Quote: Ben @ July 27 2010, 9:13 PM BSTBarry Cryer is playing near me soon.
On the beach?
Is funny sitcom writing natural talent? Or... Page 2
Quote: Ben @ July 27 2010, 9:13 PM BSTBarry Cryer is playing near me soon.
I didn't know he could play.
Quote: Ben @ July 27 2010, 9:13 PM BSTBarry Cryer is playing me soon.
I think it's a bigger privilege for him.
Writing fiction of any variety is a creative process and is poles apart from that of the quick witted quipster's talent. Some are lucky to have both. Writing is a building process - whereas a quipster is more of an opportunist. Tommy Cooper was the same funny man in all circumstances,
and Bob Monkhouse was one of the greatest 'opportunists'. BUT Harold Pinter didn't drink pints. Reading between the lines you will encounter blank spaces and I do not recommend it.
Also remember that people disagree wildly in terms of what funny is. Whilst writing a good drama is a skill that can be fairly well acquired by anyone, being "funny" -- and defining what funny is -- is a lot more tricky.
Some people literally cannot breathe when watching Catherine Tate because their sides have split. Me, I literally cannot breathe whilst watching Catherine Tate cos I've just gone and topped myself.
In short, if you can master the dramatic element of comedy writing -- something theoretically most everybody can -- then it is more-or-less down to how many other people find funny what you find funny.
(But please note that there **are** techniques to writing funny stuff, as well)
Quote: bushbaby @ July 27 2010, 6:07 PM BSTTwo of my daughters are ultra witty and are always the centre of attraction at parties etc, they're like a double act. I asked both would they help me write sitcoms and they said they couldn't as the wit comes from the top of their head in the moment they're at. They did try once with me but neither could do it. I'm quite introverted in company [except if they're actors/writers] and find I'm more comfortable on my own just writing.
Looking forward to seeing one this week.