Settle in to hear some tales of what it's like being on the writing staff for a long running TV sitcom as part of the writer's room. Robin talks about his time on BBC comedy My Family, including the nature of a writer's room and a show runner, the day to day process, the unwritten etiquette of how to pitch and contribute, and why these environments can be so important and we need more of them, especially in the UK. Enjoy the randomly placed musical bits as this was originally intended a...
It's time for some simple and complex thinking about the qualities of simplicity and complexity. These are qualities which many would consider desirable in a script, but some might think are negative. We'll consider how a mix of the two can create great scripts, and applying them to concepts, stories and characters can ensure depth and dimensions, but also clarity and comprehension. And it's a pretty short episode as it was the middle of a heatwave when Robin recorded it and he melted halfwa...
This episode, Robin talks about the process of conceptualising, writing and gearing up to perform a new one person play, 'The "How Are You?" Game'. (You may have heard him promote it on this show!) He discusses the origin of the idea from personal experiences, the challenges and doubts which cropped up as he wrote, and the steps a writer may take to progress a script from the page to the real world. It's a frank story of getting back to writing and theatre after some time away, and how it's a...
A slightly more traditional episode this week as we think about writing devices. What are the increasingly common tools writers use to subvert traditional, linear story telling? What can they contribute to a script? And how do we writers ensure they are being applied effectively? Also a rather frenzied appraisal of mockumentaries! If you want to get in touch with questions, comments, or enquiries about hiring Robin as your script editor then head here!
In this second part of Robin's recollections of his life as a writer he talks about his time writing for BBC sitcoms 'Two Pints of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps' and 'My Family'. This includes learning on the job, moving from a junior team member to a lead writer, as well his solo endeavours. He also describes the psychological toll of trying to make it and worrying that your moment has passed. But how this eventually led to new opportunities as a script editor and a podcaster. Plus some gene...