Home arrow Features arrow Interviews arrow Team Writing in TV Comedy - Tim Allsop and Stewart Williams

Team Writing in TV Comedy - Tim Allsop and Stewart Williams
"Plus One" is a sharp new comedy playing curently on Friday evenings on Channel 4. Sally Brockway interviews Tim Allsop and Stewart Williams, the writers behind the whole thing, and gets them to talk about how they manage to switch on the comedy on a daily basis. 

AllsopWilliams475-296.jpgPlus One runs currently on Friday evenings at 10.00pm here in the UK.

If you can't make the broadcast then get it free over the internet from Channel 4's catch up service at http://www.channel4.com/watch_online/

Originally screened as part of Channel 4's COMEDY SHOWCASE series, PLUS ONE is the story of a thirty something everyman called Rob (played by Daniel Mays) and his struggles to accept that his ex-girlfriend is marrying a pop-star. (Duncan James from Blue playing himself).

The real What if of the show is - what if your girlfriend is taken by a guy who genuinely outclasses you in all aspects of life? How do you manage to make a good show when you turn up at the wedding?  

In this 30 minute interview Tim and Stewart (in fine self-deprecating manner) tell all about:

  • The benefits of team writing
  • How they went from getting the original pilot made through to creating a whole series
  • Whether you can get away with comedy that isn't based on real life
  • The actual writing process with two writers
  • How there can be a MASSIVE distance from the treatment to the final scripts
  • How their favourite episode of the series is one that didn't get made
  • The value of a critical ear that you can trust
  • Discussion of the merits and demerits of incorporating dialogue into a story document
  • Why you shouldn't sit on your drafts for too long
  • The best way to handle notes to keep both sides happy
  • How to think about writing and rewriting - the pilot for this show went through nine or ten drafts before anyone from the channel saw it


And much, much more!

Just press the Play button to hear the interview in the site player:



Once again, please feel free to download this file your computer and burn it ontoCD, or drop it onto your MP3 player so you can listen to it at yourleisure.

To do that just right-click here and save the file to your desktop.

Comments
Add New Search
Write comment
Name:
Email:
 
Website:
Title:
UBBCode:
[b] [i] [u] [url] [quote] [code] [img] 
 
 
:angry::0:confused::cheer:B):evil::silly::dry::lol::kiss::D:pinch:
:(:shock::X:side::):P:unsure::woohoo::huh::whistle:;):s
:!::?::idea::arrow:
 
Please input the anti-spam code that you can read in the image.

3.26 Copyright (C) 2008 Compojoom.com / Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."
 
[ Back ]

Easy to Follow, Step By Step, Fully Professional Screenwriting Course:

Since 1995 Phil Gladwin has written or edited screenplays for all of these people:

BBC.jpgBBC Wales.jpgITV1.jpgFremantle Media.jpgGranada Television.jpgSarah Jane Adventures.jpgThe Bill.jpgTrial and Retribution.jpgHolby City.jpgRDF Media.jpgWorld Productions.jpgCasualty.jpgRadio 4.jpg
 

Sound Bites

"Nothing I write about my journey with Phil can adequately describe his patience, diligence and the wonderful way he has coached and counselled me in all aspects of screenwriting. Phil is an amazing person to work with because if he thinks your work good he tells you so and if not, well he tells you that too, but then immediately goes about working with you to improve. I've learned so much. Thanks Phil." Bev McMullen, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada

"As senior media executive in the states with over 20 years experience producing TV and running a major TV/Recording Studio I've recently dedicated myself to writing full time... I'm incorporating Phil's work into my original feature projects, and already can see and feel an improvement. And this is just the start for me... I'm thrilled I found Phil... You will be too! Best to all of you..." Andy Kadison, New York, NY

"Phil Gladwin shares to the point technical tips. He joins these with even more valuable insights into how to "tap into" your heart and soul writing. Proven & tested real time exercises get you jump started WHENEVER you need it. Thanks Phil" John Harrison, Castle Rock, Colorado

"The screenwriting goldmine newsletter from Phil Gladwin is the single most useful tool for a screenwriter to have for its straightforward and clear attention to the details of screenwriting that I haven't found in any other workshop or book on the subject. " Keith Tracy, Punta Gorda, FL, USA