Exploring the creative process behind television comedy writing, this book addresses common inquiries about the inspiration behind jokes and scripts. It contrasts the contemporary landscape of comedy writing with the classic style exemplified by the Dick Van Dyke Show, offering insights into the evolution of humor in television. Through anecdotes and experiences, it reveals the challenges and joys of crafting comedy for modern audiences while reflecting on the legacy of past shows.
No one is born a comedy writer. No matter how much innate talent you have, you need to learn, develop, and hone comedy writing techniques to make it as a professional comedy writer. Fortunately, the best teachers are as close as your TV set. By studying the great comedians of the past and present, in current shows, reruns, and DVD collections, you can give yourself a Ph.D. training in comedy writing. In Comedy Writing Self-Taught, Gene Perret, a three-time Emmy Award winner and former head writer for Bob Hope and Phyllis Diller, teaches you how to teach yourself the essential principles of writing stand-up comedy, sketch comedy, and sitcom scripts-all by observing, analyzing, and recreating the work of master comedians and comedy writers. Entirely designed for self-study at home, Comedy Writing Self-Taught shows you how to select the right "comedy mentor" for your personal style of comedy, how to analyze your mentor's techniques, and how to use your mentor's principles in your own original comedy writing. Numerous drills and exercises help you develop your comedy writing creativity, and there are even more exercises and writing workouts in the companion volume Comedy Writing Self-Taught Workbook. You'll do the work-and it will require work-but in return you'll get a master class in professional comedy writing, and you'll have fun doing it. Book jacket.
Ideal for aspiring authors who only dream of actually finishing their works in progress, this guide features proven, field-tested tools guaranteed to successfully complete that romance, expert guide to business success, or great American novel. The chapters simplify the writing process by breaking it down into a series of discrete tasks, from creating a schedule in order to finish within a reasonable time, brainstorming sections of the book, and organising ideas into chapters to rewriting, editing, submitting for publication, and even marketing. This reference is tailored to help writers avoid distractions and delays by establishing and maintaining a powerful writing momentum, thereby carrying their projects to completion. The psychological blocks that prevent writers from completing their manuscripts as well as how to combat them are also explored.
Three-time Emmy Award-winner Gene Perret's ""Comedy Writing Step by Step"" has been the manual for humor writers for 25 years. In this new book, his first update, Perret offers readers a treasure trove of guidelines and suggestions covering a broad range of comedy writing situations, along with many all-important insights into the selling of one's work. Perret covers all aspects of comedy writing in his uniquely knowledgeable and anecdotal fashion.
Beginning comedy writers and performers may think funny can't be taught, but legendary comedy writer Gene Perret, winner of three Emmy Awards, tells otherwise in this guide to what makes a good joke work. Outlining the 10 commandments of comedy, the unbreakable rules that every gag must follow in order to be funny, this book liberates readers and allows them to immediately begin writing better and funnier comedy material. By following Perret's commandments, readers will better understand how to write jokes that connect with audiences and discover why unsuccessful material isn't working and how it can be fixed. From the First Commandment (""Thou Shalt Surprise"") to the Tenth (""Thou Shalt Be Clever""), this work stands as a fast guide to the essentials of humor that is perfect for business presenters, after-dinner speakers, professional comedians, and anyone who wants to be funny.
This important and informative Comedy Writing Step by Step by Gene Perret is a gem. It's a book on how to write and sell your sense of honor. The author offers the readers a treasure trove of guidelines and suggestions covering a very broad range of comedy writing situations, along with many all-important insights into the selling of your work,
Delving into the behind-the-scenes world of legendary television comedy, this book offers an insider's perspective on the writing processes for iconic shows like The Carol Burnett Show and Three's Company. Readers will experience the dynamics of writers' rooms, the excitement of Emmy nominations, and the unique challenges of crafting humor for live audiences. Through anecdotes and insights, it explores the elusive nature of creativity in comedy writing, providing a candid look at the industry's evolution compared to classic shows like The Dick Van Dyke Show.
"Can you tell me how to get to Carnegie Hall?" "Practice, practice, practice." That's more than a joke; it's solid advice. Consider world-class performers in any field -- golf, figure skating, music, whatever. One thing you can safely say about each is that they achieved their level of skill through practice. To excel in any endeavor, you must work on and perfect your technique. Comedy writing is no exception. In this book, Emmy-winning TV writer and producer Gene Perret and professional writer Linda Perret have compiled a collection of over 100 comedy writing workouts that will challenge your joke writing skills and develop your sketch and sitcom writing abilities. This book suggests that talent is earned through observation, study, analysis, and repetition. The authors also encourage you to analyze your writing, discover where improvement is required, and create your own skill-creating exercises. The work can be demanding, but that's what it takes to become a success in any field, including comedy writing. If you study "Comedy Writing Self-Taught Workbook" -- with or without the companion volume, "Comedy Writing Self-Taught" -- when your break comes, you'll be ready.
