Art and Entertainment - Being an independent filmmaker specializing in animated comedy, I'd prefer to share my thoughts and observations approach create projects intended to make people laugh (in a very good way ). If you take an in depth look into recent popular shows and movies (i. e. Simpsons, Family Guy, Shrek, etc ) I have outlined a short analysis that identifies many of the major strategies of humor used in several of today's animated television programs and shows, along with the advantages / disadvantages of implementing them. Just note before we continue: this post is not intended only as a guide for comedy filmmakers- I‘m certain those individuals who appreciate good humor can get something out of them also.
The listed compilation is the results of my very own observations, and I am certain you will see what I am talking about in case you have a closer look this Sunday night when Family Guy comes on. Later, I am going to share a number of my very own thoughts as regards to creating effective humor for mainstream audiences.
1. PARODY: This involves poking fun of well-known genres and plot formulas (action, horror, porn, etc. ), and making references to well-known films, TV shows, famous people, significant historical events, etc. Very often, these genres, films, and TV shows are spoofed. Think about some times you‘ve got seen a reference to some Kubrick film during an episode of The Simpsons, or perhaps a Star Wars reference in Family Guy to stress a joke.
Advantages: First off, it is uncomplicated and sometimes elicits laughs. The fundamental structure of the joke is the different well-known source, and also the audience is probably to obtain it immediately.
Disadvantages: To become blunt, it is lazy filmmaking. An excessive amount parody thrown inside a story could be interpreted like an insufficient creativity/originality, and ultimately limits the project's depth. Jokes/gags of the kind will only last so long as the spoofed or referenced subject is popular or is fashionable.
2. ANIMATION THAT IS DELIBERATELY BAD / CHEESY: Includes the use of poorly drawn/animated characters and backgrounds as a crucial element of the humor.
Advantages: Sometimes more efficient and much more economical than using more detailed animation techniques. It is funny to watch and calling some focus on the bad animation can generate new jokes and great sight gags. Think about shows like Aqua Teen Hunger Force and Sealab 2021.
Disadvantages: Such as the parody, this will quickly become lazy filmmaking. Depending only on bad animation for laughs might result in the project difficult to keep over time.
3. GROSS-OUT HUMOR / EXPLICIT LANGUAGE: Includes humor that‘s, although not limited to being scatological, sexual, bloody, etc. Also, includes the use of foul language. Because the Simpsons and South Park, audiences have arrived at expect jokes of the kind.
Advantages: In small doses and when done with subtlety, gross-out humor, and the usage of explicit language combined with visual sight gags could be hilarious.
Disadvantage: Simple to overuse. Dialogue containing a lot of four-letter words for the benefit of being obnoxious will turn off most viewers. Gross-out humor, if perhaps employed for shock value, will seem shallow if it will not be something you want to contribute towards the overall story.
4. NON-SEQUITORS (RANDOM HUMOR ): Jokes, statements, events, etc. that happen from nowhere.
Advantages: Absurd humor that occurs at random works on several levels, which include the outlandishness from the act itself, its unpredictability, and likewise its general disregard for logic in context using the scene's apparent focus. It will take a group by surprise, and can also add some originality towards the project.
Disadvantages: If an absurd and random act suddenly shifts the focus from the story, it might disappoint viewers that have otherwise been engaged in the narrative. Also, some people might not "have it," which has got the potential of restricting the viewing demographic. Each time a nonsequitur serves like a story's conclusion, it is usually evidence in an inability to make an efficient ending.
On creating more effective humor :
Characters with unique qualities: Attempting to be original is not easy, though it‘s lots of fun. When creating characters, Don‘t Be Concerned an excessive amount about whatever's "hip" or "in" at this time. Begin with characters which have very specific personality traits, habits, etc. Base them off yourself, off of individuals you will know, your experiences, or just simply enable your imagination run wild. Provide a characters specific hobbies, unusual interests (i. e. a hero that can't resist objects that squirt water ), and specific likes/dislikes. These concrete qualities will often provide possibilities to develop character, storylines, and above all, humorous events.
Stories with solid conclusions: Many creative folks I have talked to see the difficulty of coming up with good endings. Whatever the genre, filmmakers of sorts can become familiar with a valuable lesson from mystery novel authors. Whenever you develop the thought for any film, start by learning how it is going to end. This provides the storyline focus and causes it to be easier for all of the events to logically pan out. Another important tip to remember- audiences will almost always forgive a film with a nasty beginning, but can never forgive a film with a nasty ending.
Recognize that being funny is not a similar as acting funny: Okay, what does that mean? Here is an illustration: There would be a video on the web of the careless skateboarder falling on his face multiple times after attempting to coast from the roof of his parents' house. It wasn't funny towards the skateboarder, but it was eventually funny to a lot of the people that saw it happen. Why? On the psychological level, it is in your nature to laugh or take some satisfaction in another person‘s misfortune/failure so long like the screw-up does not lead to death or dismemberment (a lot of the time ). On a far more practical level, a lot of the online viewers laughed in the sheer idiocy from the act. In the end, the careless skateboarder who plunged from the roof expected positive results from his stunt. So how can we apply this to making a comedy? Create situations which are funny towards the audience, but to not your characters. One effective method of accomplishing this has your characters expect serious results from doing items that are dangerous, stupid, or both.
These are just a couple of pointers to assist you to start with creating your comedy, or to assist you to understand many of the more successful comedy available today. Do you enjoyed the art? Have a very good laugh!
I think it's enough all about Common Strategies of Animated Comedy. Thanks so much :)
Common Strategies of Animated Comedy
1. PARODY: This involves poking fun of well-known genres and plot formulas (action, horror, porn, etc. ), and making references to well-known films, TV shows, famous people, significant historical events, etc. Very often, these genres, films, and TV shows are spoofed. Think about some times you‘ve got seen a reference to some Kubrick film during an episode of The Simpsons, or perhaps a Star Wars reference in Family Guy to stress a joke.
Advantages: First off, it is uncomplicated and sometimes elicits laughs. The fundamental structure of the joke is the different well-known source, and also the audience is probably to obtain it immediately.
Disadvantages: To become blunt, it is lazy filmmaking. An excessive amount parody thrown inside a story could be interpreted like an insufficient creativity/originality, and ultimately limits the project's depth. Jokes/gags of the kind will only last so long as the spoofed or referenced subject is popular or is fashionable.
2. ANIMATION THAT IS DELIBERATELY BAD / CHEESY: Includes the use of poorly drawn/animated characters and backgrounds as a crucial element of the humor.
Advantages: Sometimes more efficient and much more economical than using more detailed animation techniques. It is funny to watch and calling some focus on the bad animation can generate new jokes and great sight gags. Think about shows like Aqua Teen Hunger Force and Sealab 2021.
Disadvantages: Such as the parody, this will quickly become lazy filmmaking. Depending only on bad animation for laughs might result in the project difficult to keep over time.
3. GROSS-OUT HUMOR / EXPLICIT LANGUAGE: Includes humor that‘s, although not limited to being scatological, sexual, bloody, etc. Also, includes the use of foul language. Because the Simpsons and South Park, audiences have arrived at expect jokes of the kind.
Advantages: In small doses and when done with subtlety, gross-out humor, and the usage of explicit language combined with visual sight gags could be hilarious.
Disadvantage: Simple to overuse. Dialogue containing a lot of four-letter words for the benefit of being obnoxious will turn off most viewers. Gross-out humor, if perhaps employed for shock value, will seem shallow if it will not be something you want to contribute towards the overall story.
4. NON-SEQUITORS (RANDOM HUMOR ): Jokes, statements, events, etc. that happen from nowhere.
Advantages: Absurd humor that occurs at random works on several levels, which include the outlandishness from the act itself, its unpredictability, and likewise its general disregard for logic in context using the scene's apparent focus. It will take a group by surprise, and can also add some originality towards the project.
Disadvantages: If an absurd and random act suddenly shifts the focus from the story, it might disappoint viewers that have otherwise been engaged in the narrative. Also, some people might not "have it," which has got the potential of restricting the viewing demographic. Each time a nonsequitur serves like a story's conclusion, it is usually evidence in an inability to make an efficient ending.
On creating more effective humor :
Characters with unique qualities: Attempting to be original is not easy, though it‘s lots of fun. When creating characters, Don‘t Be Concerned an excessive amount about whatever's "hip" or "in" at this time. Begin with characters which have very specific personality traits, habits, etc. Base them off yourself, off of individuals you will know, your experiences, or just simply enable your imagination run wild. Provide a characters specific hobbies, unusual interests (i. e. a hero that can't resist objects that squirt water ), and specific likes/dislikes. These concrete qualities will often provide possibilities to develop character, storylines, and above all, humorous events.
Stories with solid conclusions: Many creative folks I have talked to see the difficulty of coming up with good endings. Whatever the genre, filmmakers of sorts can become familiar with a valuable lesson from mystery novel authors. Whenever you develop the thought for any film, start by learning how it is going to end. This provides the storyline focus and causes it to be easier for all of the events to logically pan out. Another important tip to remember- audiences will almost always forgive a film with a nasty beginning, but can never forgive a film with a nasty ending.
Recognize that being funny is not a similar as acting funny: Okay, what does that mean? Here is an illustration: There would be a video on the web of the careless skateboarder falling on his face multiple times after attempting to coast from the roof of his parents' house. It wasn't funny towards the skateboarder, but it was eventually funny to a lot of the people that saw it happen. Why? On the psychological level, it is in your nature to laugh or take some satisfaction in another person‘s misfortune/failure so long like the screw-up does not lead to death or dismemberment (a lot of the time ). On a far more practical level, a lot of the online viewers laughed in the sheer idiocy from the act. In the end, the careless skateboarder who plunged from the roof expected positive results from his stunt. So how can we apply this to making a comedy? Create situations which are funny towards the audience, but to not your characters. One effective method of accomplishing this has your characters expect serious results from doing items that are dangerous, stupid, or both.
These are just a couple of pointers to assist you to start with creating your comedy, or to assist you to understand many of the more successful comedy available today. Do you enjoyed the art? Have a very good laugh!
I think it's enough all about Common Strategies of Animated Comedy. Thanks so much :)
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