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Brona and Tony's Blog

18 July 13

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The Script: Nannies

Synopsis: Maisie and four other under paid, overworked child minders on her exclusive London street, are paid to parent the next generation of the ridiculously rich.

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Meet Tony Cooke

How did it feel to be shortlisted for Rocliffe?

To be shortlisted is an exciting, surprising buzz, with none of the risk of arrest or imprisonment. When we were writing the script, Brona and I laughed a lot, but we never really knew if that was just too much coffee and sugar. To have legends of the industry say what we did was funny is hugely encouraging.

What are you most looking forward to about attending the BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Forum event in New York?

The chance to hear actors perform our script, and very wise people talk about our script, are probably the most valuable things we can get as writers. Also, haggis, hot dogs, and expanding my international cultural references.

When did you get involved in writing comedy?

I think the first time comedy got serious for me was at university. I co-wrote and performed with five friends in a sketch group, and we managed to win a Radio 1 Student Radio Award for comedy. That led to my first paid sketch writing for BBC digital TV – I think I got about £17.50, which as a student probably fed me for about three months.

What inspired you to write comedy for the screen?

Growing up, I never missed shows like Blackadder, Cheers, and re-runs of Steptoe and Son. Then there was Friends, Peep Show, Modern Family… Actually, I’ve probably watched too much TV.

Which part of the writing process do you find most difficult and which come most easily?

Plotting is always a bit painful for me – when you get the story right it always looks simple, but breaking it can be frustratingly fiddly. The nicest part of the process is probably writing jokes; if the characters and story are sound, funny stuff should, in theory, start to flow.

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Meet Brona C. Titley

How did it feel to be shortlisted for Rocliffe?

Delighted of course! It's very exciting and I'm happy that my plan to change the world via the medium of sitcoms is finally coming into fruition.

What are you most looking forward to about attending the BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Forum event in New York?

When I write comedy I spend most of the time by myself or with Tony trying to squeeze hilarity onto a computer screen. Am most looking forward to actually being able to meet other humans in the industry and speak to them about their experience. And... there'll be free food, right?

When did you get involved in writing comedy?

In a previous life I was both Stan Laurel AND Oliver Hardy. But since I can't prove that "scientifically" I'll just go ahead and say - when I was in university and I co-wrote and directed a comedy show with a cast of 60 freshers.

What inspired you to write comedy for the screen?

I rarely listen to music but I never go a day without watching a sitcom. I spent my childhood and teenage years with the cast of Friends, Frasier, Father Ted and Faulty Towers... and even some other shows that don't begin with 'F'. I love TV comedy, it's my home address.

Which part of the writing process do you find most difficult and which come most easily?

I find it easy to be silly and come up with gags, but more of a challenge to channel that silliness into a story people will find engaging. I think it just takes practice and I'm enjoying the ride.

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