Newsjack Off!
So about eight or nine weeks ago as my introduction to improv course was drawing to a close, I made the decision that I would stop procrasinating and try my hand at writing sketch comedy.
Earlier in the year (February), I happened across a Writing Opportunity on the BBC Writer's Room website. It was for a Radio Sketch Series entitled Newsjack, a satirical look at topical events in the UK and around the globe.
In the past I had only attempted sketches sporadically, and had never actually got as far as an ending I liked. By the time I saw the announcement on the site, there was four weeks left in the current series. I gave it a go. Half-heartedly, admittedly. I think that I attempted about three sketches over the remainder of the series. But, as usual with my writing, one of three things happened: I never finished it, it went way over the recommended length, or it just didn't have any funny lines in it. On at least two occassions, a combination of all three. The third did have some funny stuff in, but I probably just subconsciously stole that from Keith Chegwin. So the tale ends with me not submitting anything that series.
Flash forward a couple of months (though not in the US TV Series style, because I haven't been cancelled yet, despite the desires of several people and my constant low ratings) and I found myself at the Manchester Comedy Store for the Improv course, having just finished Script Frenzy (something else script related that never gets finished - Sorry, "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore", you're time may come yet, honest!) and I was surrounded by people who liked comedy like I did, but weren't as crap at improv as I turned out to be.
While waiting for the class to begin one day, a few of us started talking with the Comedy Sportz UK head honcho about sketch comedy, Saturday Night Live, Second City, and a few other shows. This discussion was sparked because like the sketch comedy poser that I am, I was reading "The Second City Unscripted: Revolution and Revelation at the World-Famous Comedy Theater". What can I say, I like attention, and I gained a few friends out of it, so it paid off in the end. Anyway, the Head Honcho informed us that she was thinking of doing a sketch writing course. I immediately signed up, thinking that this could be the kick in the pants I needed to see my writing things through.
At the same time, I saw on the BBC Writer's Room that Series 3 of Newsjack would begin broadcasting on Thursday 17th June 2010 for six weeks, until 22nd July 2010. I resolved that this would be the series of Newsjack that I would actually submit something to the show. It would also give me an opportunity to get a little better and not embarrass myself in front of people I would actually meet and get feedback from.
For the first show, I managed to write a sketch and a few one lines and a couple of corrections (see the Newsjack page for an explanation of what they are). They didn't get picked for the show.
For the second show, I managed to write two sketches, and a few one lines. They didn't get picked for the show.
For the third show, I managed to write two sketches, a few one lines and some corrections. They didn't get picked for the show.
For the fourth show, I managed to write three sketches, a few one lines and some corrections. They didn't get picked for the show.
For the fifth show, I struggled to write a sketch (but I did it), a few one lines and some corrections. They didn't get picked for the show.
For the sixth and final show (this past week), I resolved to go all out and really give it my best. If this part of my life were to be made into a movie, this is where the "training" montage would kick in.
I wrote 2, in my own opinion, great sketches, 10 one liners and a couple of corrections.
I emailed them in and nervously waited for the deadline.
And waited.
And...
They didn't get on.
"Boo! Hiss! He's behind you!" I hear you cry.
Okay, so while I haven't become a professional writer in this past six weeks, I have learned a few valuable lessons:
Firstly, I have learned to finish a sketch. Yay! A big acheivement for me.
Secondly, I have submitted material to someone. And not just someone, to the BBC! At least I'll be able to tell someone's kids about it one day, even if they do say "What's the BBC? And why aren't you wearing any pants?"
Thirdly, I have developed a thicker skin with regards to rejection. I got rejected six weeks in a row. Okay, so the rejection wasn't complete rejection, because I never actually heard back from the BBC. I could be a laughing stock within the BBC, but I won't know about it. As it says on the Newsjack site:
It is a showcase for new comedy writing so anyone can submit material. We accept sketches and short jokes every week of the six week run. The best submissions will make it into the 28 minute show. All submissions will be read but sadly, due to the overwhelming number of entries, we do not have time to give feedback to most people.
With that in mind, I can now say that I am now one of the many rather than one of the few. So, at least I have Spock in my corner, when it comes to this sort of thing.
Fourthly, despite being rejected, I feel that I am gaining momentum with my writing. I say momentum, because for this past six weeks I have been writing regularly. After submissions closed for the final show, and while I was waiting to hear back from the producers (I've always wanted to say that: "Oh, I'm just waiting for feedback from the producer"), I decided to start writing a short story that I will enter into a competition. After all, what's the worst they're going to do? That's right, say no and ridicule my penis.
On top of all that, I feel that I haven't let my brain turn to mush since the end of the improv course. This blog post alone is over 1000 words and I have that Sketch Writing Workshop starting on 31st July 2010.
Hopefully, I will be a sketch genius after this course.
So look out, BBC!
Look out, Newsjack!
I'm going to be writing for Series 4...
...And this time, it's personal!
