Crafting Your Own Comedy (Part II)
Hello! We now continue with our dissection of the programming known commonly as the Sitcom. Before reading this information please take a moment to review our introduction, “Crafting Your Own Comedy.”
Like vitamins to the human body, there are several important “motivators” that help keep any sitcom alive and ratings healthy. Let’s take an in-depth look at several of the common ones.
The cast must be a collection that involves a mix of the following personality types. You may pick and choose; however, like a bowl of jellybeans, you will attract more people the greater your variety. We’ve personified each type to augment your understanding.
Ted the Moron- He gets stupid ideas and states them with confidence. He doesn’t seem to notice when the other characters look at each other and do a “What the…” double take right in front of him. He misunderstands common expressions and puns. Unlike stupid people in real life, he’s always loveable and his debilitating stupidity only endears him to the others.
Frank the Frustrated Hero- This guy is usually the main character. His good nature is infectious but he is a bit naïve. Any big plans he has that would change the dynamic show MUST fall through at the last moment. If it doesn’t, you must promote the show as “A Very Special Episode.”
Jim the Ladies Man – Romance is equal part tragedy and comedy. The comedy is mined from the fact that people do INSANE things when they think they are in love. Your characters should embarrass themselves with stunts that have every good psychiatrist shaking their heads.
Also remember (and this is important), SEX on TV is as causal as buying groceries. I know it seems deviant to convey this ridiculous idea but that’s the way we work in Hollywood.
Janet the Compulsive – This could also be Janet the Eccentric or Janet the Arrogant. This character has one extreme aspect of her personality that is constantly being yanked at by the show’s circumstances or other characters. Put her in a tizzy and keep her there.
The rest of your sitcom is simply setting and a congealed, misshapen mound of bad puns, put-downs, misunderstandings, and a bit of slapstick. Yes, that’s it!! We remind you again that being a TV executive requires precious little creative or innovative thinking. You can do it then hire your imbecile cousin as a junior executive.
Here’s a quick primer on common sitcom settings…
The Workplace Sitcom
- Everyone has a break and fills the break room at the SAME time.
- A practical joke must be in play at all times.
- The boss is cranky and out of touch. Why? HE JUST IS! NOW GET BACK TO READING!
- No one is ever out sick or has to wear uniforms.
- All customers are very quiet so we can hear the workers.
The Family Sitcom
- Most good family sitcoms are designated in a pleasant suburban home. Don’t mess with this. It gives everyone a nice feeling.
- The clueless dolt MUST be the father. DO NOT anger your audience by allowing the wife (female) to do anything habitually stupid. They are to be the “behind the scenes” masters of every situation allowing the male to only think he’s in charge.
- All families must have friends of another race. We don’t care just pick one. (Chubby Asian kids are usually comedy gold.)
- Sitcom families wear robes in the morning just like a full 2% of the American public.
- Don’t do something silly like having friends and family knock before coming in.
- The house must stay mysteriously clean with no housecleaning.
In summary, to create a Sitcom (Sit for Commercials) you will need one industrial strength laugh track, a cast of lop-sided characters, a plethora of put-downs and a whitewashed setting. A prime time slot is only a pitch away!
Leave a Reply