Sitcoms Goal Identify the characteristics of a successful

Sitcoms

Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.

So what is a Sitcom? • Situation • Comedy Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.

Sitcoms Sitcom, is a genre of comedy that features: recurring characters common environment jokes as part of the dialogue A situation comedy may be recorded before a live studio audience. Another frequent feature is the use of a laugher track. Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.

The filming of Friends in front of a live studio audience. Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.

TASK: How many Sitcoms can you identify? Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.

‘Last of the Summer Wine’ was the world’s longest running sitcom in television history. It ran for over 40 years until its last episode in 2010. Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.

Modern Sitcoms Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.

So, what ingredients do we need to make a successful sitcom? Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.

The Title The title must tell you something and about the comedy. Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.

Storylines and Ongoing Characters Essentially Sitcoms are comedic dramas. The situation is usually that of a family, workplace, or a group of friends through comedic sequences. Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.

The Slap Bet Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.

Jokes and Funny Situations There are other two-dimensional characters that feed the ongoing characters with jokes and funny situations. Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.

Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.

Two Dimensional Characters Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.

Catchphrases With their reliance on familiarity, sitcoms are the perfect breeding ground for catchphrases. If a character can be defined by one or two memorable lines, then it’s easy to introduce that person to new viewers each week. Catchphrases can be crutches, then, but they can also be funny or memorable, or at least take on a life of their own. Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.

TASK: How many catchphrases can you identify and which characters do they belong to? Goal– Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.

Video Clip: Friends Joey’s Catchphrase Compilation. Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.

Reoccurring Locations Usually Sitcoms are limited to a maximum of 3 main locations that are instantly identifiable to the audience. Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.

A Strange Reality Sitcoms are not naturalistic but more of a strange reality. Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.

Characteristics of a Successful Sitcom • • The Title. Storylines and ongoing characters. Jokes and funny situations. Two dimensional characters. Catchphrases. Reoccurring locations. Not naturalistic but a strange reality. Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.

Dear Sir/Madam, You are invited to attend a meeting with myself and the NBC’s Head of Comedy at Broadcasting House in New York. You will be required to present a pitch which outlines in detail your own sitcom. Ideas that take into account all of the characteristics of successful sitcoms will have a greater advantage in being commissioned. I look forward to our meeting. Kind regards

TASK: Create a pitch for your own sitcom considering all the characteristics of a successful situation comedy.

Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom. CREATIVE THINKERS – Generate ideas and explore possibilities.

Goal – Identify the characteristics of a successful sitcom.