Quote: Ronnie Anderson @ October 11 2009, 7:23 PM BSTTrue, but when it's subtle and obscure you're f**ked.
MORRACE: How was it for you darling?
MRS MORRACE: Subtle and obscure.
The degree of obviousness you give a gag Page 2
Quote: Ronnie Anderson @ October 11 2009, 9:10 PM BSTI know but I have realised that maybe comedy has to lose a bit of subtely for enough people to find it funny.
I was involved in a comedy project a few months back and it was written too much towards mine and my co-writers taste (which is very subtle comedy) and as a result some people loved it and proceeded to stalk us (which was very nice) however a lot of peoples response was 'I didn't get it' hence we lost any chance whatsoever of building up a following. I'm not saying it was brilliant but I know we were capable of writing something more obviously funny and perhaps getting more interest.
What's your definiton of a subtle gag? Example...
Quote: Steve Sunshine @ October 11 2009, 7:19 PM BSTBut there's a difference between a line that's subtle & a line that's obscure.
I don't get this.
Quote: Badge @ October 12 2009, 2:29 AM BSTI don't get this.
I suppose a "subtle" gag would be one that's understandable to everyone, but won't necessarily be noticed on a first viewing. Whereas an "obscure" gag is one that will contain a reference that perhaps only a small minority of viewers will "get" and therefore find funny.
To me, this is all so much semantics. You can put in as many subtle/obscure gags as you want, but if the audience ain't laughing then you've not done your job properly. I don't think that in any way means you should believe you have to underestimate the audience.
Quote: Tim Walker @ October 12 2009, 2:39 AM BSTI suppose a "subtle" gag would be one that's understandable to everyone, but won't necessarily be noticed on a first viewing. Whereas an "obscure" gag is one that will contain a reference that perhaps only a small minority of viewers will "get" and therefore find funny.
To me, this is all so much semantics. You can put in as many subtle/obscure gags as you want, but if the audience ain't laughing then you've not done your job properly. I don't think that in any way means you should believe you have to underestimate the audience.
I don't get this. 
I was just being obscure. Or subtle.
Well there's no need to be obtuse(?). 
Quote: Tim Walker @ October 12 2009, 2:57 AM BSTWell there's no need to be obtuse(?).
An acute observation.
Quote: Tim Walker @ October 12 2009, 3:00 AM BST
Is that your reflex reaction?
etc etc
*Leaves thread before it all becomes protractored*
Now you're just obsfucating, sir! 
Felicitations Badge! 
Quote: Badge @ October 12 2009, 3:03 AM BSTIs that your reflex reaction?
etc etc
*Leaves thread before it all becomes protractored*
Quote: The Giggle-o @ October 12 2009, 3:06 AM BST
Quote: Tim Walker @ October 12 2009, 3:07 AM BST
I'm struggling to use my new protractor, but I suppose it's a learning curve.
Subtlety - Earl Grey
Obscurity - Monkey