Writing Comedy: A Guide to Scriptwriting for TV, Radio, Film and Stage

by Ronald Wolfe

Sharing his success from a long career, Richard Wolfe explains how to get started in the business of writing comedy and explains the different techniques required for TV, radio, stage, and film scripts.  This essential volume is packed with advice from such top scriptwriters as Carla Lane, Jack Rosenthal, Barry Cryer, and Alan Plater. Experience and advice are also provided by Beryl Vertue, executive producer of Men Behaving Badly and Coupling . Crammed with examples from the scripts of well-known series and crisp analysis of comic formulae, this is a resource every comedy scriptwriter will value.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 1992

Reviews

[Dimitris Hall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another book from the fresh batch of donated books to the English section of Sofia City Library.

This book from the early '90s is a guide for anyone who would like to try their hand in writing scripts for comedy plays, shows, sitcoms, radio or stand-up comedy.

Most of the actors, writers and productions referenced are from that time, leaving out the comedy I'm familiar with (Monty Python and the work of their individual members; britcoms of the last 15 years), with the exceptions of Fawlty Towers, Blackadder and Alo Alo.



Some specific tips for individual formats, like the importance of the gag in the sitcom, or more general ones that can apply to all forms of comedy writing, I found particularly effective and insightful, e.g. always asking yourself what's wrong in a given situation when writing the story, or where the conflict could come from which might produce the comedic effect. These ones I think I'll remember down the road, in contrast to most of the rest of the book which chiefly had practical information, i.e. how to pitch your script to producers or make it in America, content which as little (?) as 20 years later seems terribly out-dated.

The relevant parts I thought made for good and motivating advice that made me want to try writing something serious even more, seeing how simple and straightforward some examples of funny writing in the book were. What I realise, however, is that it's not a guide I need the most; it's the dedication and motivation to sit down and just write, whatever that could be.

Still, I'll remember the part about conflict.

[Ashley Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, highly insightful book that inspired me to look at writing sitcoms for myself. Written by a charismatic chap who definitely knew what he was talking about - Ronald Wolfe, who is sadly no longer with us. However his work will live on as 'On the Buses' is still often aired on television.

This book teaches you all the theory you'd ever want to know, as well as handy tips on such things as formatting and pitching your ideas. The experience of the author is clear throughout however he never once brags.

The only thing this won't teach you is how to be funny, that is something that must come naturally. However, it does go over some formulas that could help the humourously stunted!

I treasure my copy and if you get one so should you!