Writing Comedy

by Byrne, John

• ISBN13: 9781408146453
• ISBN10: 1408146452
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-04-10
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Methuen Drama

Summary

Comedy has always been one of the most high profile, glamorous and potentially lucrative markets for scriptwriters but it is also perceived as one of the hardest. In the fourth edition of this highly regarded handbook, John Byrne breaks down the basics of writing comedy into simple steps and shows you how to make the most of your own comedy writing talent and, just as importantly, your ability to market that talent. Writing Comedy 4th edition is a practical manual for the beginner, as well as for the more experienced writer, in developing the skills to be a successful professional comedy writer. It deals with the mechanics of comedy writing, outlining the basic structures from the simple gag to more complex long-term projects, and the organisation of one's career as a writer. The book features simple tried-and-tested techniques which all comedy writers use to generate and refine comedy ideas. Here is a wealth of practical advice both on how to get your career off the ground and on how to keep developing it. Whether you are writing comedy routines, sketches, sitcoms and aiming your work at the page, the stage or the ever expanding world of broadcasting, you will find something in this book to encourage, inform and inspire you. As with any art form the basics of good comedy never go out of fashion, and while the easy steps in this book are illustrated with examples of work by classic comedians new and old, in this new edition, you will find also useful advice on developing and adapting your work for the 21st century market, whether your aim is to promote your work online or simply to keep your gags fresh and topical in a world where the news changes by the minute and gets flashed around the world in seconds.

Author Biography

John Byrne has over 20 years of experience as a writer, broadcaster and performer, as well as working as a personal advisor to many top performers and entertainers, both one-to-one and via his popular weekly advice column in The Stage. He has worked for Radio 4, Five, BBC World Service, Virgin Radio and Nickelodeon, Private Eye and the Guardian, has managed a number of successful performers, and has been script doctor on various theatre shows. Broadcast appearances include BBC London, Sky News and E4's "Get Your Act Together with Harvey Goldsmith". He regularly lectures on arts careers for events such as Actors Expo, the Edinburgh Festival and institutions such as The Guildhall, BIMM and The Brits School.