Comedic point of view (POV) is the foundation of character-driven humor. It’s not just about telling jokes; it’s about creating memorable characters whose unique perspectives on the world naturally generate laughter. In this post, we’ll explore the four key elements that go into constructing a truly funny character. What is a Comedic Point of View? … Read more
Ever wonder how some comedies seem to nail every joke, leaving audiences in stitches? One secret weapon in the comedy writer’s arsenal is the use of alternative lines, or “alts.” This technique, popularized by comedy powerhouses like Judd Apatow, can elevate your writing from funny to downright hilarious. Let’s dive into the world of alt … Read more
The rule of three is one of the most well-known joke writing techniques. It’s difficult to know who came up with this technique, but I’ve heard it discussed by many comedy writing teachers. The rule of three goes like this: you establish a pattern by having two similar things and then the third thing is … Read more
One comedy technique, according to former Simpsons and The Office writer Brent Forrester, is the contrast between the sacred and the profane or the high and the low. In Brent’s talks, he gives examples like the farting preacher (farting = profane, religion = sacred) or a TV idea called baby with a machine gun (baby … Read more
There are a lot of writing competitions out there, and some incredibly prestigious ones too. But there are an incredibly small number of writing competitions that focus specifically on funny writing. Lots of opportunities for standups, but few for funny writers. There’s nothing to stop you submitting a funny story to one of the many … Read more