I’ve written five comedy screenplays, and two of them were autobiographical. So I must say creating comedies can be an artistically liberating experience. But what makes a comedy actually funny? I like visual humor (sight gags) uncomfortable situations and witty dialogue. Also, adding dramatic consequences in the right spots is essential to my storytelling, including conflict and arguments.
Comedy screenwriters, what are your key ingredients?
Vision and a Love of life. Or, if you prefer, Vision and the Gregarious writer.
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I love the visual gags too, particularly if something is totally unexpected. Also, exposing the peculiarities of everyday life. But totally agree, witty dialogue is a must. I like laughing whilst writing but then I could laugh to see a pudding run.
Got to have the visual humor in there...after all, it's a movie or a TV show or a podcast. Me, I lean more toward verbal humor (a la Groucho Marx or Jack Benny) and toward the storytelling kind of humor (kind of like Flip Wilson or Justin Wilson).
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I try to follow my gut ... what feels right etc.