Comedy fan. I've written and made some shorts but still consider myself a beginner.
Screenwriting : Comedy fans? by David Joyner
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...And? what are you asking?
I was following the stage32 instructions to complete my profile and posted that thinking it was a profile intro. I guess I clicked on the wrong link. But I do have a question. Do any comedy writers here have favorite comedy resources? I like Steve Kaplan's "Hidden tools..." book but am looking for other good ideas for reading material.
That's a great question David. I'm more of a drama or family film writer, but would love to learn more about the art of comedy. I'm going to check out the book you mentioned and would love to hear what other's say.
I forgot who said this, but it's the most truest statement on comedy, at least to me. "Comedy is tragedy, turned upside down." It's the most funnest way to express bedlam and anarchy and you don't even have to buy a uniform or swear an allegiance to anyone except Comus and Thalia. Well, Zeus too, cause...you know...he's Zeus. My favorite comedic book probably will always be Napalm & Silly Putty by George Carlin. I'd tell you the Four Rules of Comedy, but I don't want to start a "Rules War Pie Fight." There are a lot of great books about writing comedy, like The Comic Toolbox, How to Write Comedy, Writing Comedy, How to Write Television Sitcoms, Speeches of American Presidential Candidates, etc. Read a bunch of great comedy screenplays, too. Here is a great comedic exercise for writers who want to "warm up" their comedy chops: Go out on the downtown streets naked and sing Broadway show tunes to strangers when they are going to or leaving work. You'd be surprised how well that makes the comedy juices begin to flow naturally, and help you start to "think" funny. Go get 'em. Good luck, David!