Comedy writing for TV: the mechanics

Explore the basic techniques for writing situation comedy for TV. Learn how to set up a comic world, how to people it with characters, construct plots and design scenes.

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Key course information

Date
05/11/11

Day(s)
Sat

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 17:30

Fees
Full fee: £45
Senior fee: £27
Concession: £13

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW087

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course covers the basic techniques of writing television sitcom.

What topics will we cover?

The course demonstrates how to set up a comic world, how to people it with comic characters, how to construct plots and design scenes.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- set up a comic world
- create comic characters
- construct plots
- design scenes.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is suitable for anyone with an interest in writing comedy. Fluency in spoken and written English is required.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

There are three basic elements to the course: example, analysis and exercise. You will watch clips of successful comedy, with relevance to a specific topic. There will then be a mixture of explanation and analysis of how it works. You will then have a chance, in groups, to produce your own work.

The Tutor
Guy Meredith is a scripwriter, consultant and teacher with over 25 years' experience of working in television, radio and film. He has given seminars on comedy writing in universities, colleges and to writers’ groups both in this country and across Europe.

City lit reserves the right to change course tutors or venues from those advertised in this outline. In line with our refund policy we are unable to grant a refund on the grounds of a change of tutor/venue.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring a notebook and pen or pencil with you to class.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. This is a one-day course but the interactive nature of the course means that participants will have a chance to assess their increasing expertise.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.