BUILDING A SITCOM: from Premise to Pilot
An immersive in-person writing day at MediaCity UK in Manchester on Saturday 11th April 2026 from 10.30am til 5pm.
The task for the day is clear: what's going to be in the pilot script for our sitcom?
James Cary, a BBC sitcom writer with twenty years of 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. Then we will combine the right stories into a coherent pilot sitcom episode that 'sells' the show.
You will be sent information about the sitcom we are discussing a week 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 the day together in person!
No professional experience necessary.
The aim of the day 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 in a sitcom writers' room
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.
The session will take place at Dock 10 in the heart of the MediaCityUK which is easy to get to via public transport. Find MediaCityUK at M50 2EQ. Travel details provided after booking.
Tea and coffee are available in the room. Bring your own lunch. Price of session includes VAT.