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Feb 4, 2021 · Comedies have to be funny. They have to focus on those laughs. And screenwriters writing under the comedy banner need to master the genre to stand apart from the comedians and writers-for-hire that Hollywood usually goes to for comedy.
- The First Rule of Writing Funny: Just because you can say funny things doesn't mean you can write funny things. Writing funny is different than saying or doing funny things.
- Which leads us to The Second Rule of Writing Funny: A strong story without a lot of laughs is preferable to a weak story with three jokes per page. Many comedies falter because of a flimsy or dimwitted plot.
- The Third Rule of Writing Funny: Two heads can be better than one. Let's say you're a serious, reliable screenwriter with a clear understanding of not only the 3-Act Structure, but 5-Act and 7-Act structures, as well.
- The Fourth rule of Writing Funny: Find your genre. When we go to a Farrely Brothers movie we expect a certain kind of product. Lots of gross out humor in largely unrealistic, high concept plots with a handful of genuinely inspired lines and moments.
- Get real. The single piece of advice given most often by the writers was simply, to tell the truth. Carl Reiner believes the truth of the material and of the actors is critical to any show’s success.
- Know your characters. Hal Kanter uses a favorite anecdote to illustrate the importance of knowing your characters. His story is from the Amos ‘n’ Andy radio show, but it applies equally to screenwriting: “All of the writers were sitting in the room with the actors putting together the final script.
- Be specific in your characterization. Related to #2 above is the importance of distinguishing characters from each other. Gillian’s Island creator Sherwood Schwartz felt the increased size of today’s TV writing staffs was a detriment to clearly defined characters.
- Take story seriously. “Story always drives you nuts!” says James L. Brooks. “If you have a good story, other people can make it funny invariably.” Elliot Shoenman feels the same.
Oct 2, 2017 · We decided to remedy that — by polling more than 40 of today’s top screenwriters on which of their predecessors (and contemporaries) they consider to be the best. To compile such a list is to pose...
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May 8, 2022 · Like everything else, you practice until you become perfect – well, not perfect per se – most comedy writers would be happy with just okay. We’re going to show you how to write comedy, with script examples from 21 Jump Street and Curb Your Enthusiasm, but first, let’s define comedy writing.
Aug 29, 2022 · From industry lingo to whether or not you need improv or stand-up comedy experience, this in-depth guide will break down exactly how to become a comedy writer.
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Apr 16, 2024 · 85 comedy screenplays that you can use as roadmaps to creating your own hilarious cinematic stories.
