THE PENSIONERS (Sketch)
Posted: 21 July 2006
Word Count: 229
|
Font Size
|
|
THE PENSIONERS
by Martin Baum
THE CAMERA FOLLOWS AN ELDERLY LADY (MABEL) WALKING WITH THE AID OF A WALKING STICK ALONG A SUBURBAN ROAD. COMING TOWARDS HER, ALSO WITH A STICK, IS ANOTHER ELDERLY LADY (RUBY).
FINALLY THEY MEET AND FACE EACH OTHER BUT NEITHER WILL GIVE WAY. THEY SQUARE UP TO EACH OTHER AND AN OMINOUS STAND-OFF ENSUES.
FINALLY MABEL TRIES TO FORCEFULLY BARGE PAST BUT RICOCHETS OFF RUBY AND AWKWARDLY TUMBLES TO THE PAVEMENT. CAMERA SHOT OF MABEL SPRAWLED ON THE GROUND IN EXCRUCIATING PAIN.
CAMERA SHOT OF RUBY LOOKING DOWN ON MABEL. SHE SMILES A SMILE OF SMUG SUPERIORITY BEFORE STEPPING OVER MABEL AND WALKING AWAY IN A VERY ARROGANT MANNER. THE CAMERA FOLLOWS HER.
MABEL
(OFF CAMERA) - WAIT!
THE CAMERA FOCUSES ON RUBY AS SHE LOOKS ROUND AND SEES THAT MABEL IS NOW ON HER FEET, BRANDISHING HER WALKING STICK LIKE A SWORD. CUT TO RUBY APPEARING VERY WARY.
MABEL
En guarde, BITCH!
THERE IS A PAUSE BEFORE RUBY RAISES HER STICK AND ADOPTS THE POSTION. THE TWO PENSIONERS ARE NOW IN FENCING MODE AS THEY APPEAR TO BE USING THEIR WALKING STICKS LIKE EPEES. WITH ALMOST BLINKERED CONCENTRATION, THEY SLOWLY CIRCLE EACH OTHER AS THEY TRY TO PSYCH EACH OTHER OUT. SUDDENLY MABEL LUNGES AND THE PENSIONERS ARE DUEL FOR ALL THEIR WORTH AND SO THE DUEL BEGINS UNTIL THE BLOODY END.
(END)
|
Comments by other Members
| |
 syorkslad26 at 12:31 on 21 July 2006
 Report this post
|
Hi Baumski,
Very funny. Just one question, is this a small part of something a bigger picture? I'd like to think it was. I can imagine an army of old age pensioners marching over a hill; bo-focal lenses, walking sticks, zimmer frames and such. A bus trip to Brighton could turn into a violent and bloody battle. "I fart in your general direction". "Runaway - slowly!". Enjoyed this!
syorkslad26
<Added>
I'm really going to have to stop having this friday afternoon p$@s ups. Sorry. The question is; is this a small part of a much bigger picture? Oops.
<Added>
Bugger me! I must be dis - des - dys. I must be stupid. Forgive me. It's been a long day and it's only 2 in the afternoon.
| |
RichW at 13:27 on 21 July 2006
Report this post
|
Hi Baumski,
"En guarde BITCH" - inspired stuff. I laughed so hard a bit of wee came out.
Cheers
Rich
| |
baumski at 14:12 on 21 July 2006
Report this post
|
Guys. guys,
I thank you for your comments and so much kinder than the one's that come at me here at home. Actually,26, this sketch isn’t part of anything but I've been thinking.
If anyone else is up for it, maybe this could be an interesting group collaboration loosely based on ‘The Young Ones’ called – as if you haven’t already guessed – ‘The Old Ones’.
As far as I’ve been able to gauge we’re all – now how shall I put it – an incredibly talented bunch of writers, and how good it would be to put something together for a major pitch.
Your thoughts and a general posting if anyone else thinks this idea has potential please.
Baumski
| |
syorkslad26 at 14:35 on 21 July 2006
Report this post
|
Hi Baumski,
I'm certainly up for it. I can see this quaint, picturesque village with all these bickering old pensioners in it. But the problem is everyone's writing stuff about a quiant, picturesque, little old village with a hidden secret nowadays (For example, "Hot Fuzz", the remake of "The Wicker Man", midsomer murders - shall I continue?) So maybe I should scrap that idea. But I do like the idea of marauding pensioners acting like teenagers; wearing baseball caps, bling, going yo-yo-yo all the time. And that all important trip to Brighton; the pensioner capital of England. In the words of Jonny Number 5, "Need input". What do you guys think?
syorkslad26
<Added>
Actually, I started a film script a while ago about retired greek gods hiding out in a suburban village. Lots of adultery, incest, and white picket fences. Plenty of backstory to chew on. What do you think?
| |
RichW at 21:07 on 21 July 2006
Report this post
|
Hi Fellas,
Sounds good, Syorkslad. I had a similar idea but with super heroes living together and twisting all their characters around - Superman being a really amoral, womanising, alcoholic and Spiderman scared of spiders etc.
In general though Baumski I'm up for having a go at putting something together so let's kick some ideas around.
Rich
| |
syorkslad26 at 08:14 on 22 July 2006
Report this post
|
Hi all,
I like the idea of a combined group project. So, I put it to you then Baumski because you suggested the project; why don't we create a character / couple / family each - write their backstory / a couple of scenes for them and then put the stuff together and see what we've got. See if any of it is compatible. What do you think Baumski? Just an idea. Let us know.
syorkslad26
<P.S.> Superb suggestion by the way.
| |
baumski at 09:58 on 22 July 2006
Report this post
|
Way-hey-hey,
This could actually turn out to be an interesting project. And just adding to what 26 has suggested, I reckon what has to be done is to come up with a format that is acceptable to all and as we all have brillaint and creative minds, I think the first step is for each of us to come up with an outline and then throw it into the mix until we find one that suits all. Let's face it, if it doesn't fire our imagination then it's going to be as funny as 'Greenwing'.
An idea that catches my imagination is to have a community of aging yobs and hoodies - ASBO pensioners if you like. It could be put together by way of sitcom or perhaps a series of linking sketches - again, a bit like ‘Greenwing’ but this time with laughs.
It could also be musical too. I've writen a small number of chav songs for the fringe including 'All Us Chavs Are Made Like This', 'If I had An ASBO' and 'Any Chav Will Do'. To me, comedy songs always seem to add something extra. Just think 'Smack The Pony' and 'French and Saunders' for example. The website is:
www.baumskifilks.com
In the meantime, I think one of us should to go to the beach – say, in about an hour or so just as soon as the sarnies are ready - and give this idea further consideration. They say there could be showers later today but trust me people, I have a beach hut and I’ll be damned if I let a spot of rain put a damper on this idea.
Baumski
| |
bjlangley at 15:44 on 23 July 2006
Report this post
|
Hi baumski, nice sketch, and like syorkslad I think it could work as part of something bigger.
I too would like to contribute to a group piece, but I'm in work limbo at the moment, possibly about to move to shift-work, which would give me far more writing time. Should know pretty soon if that's a go or a no go.
All the best,
Ben
| |
baumski at 21:41 on 23 July 2006
Report this post
|
Ben,
I’m pleased – really – that you’re going to be part of this comedy ‘happening’. As far as I can see, this project has no time constraint so please don’t worry about it because allowing for it to evolve, the whole process could be a slow burner, so to speak.
Not too sure where to go from here other than to get an outline from everyone who wants to be involved. After that, see who wants to coordinate but obviously this isn’t as easy as it sounds and will require total commitment.
As all those involved so far who will be reading this – hello everyone – I’m not automatically looking to take control so I guess I’m taking a more pragmatic approach for the moment.
But for now, good to have you alongside the rest of the lads.
Baumski
| |
syorkslad26 at 12:31 on 24 July 2006
Report this post
|
Baumski,
Just a suggestion. Why don't you start a new thread so that you can inform people in the group about your proposal, and see if it generates any more interest. Up to you?
syorkslad26
| |
baumski at 10:57 on 25 July 2006
Report this post
|
26,
Actually, this is something that I’ve already thought about and the mind blowing consequences of throwing this project over to a group of writers en mass. I know large writing pools work well for the American’s so bearing that in mind it could actually work for us. On the other hand though, do YOU fancy harnessing and coordinating a mass group of scribes? I don’t mind putting it out there but I ain’t doing it alone, thank you very much.
Baumski
| |
syorkslad26 at 11:42 on 25 July 2006
Report this post
|
Baumski,
Lol. Not sure on that one. Don't want to take control (although working alongside you would be great!). It'd certainly be interesting. Everyone would have different ideas, and that's probably where the problem lies.
syorkslad26
<Added>
working alongside some of the great talent on here would be great also.
| |
RichW at 11:51 on 25 July 2006
Report this post
|
Baumski,
I think you're spot on there. A team of writers all sat round a table throwing ideas about is one thing, but doing it remotely over the internet may be too big a logistical challenge.
The only way I can see it working effectively is by breaking down into smaller writing teams, each team working on a particular sketch or scene and then bringing all these bits together to see how they fit - it worked for the Pythons anyway!
Rich
| |
baumski at 10:42 on 26 July 2006
Report this post
|
OK, OK, I don’t mind keeping an eye on proceedings by coordinating and taking in all praise and/or criticisms for doing such a brilliant/lousy job. And so in my capacity as chief fascist bully boy Nazi bastard script coordinator, what I require is a script outline from everyone who wants to be involved. You know who you are and I won’t embarrass anyone by naming Ben, Rich and 26. By the way, there’s no time limit on those outlines but obviously we’re not going to be able to move forward until they’re all in.
Also I think Phil, as a keen correspondent to the group, should be let in on our little secret. So if everyone agrees can somebody email him and let him know what’s going on. I could do it but it’s just sheer bloody laziness on my part I’m afraid.
Finally, 26, I thank you for your kind offer of assistance in this new adventure and I gratefully accept (perhaps you can email Phil). But I would also like to add that If at any time anyone is unhappy about how I am doing things then that’s alright - and if Ben wants to stage another coop that’s alright too.
And now it’s time to once again hit the beach hut.
Baumski
| |
Philip Marston at 08:08 on 27 July 2006
Report this post
|
Hi all,
I just picked up this thread. I've been somewhat cut off given the fact my main computer was stolen recently. (This might explain my current decapitation fantasies).
Yes, a group project would be a good idea. Lets just see what comes out of it.
I understand the first step is to come up with some character(s)plus background and a couple of scenes. I do not know too much about the structure of sketch writing, but I can try and and generate some ideas. I am assuming the setting is open ended to start with. Let me know if not.
thanks,
Phil
| |
baumski at 10:30 on 07 August 2006
Report this post
|
Salutations,
My sincere apologies for keeping in touch with myself instead of everyone else – hang on, I think that was a Carry On moment! Anyway, and if anyone is still in any doubt how to kick off this pensioner project sketch related programme idea (hereon in to be referred to as ‘The Pensioner Project Sketch Related Programme’) then may I refer you all to brother Phil, and I quote:
“The first step is to come up with some character(s) plus background and a couple of scenes.”
As far as the scenes bit go, I reckon a simple outline will do and then build from there. Although it would be just peachy to go hell for leather, and judging by the response to the latest competition - by the way, my conscience is clear as I have already submitted a very lame sketch - I don’t think things will start moving until the Autumn at the earliest.
As for me, well, I’m more than happy to keep this thing – sorry, I mean The Pensioner Project Sketch Related Programme’ zipping along, but I won’t do it by myself as it’s my time of the month for being bloody difficult.
Anyway, as I’m off to write some David Cameron stuff (sorry if that offends but I’m a satirist, it’s what I do and besides, I’m only following orders), I’ll throw it over to rest of you guys and look forward (maybe) to getting ‘The Pensioners project’ underway in the not too distant future.
Baumski
| |
Mike Millard at 10:30 on 09 August 2006
Report this post
|
Hi All,
I am a new boy, well, I am neither new, or a boy any longer but you know what I mean and I would like to be considered for the TPPSRP. I do't know if I am any good but I can make tea.......
By way of a background story, have you considered the conspiracy angle? Ageism is rife, how are the OAPs fighting back. Guerilla warfare that's how!
How many times have you been held up by an old person in a shop/on the road etc?
Do you think that this is happening by chance? Of course not, it is part of a wider movement, they have a plan.................
Mike
| |
|
|
syorkslad26 at 11:43 on 09 August 2006
Report this post
|
I like that. I can imagine this old granny sit in a comfy chair knitting her own balaklava so that she can hold up the local pharmacy for some cough syrup. It's addictive stuff you know!
syorkslad26
| |
syorkslad26 at 11:49 on 09 August 2006
Report this post
|
I quite liked the idea of a nursing home. The nurses think they have control, but all the while it's being controlled by the pensioners, almost gangster style - a head honcho, almost like Mr. Bridger in The Italian Job for instance. Everyone has secret vendetta's and grudges against each other.
syorkslad26
<Added>
A crime ring, based at a nursing home. A family smuggling in a cake in an effort to break out their parents / grandparents. Nah, that would never work. I think we all know that it would be quite the reverse, they'd be stealing the file off them to keep them in.
| |
Mike Millard at 12:45 on 09 August 2006
Report this post
|
I don't like to make comparisons but I was thinking more along the lines of Reggie Perrin/Fairly Secret Army meets 'allo 'allo rather than having a rigid structure of say, a nursing home
These people are underground warriors, they meet clandestinely, they have objectives, for example why on earth do you think Top of The Pops was axed?
They engineered it, they blackmailed the BBC Controller with pictures of him making love to Anne Robinson (yes, she is an age terrorist too.......)
And what was it replaced with? Gardeners World, that's what! Who owns Gardeners World's Production company? Anne Robinson's boyfriend, that's who.......
I tell you, the conspiracy is out there............
Cue music...............
| |
baumski at 12:22 on 15 August 2006
Report this post
|
The Pensioner Project Sketch Related Programme Update’
First off, I’m pleased that the ‘Project’ is still breathing – not that I doubted it would ever be any other way of course. Secondly, a big welcome to Mike – HELLO MIKE!! And thirdly, people, I can sense a happening and I’ll let you all draw your own conclusion on that.
Anyway, I like the suggestions so far from those that have already thrown their quills into the ring and for those who are yet to contribute, the deadline is going to be by the end of September.
From there my intention will be to sift through the ideas and come up with something which I will then throw out to the P P S R P collective. Although not strictly a script edit, I’m afraid it’ll have to do for now.
So guys, please make those outlines as detailed as you can and obviously I would like everyone to be involved and in case anyone needs reminding, those writers are:
26
Rich
Ben
Philip
Mike
I’m off for a fortnights RnR in a couple of days so until we next meet, let the creative juices flow and hey, hey, hey - let’s be careful out there.
Baumski
| |
syorkslad26 at 14:16 on 15 August 2006
Report this post
|
Hi Baumski,
Yep. We're keeping the dream alive! I for one will be submitting as much stuff as my little noggin' can muster, which probably means not much! Lol. Forgive my amatuerism (I'm just learning you see!) but what are you looking for when you want an outline?
Anyway, while I'm here I might aswell suggest another quick idea. How about a neighbourhood watch group of pensioner vigilantes? Apparently timid little old ladies with black belts in martial arts and bandana's.
syorkslad26
<Added>
Incidentally, can someone give Phil a nudge and wake him up.
<Added>
And by the way, before I forget - have a good holiday mate.
| |
syorkslad26 at 10:18 on 16 August 2006
Report this post
|
Hi all,
Ok. First question. Are we going to do this in a series of interconnected sketches, say like Little Britian or The League of Gentlemen, or are we going to do it with a (loose?) story and a plot arc, say like pheonix nights or Ideal?
syorkslad26
| |
baumski at 10:27 on 16 August 2006
Report this post
|
In answer to 26’s question about outlines, all that entails is coming up with something descriptive in the same way, say, as you would find on the flyleaf of a book. In other words, a brief overview of the characters and plot. Basically treat it as if you were making a pitch because at this stage it’s the plot and not the detail that counts.
Brevity is the key so when I (hopefully) get all the outlines I can then thread them together for everyone else to comment on and tear to shreds – artistically speaking of course – and wait for feedback.
Should we get that far, the next stage would be to actually write a half hour script for tv or radio. Don’t worry about adding sound effects or location shots as the next, next stage (for this project at least), would be to link up all the sketches into a first draft.
I don’t know if this will actually go the distance but I reckon it’s going to be fun trying.
Baumski
| |
baumski at 10:35 on 16 August 2006
Report this post
|
Sorry 26, but your question came in just as I was posting my answer to your last one.
I hope what I wrote makes sense and of course – and I’ve only just thought of this, mind – there’s nothing to stop anyone talking or emailing each other even at this early stage.
Right, I’ve got an MP3 to load, a suitcase to pack and a plane to catch so please treat this as your postcard in lieu.
Baumski
| |
syorkslad26 at 10:38 on 16 August 2006
Report this post
|
Hi Baumski,
Ok. I'll come up with a synopsis for now. Maybe write one or two sketches aswell and see if a can branch / develop anything from it. Should be fun.
syorkslad26
<P.S.> Once again Baumski, have a good holiday.
| |
baumski at 10:47 on 16 August 2006
Report this post
|
26,
Don't hold up the competion on account of the 'project' and to give everybody time we'll take it to the end of September. And now I'm outta here!
Adios amigos
Baumski
| |
RichW at 11:57 on 29 August 2006
Report this post
|
Hi All,
Firstly, I'd like to apologise for not contributing much of anything recently - been extremely busy etc. However, for what it's worth, these are my thoughts on the whole subject.
On the downside, I do have reservations that the idea isn't strong enough to stand up to a full sit-com on it's own and it really lends itself to being an on-running sketch in a sketch based show. Baumski's original sketch was great but it's hard to see anything else those two characters could do (a bit like the fighting dogs from Trigger Happy). Monty Python did a similar sketch based on Hells Grannies which was great as a stand-alone but didn't progress any further.
For it to work, I think that it would have to be a more League of Gentleman style, open-ended show, which would allow a contrasting set of characters to develop and be a more "role reversal" situation i.e. old and young swapping roles, attitudes and situations. Also, I feel it is a visually oriented project and lends itself to TV rather than radio.
Sorry if that's all a bit negative but it's worth discussing.
All the best
Rich
| |
syorkslad26 at 14:47 on 30 August 2006
Report this post
|
Rich,
Nope. I totally agree, although I thought we'd already ascertained that it would be more aimed towards TV than radio anyway. Oh well. Anyway, I completely agree with the concept of a progressing That's why my suggestion was a nursing home. You could have single threads (i.e., travelling between characters rooms / stories so you get snippets at a time in handy sketch type pieces). For instance, I picture a scene where two of the old age pensioner's (female may I stress) start cat fighting maybe over a man / bingo... (Whatever, I haven't quite worked it out yet!) having to put their teeth in to bite each other, pulling hair only to find that their rival is sporting a wig, that kind of thing. Had an idea that in the background, during the Kaffuffle, there is a sweet innocent little old lady sat quietly knitting, oblivoius - only to find out later that she's created her own balaclava to rob the local pharmacy (For Benilin cough medicine and a packet of Werther's Orginals to be exact). A simple lead on from one scene to another, is that what you're getting at? Let me know what you think.
syorkslad26
<Added>
bugger, after progressing there should be 'arc' or 'series'. You choose, whichever sounds better.
| |
RichW at 09:43 on 31 August 2006
Report this post
|
Syorkslad,
Yes, that seems more feasible. The two old ladies can fight over a different thing each time - bingo, old man, mixing up false teeth etc. I like the subtle linking together of the sketches as well.
I do think it needs an overall underlying theme though to give it all some structure e.g. the impending demolition of the nursing home, so all the protagonists have a common goal or aim - whether it be to help them blow it up or save it or a mixture of both even!
What do you think?
Rich
| |
Philip Marston at 11:02 on 31 August 2006
Report this post
|
Hi,
I have thought about this a little.
Pensioner revolutionaries – throw back to the sixties – they never evolved. Possible characters - female Hippy, a male hells angel, a radical feminist and male (French?) “intellectual”. They are constantly squabbling between themselves and with others. Maybe They live/lived in a squat that the council have been trying to evict them from for 40 years.
They are still attempting to rebel against society. For example they will get involved in a bit of animal liberation. They will also try some direct action based on campaigns that we, and perhaps even they, have long since forgotten – meat is murder, burning bras, boycott Barclays bank, anti South African rugby etc etc. Maybe they have a underground magazine.
All attempts at revolution fail of course in comic/heroic disaster. However, they are never totally defeated and should still be in some way inspiring to the audience.
They come up against the apathy of today’s youth, the contempt of middle aged money obsessed workers, and the disdain of other pensioners.
Phil
| |
RichW at 11:58 on 31 August 2006
Report this post
|
Hi Phil,
I appreciate where you're coming from, but you've just perfectly described the Young Ones as pensioners (Hippy Neil, Hells Angel Vivyan, Feminist Rick, Intellectual Mike).
The reason the Young Ones worked is that, although the characters were extreme, young people and students could directly relate to them as it was written by people not much older than the characters and was the first sit-com to be specifically aimed at that age-group and deliberately stuck two fingers up to the main stream "Good Life" type sit-coms of the time. I don't see anyone relating to the same characters as pensioners. In fact, the danger of the whole pensioner theme is that it turns into a "young people taking the piss out of old people" exercise which would just alienate a whole section of the potential audience.
The original sketch of the two old ladies fighting was an innocent, slightly surreal, satire of two knights fighting which worked well and I feel we should be using that style or format.
On the other hand maybe I'm just over-analysing it all and need to get out more!
Rich
| |
syorkslad26 at 12:10 on 31 August 2006
Report this post
|
Rich,
Hmm, I like the idea behind the nursing home being threatened in some way. It would mean that the nurses would realise that they need the help of the pensioners to save their jobs. Nurses reporting to Mr. Big to do errands for him (as said previously, like the coppers in The Italian Job - Mr. Bridger type character who has his own toilet and commands respect). And that would kind of add to why the pensioners are turning to crime - to collect enough money to save their homes. I like that idea. Although I do like the revolutionary idea aswell, saying that though one of the charcters could be a revolutionary with that exact idea of blowing up the nursing home to collect on the insurance. I'll have another think about it.
syorkslad26
<Added>
Multiple failed attempts at demolition (think the old woman murder scene in "A Fish Called Wanda")
<Added>
I had the idea to start it off with a couple of teenage mother's passing the nursing home and seeing this bloke in the window. In fact, let me download you a snippet so far. This is how I see it starting;
{quote]
SCENE 1. EXT. NURSING HOME.
Two single mothers (Early twenties say!), both pushing pushchairs past nursing home. Spot an old man in window, seemingly doddering, shaking badly.
YM#1
Innit a shame what they do to you when you get older? It’s all we’ve got to look forward to I suppose -
YM#2
Yeah I know. If I ever get like that, I hope our Britney here’ll put me out of me misery.
YM#1
Yeah. Me too.
They continue.
SCENE 2. INT. FLAT
Old man, writhing with a huge grin on his face. PAN TO – open doorway where a nurse enters and stops, shocked.
NURSE
Mister Chezlowski – what have I told you about playing with yourself? Think of your eyesight.
{/quote]
As you said Rich, I wanted it to appeal to a broad audience so why not take a poke at the youth of today aswell. It only seems right to me. Plenty of stuff there to choose from (And if you fancy something to base it off have a look at Amiria's latest effort entitled, "Your Local And Getting To Know The Species That Dwell Within" to give you a flavour).
syorkslad26
<Added>
BUGGER! You get what I mean.
<Added>
I'd like the pensioners to have a sense of fun taking the piss out of everyone around them, basically enjoying the life they have left. Because that's the whole reason why they've been put in there, to be out of the way.
| |
Mike Millard at 12:38 on 31 August 2006
Report this post
|
The problem with the nursing home idea is that the whole thing inevitably has to revolve around it and i think that would be restrictive. By having an underground movement as the hook the situation can change from episode to episode or even within an episode
You can have a few central characters and also introduce cameos to expand the plots, characters can weave in and out
I think we should come up with maybe 5 or 6 characters and consider what situations we place them in only after we have developed them into living, breathing humans
But then again, what do i know?...........
Mike
| |
Philip Marston at 08:29 on 02 September 2006
Report this post
|
A savage assassination of my characters there Rich. Deservedly so.
However, I do think there could be mileage in the underground/rebellion theme given the matterial and apathetic society of today. The question is how sympathetic the characters should be. I guess a turning the nursing home into an "activist training camp" might be a bit too much.
Phil
| |
RichW at 09:07 on 04 September 2006
Report this post
|
Phil,
Nothing personal mate - just trying to be constructive!
The apathy angle is a good idea and could be really played on - blatant things happening directly in front of people who don't notice because it was done by a pensioner etc.
Rich
| |
baumski at 12:13 on 04 September 2006
Report this post
|
Hi all,
Just to say that since I’ve come back off my break I have been astounded that the Pensioners project is still alive and kicking. Excellent. Anyway, first day back and all that so this is just to say that in between catching up with all my other stuff, I’ll spend time this week reading up what’s been bouncing around my ion box regarding the project and get back to you. Also, 26, and if the competition is still open, I’ll have something posted this week.
TTFN
Baumski
| |
syorkslad26 at 11:47 on 19 October 2006
Report this post
|
Hi all,
I wonder what happened to this. I happened upon an episode of 'Citizen Smith' the other day and it started making me think about the revolutionary approach. Is this going to lead anywhere?
syorkslad26
| |
baumski at 17:19 on 19 October 2006
Report this post
|
Hi all,
Feeling dead guilty for seemingly abandoning the project even before it’s begun, so my thanks to 26 for his due diligence. But now to make amends.
I reckon the village aspect does work. Admittedly there’s nothing original about the setting but I don’t think that in itself poses any particular problem. A lot of you came up with different scenarios but what became abundantly clear to me was that although - and as had already been touched upon by a number of the cooperative - it was heading into ‘Last Of The Summer Wine’ and ‘League Of gentlemen’ territory, I began to think why not make it into a pastiche. This sort of thing has worked to great effect in films like ‘Airplane’ and is still being done to great effect in programmes like ‘Family Guy’.
My preferred angle runs along ‘There’s Something About Mary’ where Jonathan Richmond musically linked different scenes together. As far as I’m aware, this has not been done on the small screen or radio. That doesn’t mean to say it hasn’t but if it has, I’ve yet to come across it.
This is my programme format proposal:
As initially suggested by 26, an ASBO village full of pensioners making life as miserable as hell for each other. People with nose bleeds because they keep getting into fights and so on and so forth. But beneath the surface there is an underclass of people with intelligence and a need to better themselves who are frowned upon by almost everybody else in the village.
They bond together to become a group of cultural freedom fighters in the village that, for the sake of debate, I shall call ‘Shell Suit Hell’.
But the real hero of the peace is a Clint Eastwood 'pensioner with no Burberry', character which would neatly bring in the guiter strumming man/woman linking the whole damn thing together with witty musical links.
Sure, it's ‘Bottom’, ‘The Old Gits’, ‘League Of Gentlemen’, ‘The Young Ones’ and even, perhaps, ‘The Twilight Zone’ and more all rolled into one - but what the hell. We can do anything because we're the writers and thats what we do!
Can it work? I don’t know but then again…..
Baumski
| |
syorkslad26 at 07:29 on 20 October 2006
Report this post
|
Baumski,
Wasn't meant to be a guilt trip. I apologise. I'd lost touch with it myself. I was merely making an enquiry that's all.
As for the format of the programme - sounds good to me. I'm a huge fan of 'Bottom', 'The Young Ones', and 'Family Guy'. A slapstick / innuendo filled comedy which is topical for current events; sounds like a great idea to me. So what's the next step, generate some charaters or some scenarios, maybe toy with some ideas and get back to you? The proverbial ball is in your court.
syorkslad26
<Added>
Add to it the harsh black humour of 'The League of Gentleman' and I think we may be on to a winner.
<Added>
What about if we each came up with a character / couple / family, and write their backstory? Then we could throw it into the middle for the group to have their say as a whole. What do you think - characters first or theme / scenario's?
syorkslad26
| |
baumski at 09:40 on 20 October 2006
Report this post
|
The next step is to see how many are going to be involved and until people make up their minds. Personally I'd be reluctant to plough on, disregarding those that wanted to be involved but for one reason or another didn’t, the lazy gits.
I would give EVERYONE involved reading this update the opportunity of a few weeks to get their backsides into gear. After that, we’ll be able to know who’s in, who’s out and who wants to be script editor without feeling the slightest bit guilty.
I reckon this can be a lot of fun but it’s also got to be taken seriously with a stronger commitment given by all of us, as opposed to the way we usually do things for the group competition, if you see what I mean.
And as for my own suggested programme format, I now think the man with no Burberry should now be more like Clint Eastwood by also being a man with no name by becoming - wait for it - the man with no 'designer' name.
TTFN
Baumski
| |
| |
Comments by other Members
