This is a process analysis essay I wrote for my English class that I thought would be a great addition to the blog. It was super fun to work on, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
There is no hard-and-fast rule to writing comedy, but as a long-practiced art, there are some basic steps and tips to writing a successful comedy script. Establishing and fleshing out a hilarious concept is imperative to the writing process. Developing a dramatic plot will keep audiences interested throughout the screenplay. Finally, ensuring jokes are natural and concise will keep everything fitting together like a puzzle. Though these are only a few of the complex processes comedy writers go through, they are possibly the most important.
The first step in writing a comedy script is to think of something funny. Be it a phrase, a scenario, or a piece of clothing, a comedy needs something to base its humor on. However, writers should be wary not to use any inside jokes as the basis for their comedy. A good joke is one that makes everyone laugh. After establishing a base for the comedy, the next step is to expand on that. Begin by considering what makes this joke hilarious, and brainstorm how to reinforce the humor throughout the script. After establishing the comedy portion of the project, the next step is to come up with a plot.
A great script needs a great story, and comedy scripts are no different. Whether the objective is a short sketch or a hit sitcom, comedy requires a concrete plot to keep viewers invested. Typically, the irony of a conflict fuels a story’s comedy. Irony is the idea of the opposite of what is expected to happen happening. For example, the movie Migration builds on the irony of ducks that have never traveled before. Migration is also a great example of how irony can create drama as well as conflict, since the ducks’ lack of knowledge about the world lands them into plenty of life-or-death situations. However, the importance of a dramatic conflict should not overlook the weight that well-rounded and relatable characters add to the plot. Especially in comedies, colorful and distinct characters are a must-have to grab and keep an audience’s attention. With a riveting plot and fantastic humor, this script is well on its way, but there are a few things to keep in mind throughout the writing process.
The two biggest tips to writing comedy of any sort are to keep it concise and natural. As a rule of thumb, any unnecessary information or wordy phrases should be avoided. Anything that distracts the audience from the jokes and the plot is likely to dampen the force of comedy in the script. Do not be afraid to cut out any material that is distracting or not working. However, ensuring there are no forced jokes is possibly even more important than cutting out excess material. Humor should arise naturally from the context of the situation and the characters’ relationships. Monty Python’s famous bridge scene, in which the characters must answer a riddle to cross, plays well on two different aspects of the story: the bridge keeper’s unorthodox questions and the previously mentioned difference between European and African swallows. Though the conversation over the swallows took place earlier in the movie, it was a memorable scene, and thus provided quick and logical context to the ensuing joke.
This is just a taste of the work that goes into the art of writing comedy. As an art, there is always room for personal style and interpretation, but the steps listed above are found to be some of the most important basics of the process. Find a concept to base the comedy on and expand on how you can utilize and apply it to a concrete plot. Keep the audience glued to the screen with a compelling narrative and well-rounded characters. While writing, remember to keep jokes natural and remove distracting material. Though there is no hard-and-fast rule to writing comedy, no one can deny the truth of the matter: if the writer enjoys their work, the audience most likely will as well.
Works Cited:
Heckmann, Chris. “How to Write Comedy–Tips, Techniques & Script Examples.” studiobinder.com. StudioBinder, 8 May 2022, www.studiobinder.com/blog/how-to-write-comedy/. Accessed 13 March 2024
“How to Write a Comedy Screenplay: A Guide to Writing A Comedic Screenplay That Will Make Audiences Laugh.” Masterclass.com. Master Class, 7 June 2021, www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-comedy-screenplay-a-guide-to-writing-a-comedic-screenplay-that-will-make-audiences-laugh. Accessed 13 March 2024
Migration. Directed by Benjamin Renner and Guylo Homsy, 2022.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones, 1975.
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