Watch Now That's Funny: The Art and Craft of Writing Comedy
- 2015
- 55 min
Now That's Funny: The Art and Craft of Writing Comedy is a documentary that explores the process of writing comedy. The film features interviews with some of the most successful comedy writers and performers in the industry, including Larry Gelbart, Jim Abrahams, and David Zucker. The film is broken up into several chapters that focus on different aspects of writing comedy. The first chapter covers the basics of comedy writing, including the importance of structure and the different types of jokes that writers can employ. This section features interviews with writers who have worked on shows like The Simpsons and Saturday Night Live.
The second chapter focuses on the process of coming up with ideas for comedy. This section features interviews with writers who have created some of the most iconic comedy sketches and characters of all time. These writers describe how they came up with their ideas and offer advice on how aspiring writers can develop their own unique voices.
The third chapter explores the challenges that writers face when writing comedy. This section features interviews with writers who have experienced writer's block and other struggles that come with the creative process. They offer advice on how to overcome these challenges and keep writing even when inspiration is hard to come by.
The fourth chapter focuses on the collaborative nature of comedy writing. This section features interviews with writers who have worked on shows like The Office and Scrubs, and who describe how they work with other writers and performers to create comedy that resonates with audiences.
The final chapter of the film explores the impact that comedy can have on society. This section features interviews with comedians who have used their voices to address important social issues, from racism and sexism to political corruption and income inequality.
Throughout the film, the interviews are interspersed with clips from some of the most iconic comedy sketches and shows of all time, from Monty Python to Key and Peele. The film also incorporates footage of comedy writers performing their own material, showcasing the individual voices and styles that make each writer unique.
Overall, Now That's Funny: The Art and Craft of Writing Comedy is an insightful and engaging exploration of the creative process behind one of the most beloved and enduring art forms. Whether you're an aspiring comedy writer, a fan of stand-up comedy, or just someone who appreciates the value of a good laugh, this film is sure to entertain and inspire.