Differences between American and British sitcoms Essay Example

Differences between American and British sitcoms Essay Example Differences between American and British sitcoms Essay Differences between American and British sitcoms Essay A sitcom is a short comedy situated in 1 or 2 recognizable areas. The word sitcom originates from situation comedy. They are typically found on TV with a recurring format. The major conventions associated with sitcoms are: Frequent characters of an identifiable style or stereotype. The use of one or two settings that we the audience can be acquainted with, plus Episodes that are quite short lasting around 30 minutes with a main comic situation and a few sub plots. British sitcoms are typically shown on one of the five main terrestrial television channels. On the contrary a few are shown on BBC 3 and BBC 4, the main reason for this is to test out new sitcoms in order to get feedback from the audience on whether they like them or not. Individual sitcoms are only screened on one channel. The regular characters generate the comedy in unusual conditions or embarrassing coincidences, corresponding their specific character with relationships or circumstances. This usually leads to the characters getting themselves into an imperfect situation normally resolved by the end of the episode. Each character is often stereotyped with unusual goals or catch phrases that continue throughout the sitcom. Differences between American and British sitcoms From analysing American and British sitcoms I have noticed many differences between the pair. American sitcoms are usually set in high class, luxurious looking houses or apartments. They are crammed with attractive looking people and sets. Friends is a typical American sitcom, because the characters are glamorous, pleasant people who are eye-catching and quite exaggerated. The setting is unrealistic, as it is much too high priced for their level of socio economic status. By contrast British sitcoms focus on more realistic plots yet deal with issues which have more impact on the audience. Only fools and horses is a traditional British sitcom, because it uses typical working class characters that are sometimes not over dramatised, they are just normal people. The comedy is acted in an ideal setting which is a high rise council flat in Peckham. The setting is lifelike as the Trotters house reflects their social and financial position. Modern British sitcoms like the Office and Phoenix nights are more radical, they deal with controversial issues and taboo subjects that are not touched on in real life amongst comedy. For example redundancy, death or under aged pregnancy; they are sensitive and shouldnt really be joked about. Nonetheless sitcoms use them to get the highest value of comedy, in attempt to intrigue and sometimes astonish the audience. A brand new sitcom also uses this method to generate humour named little Britain. It was first experimented with on BBC 3 and can now be found on BBC 2, sketches would easily be seen as offensive in real life as they include subjects, such as racism and discrimination towards peoples weight. Practical Task Creating your own British sitcom. Synopsis for Whistle while you work. Whistle while you work is based around four main characters, three males named Daz, Bob and Dave and one female called Barbarella. The main setting is a local public house; however small selections of the screenings are set on a football field. Daz the young, outgoing sports enthusiast, Bob the eccentric nerd and Dave the noble entrepreneur all have one task and that is to impress the stunning barmaid Barbarella. Barbarella is vivacious, and is very supportive towards all three gentlemen; nevertheless a relationship with any of the men is not on her agenda. The comedy is generated from the fiasco caused by the three men, when attempting to impress Barbarella. Bobs irrelevant comments, and unsystematic outbursts contribute to the comedy. Also the over competitive dispute between the three men convey pleasure to the audience. Evaluation In my practical task I set out to achieve an incomparable idea for a potentially admired sitcom. It is about an attractive barmaid and 3 men that are central around a pub. They set out to impress the barmaid. It will appeal to people in the 20-30 age bracket and even some teenagers. My sitcom matches the rules and conventions of British sitcoms for the reason that it has four stereotypical, persistent characters that are situated in two acknowledgeable settings. Daz, Bob, Dave and Barbarella are normally shown in the pub or at a football match. In addition the episodes last for 30 minutes, along with the main comic situation being the three males determination to impress Barbarella. It is shown on one of the 5 terrestrial channels which is BBC 2. All of the characters are established and have a catchphrase. Their clothes and status match their job and limits. Therefore none of the characters are over exaggerated, or spend more than they earn. My sitcom appeals to the target audience, first of all it is set in a pub and most people in the 20-30 age range go out to enjoy them selves and spend time in pubs. It is also set on a football field and as a huge amount of the population adore football the sitcom will automatically become appealing. The characters will be engaging to my target audience since they are young attractive people that are outgoing and have a lot to express. They are funny and may be idolised by the public. At the same time you can associate them with normal everyday people. My sitcom will be shown on Channel 2 on Sunday evenings. It will start at around 9 0clock and last 30 minutes. I have chosen to show my sitcom at this time because there arent any sitcoms shown on Sundays at 9 oclock, therefore fans of sitcoms will watch it. Consequently it will be viewed extensively, because there are no similar programs shown to compete with it. These are the actors I have in mind to play the main characters roles in my sitcom. I think Zoe Lucker should play the barmaid Barbarella due to the fact that she is pretty, she has blond hair and her cunning acting skills will make Barbarella irresistible to the male charm. The public will recognise her from footballers wives. I think Jason from Coronation street should play Daz the trendy sports fanatic, because he looks like he is quite a fit person and he will be able act Dazs roll of slick talking and smooth moving. I have Matt Lucas in mind to play Bob the nerd, as his ability to take on lots of different roles in Little Britain shows you that he would do a great job of adapting this character and keep the audience amused throughout. I would like Will Smith to play Dave as his witty acting talent and look of ultimate importance will perceive Daves as being the intellectual entrepreneur he really is.