Missions usually involve serious things like guns, conspiracy and Tom Cruise, but The Sitcom Mission is an altogether more humorous assignment – a competition to find new comedy writing talent. We spoke to founder and producer Declan Hill (pictured above, right, with co-founder Simon Wright) about making people laugh….
What is The Sitcom Mission?
It’s an international showcase to find new sitcom writers. My co-producer, Simon Wright and I were involved in something called the Sitcom Trials for about five years and when the creator said he wasn’t going to do it anymore we stepped up. Then we decided to set up on our own with The Sitcom Mission, so we could have more control over the types of things we did.
How do people take part?
First thing you have to do is read the rules, guidelines and FAQs on the website. If you want to break the rules then do, but just be aware you’re doing it. If you do that before you send us something, then you’ll be in the top 10 per cent. Then send us a brilliant 15-minute sitcom.
How do you pick a winner?
We shortlist 32 scripts, which we send into rehearsed readings with actors and directors. If something reads well on a page, it can be awful when you get it moved about with actors, and vice versa – it can be clunky on the page, but come to life with actors. We narrow that down to eight, which we showcase. Then we choose five of those for the Grand Final. The winner gets kudos and the title of winner of The Sitcom Mission 2011. Last year’s winner was picked up by Hat Trick Productions.
What are you looking for?
Something that’s funny, interesting and marketable – if I’m not laughing, then it’s not a sitcom. If it’s not interesting, then why should I pick it up and turn the page? We need to be able to sell it to the industry.
Why is sitcom-writing so hard?
There isn’t a formula. There’s a basis to it, but no formula. It’s such a collaborative thing – the writing, acting, directors, scheduling – you’ve got to get all these things right.
How do you get ahead in comedy writing?
Find a stand up that you can write gags for. Join an improv group and learn about storytelling. Send things to programmes like Recorded for Training Purposes and Newsjack on BBC Radio 7. Just keep going – nobody becomes successful by giving up. Don’t be afraid to fail as much as you can. Make failure your friend. There’s no such thing as an overnight success.
What makes you laugh?
The thing that makes me laugh is my son, who is two years old. If something surprises me, I find it funny. Jokes are usually formulaic and you can see them coming. Laughter is a breathing process based on surprise and recognition.
Can you teach being funny?
No, but everyone can be funny in the right context – it’s just a case of finding the right environment.
The Sitcom Mission is run by Every 1’s a Critic and the closing date is 14 February 2011.
Interested in writing? Read our Q&A with Skins/This is England ’86 writer Jack Thorne and an interview with playwriting consultant Ola Animashawun.