Writing comedy scripts

This course covers all aspects of comedy scriptwriting for television, beginning with sketch writing and taking situation comedy from initial idea through to finished dialogue.

(average based on 2 reviews) » Write a review of this course

» View full course outline

Key course information

Dates
23/09/11 - 16/12/11

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
12 weeks

Time
17:30 - 19:30

Fees
Full fee: £136
Senior fee: £136

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

» View location

Course code
HW248

Availability
This course has finished

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course has finished

» Find another course in Humanities » Search all courses

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

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course is about writing comedy for television, radio and film.

What topics will we cover?

The course will cover sketch writing for radio and tv; sitcom for radio and tv; the basics of comedy film plotting. It will take in everything from the initial idea, through to finished dialogue. As the course progresses, participants will be expected to come up with their own concepts and to work them through, in groups or individually, with guidance from the tutor.

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

- assess pieces of writing with sensitivity.
- pinpoint the elements of comic situations.
- devise good comic characters.
- plot stories with multiple strands.
- demonstrate an understanding of how comic dialogue is written.

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

The course is suitable for anyone with an interest in writing comedy, whether experienced or not. However it is a practical course and students should note that they will be expected to produce regular work.

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. Participants will see or hear clips or episodes of successful comedy, with relevance to a specific topic. There will then be a mixture of explanation and analysis of how it works. Finally, participants will be asked, either in groups or singly, to produce their own work.

The Tutor
Guy Meredith is a scriptwriter, story consultant and teacher with 25 years' experience in the business. He has taught scriptwriting at a number of universities and professional bodies both in this country and abroad. His writing credits include Ruth Rendell Mysteries for ITV and Einstein for the BBC, as well as The Bill and Heartbeat. His radio play, 'The Surprise Symphony' was the UK entry for the Prix Italia. He is a guest lecturer at the European Broadcasting Union.

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?

None.

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.

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.

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
23/09/11 to 16/12/11	Fri	17:30 - 19:30	12 weeks	£136	£136	N/A	HW248	Finished	» Select
12/01/12 to 22/03/12	Thu	14:45 - 16:45	11 weeks	£118	£67	N/A	HW064	Finished	» Select