Screenwriting : Michael Pedrana by Michael Pedrana

Hi. My dream also is to write a sitcom. I've read multiple books about it, and one major thing it seemed was that they said to go to where they make sitcoms and meet people in the business. In America, that's a portion of Los Angeles, mostly in the West Hollywood. I don't know where the equivalent place would be in Australia. If you look up where the studios are in Australia, it would likely be around that area that you would be able to find someone in the business. Sorry, but I'm probably not much more help than that. I hope you have success in following your dream!

Thanks Hunter. Really appreciate your time and best wishes. Can you recommend me a book or two please? Thanks

Definitely check out Elephant Bucks by Sheldon Bull

Hi Michael, What kind of sitcom do you have in mind? The type of sitcom will help you identify which market to concentrate on. As you know, we do make sitcoms in Australia, very badly, because there's too much focus on writing jokes and not enough time on character development. Exceptions at the moment are Wilfred and Mother and Son. A great book to get yourself running is The TV Writer's Workbook, by Ellen Sandler. Ellen helped create and wrote several sitcoms such as Everybody Loves Raymond, and her books and courses are frank and to the point about what works. You can read more about Ellen Sandler and her book here http://www.sandlerink.com. Hope that helps.

The sitcom is TV based about a construction site and the multi-cultural contractors that interact within that site. We depict the cultures for their characteristics but often end with a combination of Australian camaraderie and multi-cultural morality. I have been fortunate to be given a few books to study. Any advice is very welcome. Thanks Justin

Most sitcoms are based around a central character and a very clear 'story engine'. The story engine is where all the stories for episodes is generated from. ie: My Name Is Earl - The central character is Earl Hickey and his karma list is the story engine. A good story engine can easily see where the conflict and situations are going to arise for at least 100 episodes or more. Everyone Loves Raymond, the central character is Ray and the story engine is, he's married with kids and lives right across the street from his interfering parents. You instantly see countless situations and conflicts stemming from this clearly defined story engine. Important things to consider for your own sitcom.

Thanks...whats your take on numerous characters...workable?

all shows have numerous characters, but you do need one lead.