Breaking Comedy's DNA

by Jerry Corley

Genres: Comedy

193 pages, ebook

Published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has done standup and come up with a lot of jokes, the problem I had was that I didn’t understand why it was funny. By learning Jerry Corley’s system, rather than just backwards engineer your material, you can build a strong foundation in the art and science of comedy. It has been argued by some that comedy can’t be taught and “you either have it or you don’t.” Mr. Corley dispels this myth. Comedy is a skill and while some are more naturally inclined towards this skill, anyone and everyone can use the lessons put forth in this book to inject a little humor into their lives, regardless of (a)vocation. While there are many great books on comedy, I would recommend this book as a starter and primer. Thank you, Jerry, for writing this book. Books change lives, and changed lives change the world. Reading this book was like getting a new prescription or taking an hallucinogen, as the world is constant, but you see everything in a new way.

[Lori Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST book on standup comedy writing I’ve found! (This is an ebook! I read version 1.4.6) Jerry makes it easy and actually tells you what makes things funny! This is the only comedy book you need to do standup in my opinion. Next step, read Comedy Writing For Late-Night TV to write and submit packets. If you want to get into screenwriting, take Michael Jamin’s screenwriting course on his website, then study Lee Hamilton’s book, The Script Reader’s Cheat Sheet, and know Final Draft and all keyboard shortcuts better than the back of your hand. Get the job you want ;)

[Frederic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a lot of padding but also contains some useful techniques for writing and lists of sources of comedy. I have always wanted to approach each premise from multiple angles, so that helped me. Corley, who wrote for Jay Leno, is a prolific joke writer who throws away much of what he produces. One can picture him writing for Leno.

[Mohamed Mamdouh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[John]

I'm just starting to read this book.

[Terin Bolton · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hardly the end all be all of comedy writing books that it purports to be, but it is still a very useful book if you find yourself without any well defined tools.

[Deyth Banger · Rating 5 out of 5]

"July 11, 2022 –
100.0% "The part with glossary is really useful kit, I have done bunch of exercies and even come up with exercises by myself. So lets see hpw stuff are going move on in the near future."
July 7, 2022 – page 150
77.72%
July 4, 2022 – page 109
56.48%
July 3, 2022 – page 102
52.85% "This book is genius it really helps a lot"
July 3, 2022 – page 102
52.85% "Reverse Act out... reverse..."
June 29, 2022 – page 45
23.32%
June 14, 2022 – page 10
5.18%
June 14, 2022 – Shelved"

[John P Smith Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written with step-by-step scenarios and examples for anyone who wants to learn how to write comedy and stand-up material.