Comedy writers of the world unite! It is time to get comedy back on the TV. We would all like to think the rise of reality TV shows is funny but aren't they mostly just downright stupid? When paired with the rise in drama series, writers of comedy have been left out in the cold.
A comedy writer can write for radio, TV and film and make Robin Williams look like he does it all himself (actually I think he does, but who cares). Maybe you just want to write a funny column or feature pieces or even a whole book. Anything is possible since Comedy is King. Books for Comedians has some good choices in reading material that might save you some research time. Featured are: The Comedy Bible: From Stand-Up to Sitcom: The Comedy Writer's Ultimate How-To by Judy Carter. This books states it will help you with step-by-step instructions and will also help you determine which genre of comedy writing or performing suits you best. You get tips on how to develop, refine, and sell your work.
Another good reference book is Writing Television Comedy by Jerry Rannow, comedy guru who has written and produced for shows such as Happy Days, Welcome Back, Kotter, and Love Boat. This book for comedy writing book covers subjects such as:
- Finding ideas
- Story outlines
- Writing dialogue
- Spec scripts
- Working with other writers
- Writing jokes
- Formatting scripts
- Creating a plot
- Pitching a script
You can attend workshops and seminars, by Judy Carter of The Comedy Bible: From Stand-Up to Sitcom: The Comedy Writer's Ultimate How-To. Her Stand-Up Comedy Workshops Worldwide can be reached through their website or call 1-800-4-COMICS. Oprah has this to say about Judy, "Judy Carter can show anyone how to make their sense of humor pay off."
Another comedy workshop is taught by Jerry Rannow of Writing Television Comedy fame. This one-week workshop, The Comedy Writing Workshop is for writers and producers who want to create characters and situation for TV comedy and film.
If you are in London or want to go there you can take advantage of the Comedy Sketch Writing Workshop hosted by Brian West-co-writer of Channel 4 and MTV comedy series Pets , which is seen all over the world.