How to Shoot a Sitcom Pilot

While space is limited for sitcoms on broadcast television these days, many television executives believe that sitcoms are poised to make a major comeback in the near future as younger viewers tire of endless law enforcement dramas and reality shows. If you have often thought that you might have what it takes to make it as a comedy writer or sitcom producer, shooting a television pilot is a great way to find out if this is the right format for your sense of humor. Here is what you need to know about shooting a television pilot for a sitcom.

One of the most important factors to consider when you are shooting a television pilot for a sitcom is your audience. While a handful of sitcoms still attract older viewers, the key demographic for modern sitcoms is young singles between the ages of 18 and 35. Despite the fact that many of us have warm memories of the family sitcoms that we grew up with, today's audiences expect a successful sitcom to be willing to push the comedic envelope and tackle taboo topics without serving up the same old moral platitudes. It doesn't take a comedic genius to crack this code. If you are a young, urban professional, simply start with what you and your friends think is funny, and go from there.

Another fundamental decision that you will have to make when you are shooting a television pilot for a sitcom is the setting. From classic sitcoms like "Cheers" and "The Golden Girls" to modern hit shows like "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and "The Office," every great sitcom has had a great setting to go with it. The typical sitcom setting is based on something that the audience can relate to, such as a single person's apartment, a local watering hole or the modern workplace. If you do not have access to a professional set, your best bet is to stick to whatever space you have cheap access to and to write about what you know.

Casting is one area where many first time sitcom writers and producers make big mistakes. No matter how well written a sitcom is, it takes a special team of actors to take a script and turn it into a great show. Many great comedy writers are not natural born actors, and the funniest people that you know might fold when they are in front of a camera. It is strongly recommended that you announce casting calls for your pilot and hold auditions for your key characters. Try to find a group of performers who are likely to have as much on-screen chemistry as possible for your television pilot.

Don't worry if you do not have access to professional grade equipment when it comes time to finally shoot your sitcom pilot. Modern television executives are more interested in seeing a solid show with great comedic potential than they are in production values. After all, many of the most successful and promising comedy writers and actors working today made their names by producing hilarious web series on a limited budget with basic recording equipment. Filming your television pilot indoors will make shooting your pilot far easier than planning your shots around limited daylight and changing weather conditions. Plan all of your shots ahead of time based upon the availability of your actors and staff, and do your best to stick to your schedule. If you or your actors are having a particularly hard time on a scene, it is often better to come back to the shot later so that you can stay as productive as possible.

Above all, remember to have fun when you are shooting your sitcom pilot. If you are new to the craft, you will probably find that comedy takes a lot more work than you had thought, but keeping a lighthearted, informal mood on the set is an essential part of shooting a great television pilot for a sitcom.