The Art of Comedy Writing: Finding Humor in the Mundane

TLDRIn this video, the comedian talks about his process of comedy writing and how he finds humor in everyday life. He shares stories about his childhood breakfast experiences and the invention of Pop-Tarts. He also discusses the importance of timing and the challenge of ending a comedic bit.

Key insights

😂Comedy writing is a meticulous process that requires spending a considerable amount of time on seemingly insignificant subjects.

🍞The comedian shares humorous anecdotes from his childhood involving breakfast foods like Pop-Tarts and Shredded Wheat.

🖊️Writing comedy is similar to songwriting, with a focus on creating strong connections and perfect timing.

🤣The comedian highlights the importance of making the audience laugh by crafting clever jokes and humorous observations.

The timing and delivery of a punchline are crucial to maximize its comedic impact and generate laughter.

Q&A

How long does it take to write a comedy bit?

The comedian mentions spending up to two years on a single piece, although typically he can write one in just a couple of days.

Is comedy writing a secretive process?

The comedian notes that comedy writing is often done in isolation, with few people having seen his work.

What is the key to comedy writing?

According to the comedian, the key to comedy writing is thinking of something funny and building from there.

How does the comedian come up with funny lines?

The comedian finds inspiration in everyday life and uses clever wordplay and observational humor to create funny lines.

How does the comedian end a comedic bit?

Ending a comedic bit is a challenge, and the comedian strives to make the biggest laugh occur at the end.

Timestamped Summary

00:05The comedian discusses his commitment to comedy writing and the time he spends on seemingly insignificant subjects.

00:19He shares humorous stories from his childhood, including the invention of Pop-Tarts and his experiences with breakfast foods.

01:00The comedian talks about his approach to comedy writing, comparing it to songwriting and the importance of humor right from the start.

01:22He recounts a funny anecdote involving a wood chipper and Shredded Wheat cereal, emphasizing the value of wordplay and humor in his writing.

02:22The comedian reflects on the challenge of ending a comedic bit and making sure the biggest laugh comes at the end.