Screenwriting : Comedy Writing Techniques by Maurice Vaughan

-Aim for visual comedy

-Avoid cliche

-Don't be afraid to try slow motion

Great techniques, Tony Ray. I've heard of "aim for visual comedy" before. I remember seeing a video about why some modern Comedy movies don't do well (they rely too much on "sit and talk comedy" -- not sure if that's the official term) and how visual comedy works better. Thanks for sharing.

'Joy Ride 2023' made me feel awkward just being in the theater. I loved it and laughed a lot.

"Joy Ride" is on my watchlist, Paul Rivers. I heard it's hilarious. I might watch it this weekend. Maybe a double feature.

hello! I don't write comedies. It seems difficult to me. I don't think I can cheer anyone up with my jokes.

Hi, Arthur Charpentier. I used to avoid writing Comedy because I thought it was too hard. I got better at writing Comedy by practicing, using resources here on Stage 32 (like articles that members post), and taking Judd Apatow's MasterClass.

And here's a free webinar on writing Comedy for streaming TV: www.stage32.com/education?p=8944891953459

Thank you very much, Maurice Vaughan!

You're welcome, Arthur Charpentier.

But writers can learn to write funny, Dan MaxXx.

Someone recommended a book to me a while ago. I bought it and learned a lot about writing comedy. For instance, in every situation, think about the most outrageous thing that could happen. The book is "The Comic Toolbox" by John Vorhaus.

Thanks for recommending the book, Kathleen Hof. I'll check it out.

Thanks for the tip, Claude Gagne.

Maurice, I'm more comfortable with verbal humor (the kind that Groucho Marx, Redd Foxx, and Jack Benny used) than with physical...although I like to slip something physical in there (like the horse in a classroom in "Pushing the Envelope," a gag inspired by "Animal House").

A lot of my stuff is based on using exaggeration (Casey's guitar in "Rivertown Rock!" was supposedly too big for her) and understatement.

I love to get topical, too. In "The Nutcrackers," Conny and Sydney (with help from elderly next-door neighbors Hans and Greta) were about to leave the hospital when American-born Sydney started wondering about all the expenses she and Canadian-born Conny racked up after their backstage injuries (would it cost the same under Canada's health-care system?). Conny's reply: "You know...I'll bet Alex Trebek wondered that, too." When Conny named off other Canadian-born performers who hit it big here in the US, Greta said: "Stop! You're talking about all the stars I loved watching on TV when I was growing up!"

And then there's name calling...like in "The Street Piano Kid," where Marisol took note of oldest daughter Lorelei's disappointment over not getting all the popup instruments the latter wanted for Las Vegas (25, not 127): "Look, Cinderella: It ain't no sports car...it's a carriage. And it'll still get you to the ball."

Well, that's enough of me. Maurice, here's wishing you tremendous success in comedy!

Thanks for commenting, Jim Boston. I didn't know there were so many Comedy writing methods. Redd Foxx was hilarious. I loved watching "Sanford and Son" growing up.

Thanks. Hope you have tremendous success in Comedy too!

@Maurice “Misunderstandings” are a comedy option. EG In my Irish Rom Com a con artist with the gift of the gab is asked by an older woman (his romance scam mark) to bring her a screwdriver from his pop up bar & he returns with a tool box.

Great idea, Debbie Croysdale! I added "misunderstandings" (and the other tips in the comments) to my Comedy writing list. Thanks!

I am about to expose the top secret to successful comedy writing.

Paying attention?

Sitting down?

It's a shocker.

You'll never be the same again.

Ready.

Set.

Go.

It's...

Witty responses and dialogue go a long way. Everyday life is a great source for this. I have also found that irony helps to give a comedic effect sometimes.

Juxtapose thingies that don't belong together, infusing them with new meaning that's funny

Thanks for the top secret, E Langley! So helpful!

Thanks for the tips, Abeeha Alam!

Hi Maurice, I would use slapstick characters

Great technique, Rhonda Jean Seiter! Like Buddy Cop movies where the partners are from different worlds.

Thanks, Billy Kwack. What's one of your favorite slapstick characters?

Hi Maurice, probably Kramer from sienfeld

Kramer is hilarious, Billy Kwack! The way he talks and acts.

Hi Maurice, I think he's the best

Maurice, you're very welcome...from one "Sanford and Son" fan to another!

Rhonda Jean, I'm with you about juxtaposing those thingies that don't have any business together...and I like to do that people's occupations.

For instance: How often does a high school in America turn one of its math teachers into the director of the school's jazz band (the premise in "Bleeding Gums")? Never mind that math is one of music's cornerstones.

Or what would a college instructor who'd lost her husband to whooping cough on a train trip in the 1870s be doing in the most lawless city out West ("Kitten on the Keys")?