More Museum News... and a flat horse?

Here is an email exchange I had with someone from Radio 4's light entertainment commisioning:

Quoting xxx - Private :

Hi,

I have to be honest and say that not only was there the Museum of
everything but we are also doing a 6 parter from David Nobbs based in a
museum called the Maltby Collection. Having looked at your script it
really doesn't offer enough that's different.
Sorry not to be more encouraging
Best
xxx


and my reply:

Hi Paul,
Thanks for taking the time to read it. I am going to finish my series anyway because I think I have some good ideas, and if nothing else it will be a positive learning experience. I will probably attempt to get it into production in some form elsewhere; I think going through the process is important because I don't imagine many writers who give up at the first setback end up having their work produced. Having said that, I realise there will come a point where I need to move on to other projects if I am not getting anywhere.

Cheers,
Chris

So while this obviously isn't the most positive outcome, I am no where near giving up on this project. I will write what I feel I need to write and finish The Museum. Then the plan is this:

1) Hopefully there will be some kind of reading of my work at the Edinburgh Fringe (more on this later). This will make a few people aware of The Museum, and give me some useful feedback on what works.

2) The BBC might send me some proper feedback some time late spring/ early summer. I'll use this to improve the script and concept.

3) I'll try and get the improved series in production via one of the many indie production agencies. This probably won't go anywhere because most of them pitch to the BBC I think, and the BBC aren't interested, but it is worth trying.

4) If I can't get The Museum professionally produced, I'll do it myself. Probably as a radio series, but there is the possibility of developing it as a stage show also. With a new mac, an audio interface, a lot of patience and some willing bodies I can make a professional sounding job of the recording.

5) If I record it myself, I'll get it 'out there' via my blog, BBC Comedysoup (ironically) and approach local/ indipendant radio stations. They can have it for free if that's what it takes!!

6) After that comes the time to stop hammering the dead horse flat and move on with some dignity... but I will have given it my best shot and we don't really have any right to complain about our dreams not coming true until we get to this stage.

7) Have a new brilliant idea and start again.


I don't know why, but after years of being pretty pessemistic I am finding new ways to be optimistic about this. I just have a good feeling about it and think it is worth the effort. I still have my fingers crossed for a callback for the channel 4 radio competition in a few weeks. The odds are probably almost as low as getting a bbc commission, but I have to believe it can happen. If it does, I will have a contact there. I know no one listens to channel 4 radio, but they will in the future. Maybe.