Mslexia

Mslexia, the magazine for women who write | www.mslexia.co.uk

Writer's tip

#11: WRITING A SITCOM

A staple on British TV screens, the humble sitcom is a genre constantly in demand but notoriously difficult to get right. Writers bubbling with fresh ideas who have that knack for making people laugh are highly sort-after – if you have talent, trying your hand at sitcom could turn out to be a wonderfully enjoyable way to test your comedy metal and get a foot in the Writing for TV door.

• Get to the heart of the story straight away. Don't linger on setting up the premise or telling the characters' life histories. Background information should be used when required to advance the story.
• Limit the number of main sets. Sitcoms are performed in front of a live studio audience so restrict yourself to no more than four interior sets. Exteriors sets should be used sparingly.
• Dialogue is crucial. A sitcom isn't just about characters delivering gags – good dialogue creates a rounded character, not a cliché.
• Don't forget structure. A sitcom format is usually limited to half an hour – or often less with advert breaks – and tends to work in two acts.