Quote: bushbaby @ December 7 2012, 11:48 AM GMTThe only time swearing makes me laugh is when an elderly actress has a rant and repeats the swear words several times in that rant.
That is so specific! You're obviously a lady who knows what she likes and isn't afraid to come out and say it.
Quote: sootyj @ December 7 2012, 11:55 AM GMTthe choad less travelled
Quote: Trinder @ December 6 2012, 10:14 PM GMTThe obvious non-answers is 'isn't it cleverer and funnier to find a way to express herself without swearing a la Father Jack?' - No. Tried it and f**kstick is a funnier word than cackspanner.
Neither is funny.
Swearing in a script is usually indicative of no talent, but whether industry people see it like that - I've no idea.
Swearing can be funny if used in moderation so it makes an impact - shows as strong as I'm Alan Partridge used the odd 'f**k off'. A few years ago I saw a very good stand-up Steve Day and most of his material was clean so the one filthy bit really worked. When I do stand-up I've noticed I lapse into 'f**king' (the word not the hobby) just cos I'm nervous, not cos it makes the line any stronger.
hello some thing im writting has an old women saying oh balls.. and kicking a door. its the sorta thing my nan would of done to me its funny as fck .. .
Quote: Godot Taxis @ December 8 2012, 1:14 AM GMTNeither is funny.
Swearing in a script is usually indicative of no talent, but whether industry people see it like that - I've no idea.
Mostly. But the Thick of It Shows that swearing can be imaginitive.
Peep Show has plenty of swearing in it. One of the best comedies of our time.
Swearing is sooo tired these days. It has lost its shock factor.
Swear words only really work in proper context in a script.
I'd say a writer new to the industry should try his/her best not to litter a script with swear words that are just there for the sake of it.
If your character must swear, wouldn't it be funny for said character to explode in a flurry of made-up swear words which are similar to the genuine article.
"Oh fluck-bellocks, cint-beestod!"
Whether or not you're character would swear or not, implied swearing, or made up swearing is usually funnier than just swearing. I realise Malcolm Tucker is an exception, but even then the swearing was inventive and funny and not just rude. I agree that the new writer should avoid. You can get away with more if you are Armando Ianucci!