BUILDING A SITCOM: from Premise to Pilot
A fully immersive in-person 2-day sitcom writers room experience in Wood Green, London on Friday 11th Sept 2026 from 11am til 5pm; Saturday 12th Sept 2026 from 10am til 4pm.
The task is clear: what's going to be in the pilot script for our sitcom?
James Cary, a BBC sitcom writer with twenty five years of sitcom experience, will be leading the room in working together to come up with plots and ideas, and 'break the stories' into story beats and scenes. That's on Friday 11th from 11-5.
Then we will combine the right stories into a coherent pilot sitcom episode that 'sells' the show. That's Saturday 12th from 10 til 4.
You will be sent information about the sitcom we are discussing a couple of weeks ahead of time so you can generate some ideas for the show, along with some clear guidance on how to go about this - so we can make the best use of TWO DAYS together in person!
There will also be plenty of time for chat, career advice, Q&A and all that stuff.
No experience necessary, professional or otherwise.
The session will take place at St Cuthbert's Church on Wolves Lane, Wood Green in North London Travel details provided after booking. Accommodation not included.
(Only taking books for BOTH days. Single days may be available nearer the time.)
The aim of the experience is that you leave with:
a clear sense of how to go through this process for your own pilot sitcom script
practical skills in turning story ideas into plots that will work in your sitcom
experience of being part of a sitcom writers' room, pitching ideas, listening to others and building on their ideas
answers to your questions - big and small - about writing sitcoms
James Cary has worked on numerous sitcoms over the last twenty years for BBC TV including: Miranda, Bluestone 42, My Hero, My Family and Citizen Khan; and Think the Unthinkable, Hut 33 and The House of Milton Jones. James has also mentored and taught for BBC Writers' Room and National Film & Television School.
Tea and coffee will be available in the room - along with dougnuts. Bring your own lunch. Price of session includes VAT.