case study
broadcast-quality studio sitcom on a shoestring budget
The art of studio sitcom writing is dying out in the UK because high production costs are blocking commissions.
But what if there was a way to slash costs by up to two thirds? On this unique project, two studio sitcom aficionados combined to prove you could do just that.​
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Let me tell you how.
falling flat sitcom
this classic studio sitcom follows the struggles of a miss-matched mother and daughter trapped together in a junk-filled flat
about the show
Battle-axe Jackie has her heart set on becoming a dark-web super-seller, while dowdy daughter Helen is desperate to live the glamourous life she’s read about in the Lidl catalogue. But no matter how hard they try, their plans always fall flat.
promotional trailer
This female-led sitcom began life as a short script entered into national the comedy writing competition Sitcom Trials.
It was performed at the Midlands Art Centre in the first round of the competition, and although it didn't win, it was warmly received by the audience.
roots
A few years later, it got a second chance when a group of writers began a script-reading round-table. Among the group was producer/director Karl Rooney, who saw its potential and snapped it up.​
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Here's why...
production
Karl produced the pilot of Falling Flat for three key reasons.
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To showcase a commission-ready sitcom.
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To highlight a female-led cast.
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To prove that studio sitcoms don't need a massive budget.
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The third point is particularly important. Studio sitcoms are expensive to produce, making them unpopular with commissioners, but this project proved that costs can be cut by over two thirds.
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Let me tell you how.
secret sauce
this proof-of-concept pilot is a broadcast-ready studio sitcom yet had a shoestring budget
How do you do that?
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Instead of a huge studio with loads of crew, we filmed in a small studio with a streamlined crew and set. There was also no audience present for the taping, reducing costs and releasing the pressure of production time constraints.
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You might think filming without an audience would necessitate the introduction of canned laughter, but that's not how we roll.
After the episode had been edited, Karl arranged a screening at the Riverside Studios in London. Before the audience arrived, the theatre was rigged with mics to capture a genuine reaction to the show.
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As expected, Falling Flat was a big hit and the laughs lasted long into the night. As a result, every laugh you hear in the finished pilot was eared the hard way.
Ready to watch the finished pilot?
peter etherington
writer
director
karl rooney
Karl is a producer and director. As a director, in addition to several episodes of the hit BBC sitcom Citizen Khan, he has overseen hundreds of live sports broadcasts. As a producer, he takes on projects that have huge potential.
More about Karl An encyclopaedia of comedy, Karl has worked behind the camera on some of the most popular sitcoms of the modern era, including Mrs Browns Boys and Not Going Out. As a producer, he has overseen numerous productions, including the madcap comedy show Quiz Night, and the studio sitcom pilots of Vines and Falling Flat.
My interest in script writing began at university, where a sitcom pilot I wrote achieved first class honours. Since then, I've written numerous pilot scripts, two of which have been professionally produced.
More about Peter I was inspired to write sitcom by multi-camera greats like Frasier and Steptoe & Son, but I also enjoy writing sharp material for modern single camera shows. Achievements: + Mini-sitcom 'Cast' wins audience vote in So You Think You Write Funny at the Edinburgh Fringe. + 'Cast' performed at industry showcase at the Soho Theatre. + Script for 'Vines' in BBC Writers' Room final round. + Studio sitcom pilot 'Vines' filmed at ITV Studios. + Studio sitcom pilot 'Falling Flat' produced.
