Pre-Production: Research into Co-Writing

As Becca and I will be writing the series together, we decided that it would be beneficial to research into how co-writers work together to get the best out of the experience. 

I have looked at BBC Writers Room on: writing a Sitcom and this is what I have found:
  • Sitcoms are created through the characters. They are the driving force of the story.
  • If our characters are right, their 'world will come attached'. 
  • Sitcoms are usually set over a short period of time, i.e. one day to avoid costume changes etc.
  • Each scene should be a mini drama in itself and progress the story further.
  • Its important for a Sitcom to have 'recognisably human' characters to allow your audience to relate. 
  • Create a storyline that will carry your scenes before you begin writing your script. 
  • The first 3-5 pages should set up the major storyline and subplot; and the last 3-5 pages should resolve the main plot/subplot.
By ensuring we follow all of these points, we should come out with a successful Sitcom.  Before we begin the writing process we will go deeper into our characters to ensure that we know them inside and out and they have their own voices that will drive their dialogue and humour. 

We have already established our storyline and plot for our pilot episode, however following the advice of the Writer's Room, we will embellish on what we have already and ensure that each section of the plot drives the story forward to achieve the end goal of the episode. 

Legally Speaking, It Depends: Co-Writers - Christopher Schiller

Out of the co-writing techniques above, I think the most beneficial one to use would be to divide the script into scenes and write those each, then combining them and writing them together so its sounds as though it was written by one voice.  I think that by doing this we will be able to give each other feedback and create the script the best way possible.  When we come to re-write the draft, it could be beneficial to swap scenes and rewrite what we think doesn't work to improve it, and avoid any attachment that we may have to a particular detail that we have written, if it doesn't work or drive the story forward. 

This will be how we go about co writing our sitcom successfully. 

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