A windy picture outside SVT
Meeting people in the media world it is filled with subtexts, bluffs and semi truths. Yesterday at SVT in Gothenburg was no different. They had the home advantage of the imposingly massive modern glass and steel structure that sits on the water’s edge opposite the city, I countered by dropping in comparisons with the BBC. It was all about the logos: He drank his coffee from an NBC mug. I had a pen lifted from Studiefrämjandet, where I give evening classes. It was clear SVT had the upper hand.
Luckily, this male media posturing was not necessary as it soon became clear that the guy we were meeting, the commissioning editor for drama at SVT Gothenburg, was a very nice chap. He gave us a whole hour and we chatted about the sitcom idea, talked about character and plot development and episode and series arcs. We laughed… which is a good sign when talking comedy and he uttered variations of the phrase “Verkligen, jag tycker att det är en rolig idé” several times.
Needless to say, SVT Gothenburg don’t currently have a slot for a 12 part half hour sitcom… but although that is the case today, commissioning briefs tend to change, so it’s always worth being in their mind when they talk about what to make with our licence fees. The main thing is that he is behind the idea and encouraged us to take it to the big players in Stockholm – Jarowski, Tre Vänner and Baluba – and getting through the doors of these giants is always much easier with a ‘Godkänd’ from a commissioning editor (even one who is not actually going to commission it).
So, onwards and upwards….
Tags: Comedy, Gothenburg, sitcom
