله الكتاب لذيذ و صغير. مش بيتكلم في تفاصيل صغيرة بس حاجة حلوة إنه بيحاول يلم الموضوع كله بسرعة و بشكل بسيط. عيبه يمكن إنه مركز قوي على الست كوم البريطاني. و بالذات القديم "و دي يمكن علشان الكتاب بقاله 10 سنين".