Regardless of everything else I've written I consider myself a sketch writer. In my opinion, that's what I'm best at and they are the most enjoyable to write when you get it right.
I've written over 400 sketches and in the process I have developed and changed and even created in some cases my own style of sketch. Amongst those 400 are some that if ever performed will go down as being pretty good. Many of these sketches go for 15 seconds.
The influences are hugely British: Alas Smith and Jones, NOT ONLY BUT ALSO Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, Benny Hill, Kenny Everett, Not the Nine O'Clock News and Monty Python. I've yet to find SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE from the USA very funny.
Although there's a huge difference in the style of Peter Cook to Benny Hill the writing is still pretty much the same.
Monty Python as an influence:
Let's get to the point, most of their stuff stinks to high heaven and why try to emulate unfunny comedy.
BUT
1. Six comedians who all write and perform the material. (Important)
2. They never used the names of current politicians or minor personalities.That's why their good stuff still holds up.
3 You don't need a punchline if the guts of the sketch is good ( but it helps)
4 There's a fourth thing but I can't think of it right now.
5.In the films they all double up on characters.
Anyway just for the record Monty Python and The Holy Grail is still the funniest film ever made.
