True there will always be exceptions to every rule.
But breaking them usually means you need to understand them pretty damn well.
One of my fave Mitchell and Webb skits is Rebecca the prequel.
Where the idea is given away in the first line, but the examples and characters are so great it's still fantastic.
But like I ssay that one was written by a real master of the form.
Certainly in general, "learn the rules and and then break them"is true across the arts. However, I think your first point is inapplicable in many cases. There are many stand ups who just function as gag merchants, and their audiences don't mind.
I don't have a problem with Lee Mack, because he presents as a guy who can't stop butting in and making a witty remark at every turn. He is already that guy so I don't ever feel like he's going all out to milk every scene for as many laughs as possible. Obviously, he is, but it works.
However, I wouldn't want someone to watch a stand-up routine I'd written and say they didn't mind it. I'd rather they said 'I fackin' lavved it!'...slightly better for the confidence I feel.
There's nothing wrong with listening to professionals, they've been there and done it and can tell you how they went about it. I've listened to quite a few professionals in my time and one in particular has been a great help. He critiques my work and what he says makes absolute sense. Fair enough, I might not respect his critique as much if he was someone on a forum I'd never met, but there's nothing wrong with listening to any advice anyone else has to offer.
To say that people 'on here' can't tell you anything is a fairly broad comment to make, although I understand the point. I'm 'on here' too and I feel I've learned enough from professionals to be able to pass on a few pointers.
This thread is a good place to come to read over other people's thoughts. Some ideas will be appreciated more than others, but that's only because comedy is so diverse that not everyone will want to follow another's comedic path.
If any advice you see here doesn't appeal to you it's either because you're still convinced you know it all and already have what it takes to make it in comedy...or you're just not interested in the type of comedy that particular advice could inspire in your work. Look at the variety of comedy performers we have. Not every bit of advice on this thread will apply to every single one of them.
I will be reading this thread and taking anything I can from it. Contradicting each other's views is like telling Ronnie Corbett he should be more like Al Murray.
So...as this is supposed to be a thread for offering advice, I'll add another piece for good measure and that is...try to respect each other's commitment to their craft, whatever style they are trying to perfect and, in return, they will respect yours...I hope.
Quote: Joyce @ August 5 2012, 3:33 PM BSTI don't have a problem with Lee Mack, because he presents as a guy who can't stop butting in and making a witty remark at every turn. He is already that guy so I don't ever feel like he's going all out to milk every scene for as many laughs as possible. Obviously, he is, but it works.
The problem with Not Going Out us that it contains lines of dialogue that make no sense other than as set up for gags, Hywel Bennett played a similar character in Shelley, but the set ups for his lines are seamless. That's the difference between stringing together gags and great sitcom writing.
Yes, Not Going Out doesn't stick to the rules due to its gag obsession and doesn't have the most rounded characters. However, it's a lot of fun in my opinion.