About TV Sitcom Writers

A TV sitcom writer is a person who writes scripts for situational comedies on television. These writers have three important roles in all sitcoms. One role is to create a plot. Sitcoms are short for situational comedies, and each episode highlights a problem and a solution for the main characters. This is called a plot. The next important role is to create comedic circumstances, or witty dialogue, that prompts laughter in the viewing audience. The third most important role is to define the characters, so the audience can relate to them.

Types

There are two types of TV sitcom writers: freelancer and staff. Most TV sitcom writers are freelancers. Staff writers are those who work on sitcoms currently in production. Getting a staff position is very difficult, because of the limited nature of jobs available in sitcom writing. Most TV sitcom writers who are freelancing spend their days writing speculative scripts for sitcoms currently airing. These scripts will most likely never be purchased by the sitcom's producers, but the scripts are to showcase a writer's point of view and comedic timing. Speculative scripts are similar to a portfolio, or resume.

Benefits

TV sitcom writers bring laughter to the masses. Their ability to explore and translate the humor of every day life requires creativity and a definite understanding of their audience. Not only do sitcom writers express a point of view, but they also influence how others think about the world. Although much credit is given to actors, it's the genius of writers that can create situations and dialogues that cause the audience to laugh and commiserate.

Misconceptions

Many novice sitcom writers think that it only takes a script to get hired on as a sitcom writer. This was the case many years ago, but due to the deluge of sitcom writers in Los Angeles, it now takes a literary agent with the proper connections. Producers will not even consider a script without the representation of a literary agent who's job is to promote it. This is due to the potential law suits that could arise if a sitcom writer sends in a speculative script, and it is rejected, and then a similar show appears. Shows protect themselves from any possible confusion that could arise from these situations. Another misconception is that a sitcom writer can be located anywhere in the world. Most sitcoms are filmed in Los Angeles, and those aspiring sitcom writers not in Los Angeles will not be able to get representation until moving to California.

Process

All TV sitcom writers have a healthy love for television. Watching TV is a crucial part of the writing process, especially as a novice writer. Sitcom writers spend a lot of time reading scripts of sitcoms. It's important to get a sense of pace, and timing. When writing, most sitcom writers create an outline of the story prior to writing it. It helps to understand the ultimate goal of the scene, and show. A writer is also responsible for creating a plot, and writing dialogue that moves the show, as well as provides insight into the characters. Each script is also a continuance of the last, and should continue to develop the characters. A writer must find a consistent voice for each of the characters, or the audience will detect the inconsistency.

Expert Insight

Ali Rushfield, TV sitcom writer for the show "What I Like About You", suggests that aspiring writers should spend a lot of time writing. She also advocates creating a show that would personally appeal to the writer's own sensibilities. This way, a writer is coming from a truthful place. Another tip is to register one's scripts through the Writer's Guild of America's website.

Resources

• TV Scripts
• Writing Classes in NYC
• Writer's Guide of America