Writing sitcom as a drama before adding in humour.

I've heard this bit of advice from a few different writers and I was wondering if it has worked for anyone on here?

Thanks.

I'm kind of doing tht at the moment. Drafting out the story with humourous incidents, then adding funnies as I go through it again, then intend to have another go.

Who am I to say whether it's a good idea though?

Quote: Chappers @ September 2 2010, 1:46 PM BST

I'm kind of doing tht at the moment. Drafting out the story with humourous incidents, then adding funnies as I go through it again, then intend to have another go.

Who am I to say whether it's a good idea though?

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Is it working for you?

Quote: Marooned @ September 2 2010, 1:43 PM BST

I've heard this bit of advice from a few different writers and I was wondering if it has worked for anyone on here?

Thanks.

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What were you told were the advantages of this approach?

do they not mean that you write out the storyline in prose first then write the script?

I heard it from one or two people whose names I can't remember but I also read it in an interview with Graham Linehan.

bushbaby: when you say "write it out in prose" do you mean an outline?

Quote: Marooned @ September 3 2010, 9:45 AM BST

I heard it from one or two people whose names I can't remember but I also read it in an interview with Graham Linehan.

bushbaby: when you say "write it out in prose" do you mean an outline?

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I meant like a 'novel' the whole story of each episode. Or perhaps a better explanation is...write a detailed synopsis of the whole story. Then script it as a sitcom

I think it's a good idea. It's something I often do. You just got to remember to put the humour in at the end or your end up with The League of Gentlemen series three.

Whatever works for you but what makes a subject funny is how the writer looks at life. It's in his/her being. You can't force "funny".

You add jokes at any point but the premise, plot and characters need to be funny, so no - you can't do it that way.

I bet it would force you to be original to first write something emotional like Love Story and then have to make dying of Leukemia seem funny.

Quote: Godot Taxis @ September 3 2010, 1:44 PM BST

You add jokes at any point but the premise, plot and characters need to be funny, so no - you can't do it that way.

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I know that, otherwise it would be a dramedy...I suppose.
I was just curious about that particular method.

Thanks everyone.

Quote: Nogget @ September 3 2010, 2:27 PM BST

I bet it would force you to be original to first write something emotional like Love Story and then have to make dying of Leukemia seem funny.

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You've pretty much just described the movie Funny People.

I don't subscribe to this method at all. The best comic scenes are written with comedy intent. It's not just about funny dialogue, it's about putting a character into a funny situation. Writing a straight drama then trying to retrofit it is a comedy is only going to lead to you painting yourself into a corner.

Comedy is other people's tragedy.

Quote: David Bussell @ September 3 2010, 2:49 PM BST

You've pretty much just described the movie Funny People.

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Oh yeah! I've not seen it; is comedy mileage obtained from the Leukemia itself? Or is that left as a serious bit?