Jack Docherty is an award-winning writer, comedian, actor, producer and presenter who’s written extensively for radio and television. His TV credits include Spitting Image, Absolutely, Mr Don & Mr George and Scot Squad. Basically, he’s a bit of a comedy ledge. We caught up with Jack for a quick chat at this year’s Scottish Writers’ Festival…
BBC Writersroom: What’s the difference between writing for television and radio?
Jack Docherty: The major difference – and I’m going to be flippant here – is the money! There’s far more money in television! But it’s easier to get things on the radio… Maybe! So, I would advise you to start in radio and sell your ideas to telly as quickly as you possibly can!
But really, there’s not a huge difference, you know. It’s all about character. Have you created a character you enjoy being with? Is it a situation that will have legs? Do you want to spend time with a group of characters? I’m talking about sitcoms here, obviously, and I think you have the same rules for television as for radio with those.
BBC WR: Writers are often told to get to know producers, but how, in practical terms, do you network? And any tips for how other people could meet industry insiders?
JD: I’m terrible at it! I get to producers by performing. I know this is the Writersroom and not the Performers’ Room but I get to producers by performing. Had I only been a writer and not a performer, I’m not sure I’d have gotten anywhere!
I’m not a hustler. I’m just too shy to pick up a phone or bombard people with emails. I’m confident enough to perform and so at a forum like the Edinburgh Festival producers and other writers see your show and you meet them afterwards. And that’s the gateway in for me as a writer because they’ll say, come and write for our show!
So… I don’t really know. I’m not the man to ask about networking unless you’re a performer!
BBC WR: What would you put into Comedy Room 101? In other words, if there’s anything you could get rid of in the comedy world, what would it be?
JD: I think I’m going to be a big, old sap and say nothing! Apart from racism and sexism – that’s vile and horrendous. But those aside, nothing, because you see, I know every comedic endeavour is done with the best of intentions – with the desire to be funny. The desire to connect with an audience and tell a comedic truth. And I know it’s hard to do that. No-one makes a bad show or tells a bad joke on purpose, so I tend to support everyone, whatever they’re doing. So, for instance, I would never say, that’s not funny. I’d say, I don’t find it funny. Ha! So everything stays!
BBC WR: Do you have any advice for writers starting out in comedy in terms of what they should be writing?
JD: If you’re starting out, you’ve got to write what you believe is funny. There are shows you could aim to write for and say, here’s a sample of material for a certain type of show. Like the News Quiz – that kind of thing. But if you’re really going to go for it and you have something that is you and you really believe it’s funny, go with that.
You see, I’ve been in rooms with scripts piled high to look through [for comedy and writing talent] and what you’re searching for is that unique way of looking at something. That unique voice! So really, write what you think is funny. Write what you believe in. It’ll shine through!
Big thanks to Mr Jack Docherty!
