How to Write a British Sitcom
The basic framework to writing a British sitcom is the self-contained situation comedy motif that lampoons social mores with satire and pathos produced in six 30-minute episodes. Rudimentary structured in the dramatic form, the sitcom is typically organized into three acts, with a linear plot line.
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Things You'll Need
- Microsoft Word software
- British sitcom script-formatting template software (The BBC Writer's Room offers a free ScriptSmart template software that interfaces with Microsoft Word)
Instructions
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The Sitcom Spec Script
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1
Familiarize yourself with the British screenplay formatting terms by downloading sitcom scripts from the BBC Writer's Room. Decide on a conceptual category because the BBC has four distinct demographic audiences for sitcom broadcasting. General genre categories are depicting social ineptitude with humor in everyday life, being at odds with authority, depicting tolerance for eccentric quirky characters and parodies of stereotypes.
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2
Establish a metaphorically cogent title conducive to the plot line. Define the inciting incident that sets the ball rolling for the episode. Create off-beat characters and sidekicks who will heighten the humor. The characters' real-life reactions to the inciting incident create the comedic payoff.
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3
Write a storyline sketch by making a three-column template, heading each column with Act I, Act II and Act III, respectively. In Act I, the first three to five pages set up the storyline and subplot; Act II is the muddling, unexpected twist; and Act III resolves the inciting incident in three to five pages. For each act, write in this sequence: the location, scene action, character dialogue and plot twist.
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4
Open your script template software and start with a fresh page. Follow your three-column format, writing your first location (slug line), then in the action scene section describe concisely any character -- including their age and physical traits if they're being introduced for the first time -- and the scene's action. Follow with the characters' dialogue.
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Embrace brevity and purpose in your dialogue that moves the inciting incident forward. Keep to the nuances of your character's speech. British slang must be accurately expressed. Include a big joke -- the blow -- to transition into the next act.
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6
Bulletproof your script. Read it out loud, either to yourself or have a couple of friends play some of the characters to proofread for typos, grammatical errors and to eliminate speed bumps -- places where the pacing drags.
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7
Submit your spec script to the BBC by going to the BBC Writer's Room Web site for submission guidelines.
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Tips & Warnings
Brainstorm ideas with your peers before digging in to write.
Watch examples of the most successful British sitcom program genres so you know what works, what inspires, what turns you off and what's been done before.
Tally your laugh quota; a sitcom can generate up to 120 laughs.
Sign up to review other screenplay writers' work on virtual community screenplay Web sites.
