What are You Laughing at: How to Write Funny Screenplays, Stories, and More

(Paperback)

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In 'What are you laughing at' Brad Schreiber has written an accessible and entertaining introduction to the world of comedy writing. From the nature of humor and the principles of comedic structure through the various forms of comedy writing he gets to the very heart of what makes modern readers and film-goers laugh - and why. This is an essential guide for any writer wanting to master the art of comedy writing, with vital information on everything from the process of screenwriting, generating ideas, the author's voice, story, character and comedic dialogue to the importance of subtext, satire, parody, vulgarity and bad taste.

Reviews

"At last. A how-to book by someone who actually knows how to." Larry Gelbart, creator-writer, M*A*S*H, screenwriter, Tootsie "Some people are just plain funny. Some people don't know funny when it bites them in their collective ass. For the rest of us in the middle, this book might help. That is if funny is your idea of a good time." Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller "Fast, fresh, fun to read, and of enormous value not for screenwriters alone but all writers, and not for comedy alone but all genres. Here is a truly original and worthy new contribution to the field." Prof. Richard Walter, Screenwriting Chairman, UCLA Film School "Understand how people tick and the chances are that what you write - comedy or tragedy - will be more interesting. However, you still have to find the best way to write your observations on the human condition and if you want to try to be funny, this book is highly recommended." ScriptWriter Magazine Among Schreibers most valuable tools are his chapters on story. His dissections of scenes inner workings are sharp, and he tends to utilize those details to build a foundation for dialogue...On the level of pure story assembly, Schreibers book is useful for anyone still wrestling with setting up their script. - Creative Screenwriting Magazine "Comedy is a funny thing and Schreiber's tome gets to the heart of humor." Richard Krevolin, professor of Screenwriting, USC, author, Screenwriting from the Soul