What Makes A Comedy?, ^^ Options

[Timekeeper]

what do you think makes a comedy?

[Danska: Shadow M...]

something that makes you laugh? by the way, this forum is for comedies not things about comedies.

welcome to for 2(?) days ago.

This post has been edited by deadly kanohi: Jan 5 2003, 12:21 PM

[Vinny]

I'm not trying to be mean or anything, but you should try to keep the parts of the story at least 300 words long, and the replies should be at least 10 words long. This seems more like a General Discussion topic.

[Arpy]

Well, this is about comedies, so I think it should be here.
I think a good comedy has not too much violence, no characters screaming in caps for half the story, and the fic should have at least a basic idea, where you know who the characters are, and what they are doing.

[GaliGee]

I think we can leave this here... I'd say a PLOT is a big asset. Most of all, it should have the characters behaving in-character (e.g., Lewa playful, Tahu irritable), but either in a setting that's unfamiliar (e.g., a fancy restaurant), or in a Mata Nui situation that's a little bizarre (e.g., Gali's head switched with Pohatu's). Good comedies tend to have a witty banter between the characters, but witty does NOT mean crude... you can be really funny without using any swear words or gross humor.

[Danska: Shadow M...]

GaliGee's just about summed it up.

I think this should be pinned to the notice board. then, as well as having rules saying what you can and can't do, people can have a look at this and use it to make their comedies funnier. that would probably help improve the standard of comedies on BZP.

I have something to add. 300 words.

[Belfy]

My rule of thumb:

If it makes your relatives laugh, you've got a winner.

(My mother loved Makuta's milk ad...)

-*-Nova Nuhvok-*-

[Z]

Yeah, but relatives are EXPECTED to laugh.

I think what we're looking at is, what is funny and to whom. I for one enjoy a lot of different types of comedy, but I really don't care for silly slapstick. I DO like Monty Python, but I'm not a Benny Hill kind of guy. I thought Jim Carrey was fantastic in the Mask, Liar Liar, the Truman Show, and a few others, but at the same time, I couldn't stand Dumb & Dumber, Ace Ventura, or most of his early work on TV.

Another comedy style I like is embodied by such cartoons as the Simpsons and Invader Zim, but my wife cannot STAND either one of those. To her, a comedy should be plot-directed in a completely realistic world. (Then again, at times I swear that she thinks Romeo and Juliet should have been labeled, "Comedy")

But the majority of people who visit BZPower are kids, and that's what we need to remember.

I think this definitely deserves to stay... and be pinned.

[Belfy]

QUOTE (Z @ Jan 7 2003, 05:56 AM)

Yeah, but relatives are EXPECTED to laugh.

Really Z? Gee...I'm so dillusioned! Really, I am. My mother isn't interested in Bionicle at all...so I thought she'd be perfect...

Just goes to show how well my krana's been operating. I'm open for anyone to pick at my filkings, or milk ads now...since my mother's opinion is now nulled...

-*-Nova Nuhvok-*-

PS: Any comedy with a Jim Carrey tone to it immediately gets my hackles up. I cannot stand his movies...no offense to you, or anyone else in here...

This post has been edited by Nova Nuhvok: Jan 7 2003, 02:10 AM

[Mahalis]

QUOTE (GaliGee @ Jan 6 2003, 08:53 AM)

Most of all, it should have the characters behaving in-character (e.g., Lewa playful, Tahu irritable)

Well.. who defines 'in character'? Sure, there're stereotypes like that, Tahu a hothead, Pohatu either the wisest (in your stories) or the odd one out.. but often having them completely unstereotypical in a normal situation (e.g. Kennedy National Airport- I think that was the title) can be funny too. You refer to tTiaFR, but there they aren't in their 'in character' guises. Lewa submissive yet possibly the most intelligent, Kopaka more like Tahu's stereotype persona..
Well, I guess it comes down to personal preference. Some play with the characters, some with the settings, some both.

[Guest_Murcielago_*]

QUOTE (Nova Nuhvok @ Jan 7 2003, 02:09 AM)

My mother isn't interested in Bionicle at all. -*-Nova Nuhvok-*-

Strange how my mom is interested. When I got a Tahnok Va my mom asked what it does, so I explained everything about it to her and I think she understood. (at least I think)
Getting back on track, some comedies (depending on your writing style) might need some somewhat serious part and then throwing something hilarious and unexpected thing in (like all the Toa talking about, say, a new Lego commercial. And all of a sudden, Lewa screams, like "CHEESE CUBES!!") There's something unexpected and funny.

And pratical jokes work too.

This post has been edited by Gold Kanohi Nuva: Jan 22 2003, 03:51 PM

[Arpy]

I think a comedy can also be funny when the characters transformation into Nuva (or something else) causes them to go completely wacko, in my comedies I had P.N. speak Latin, G.N. speak like a Redwall hare, and O. N. be extremely displeased with his (ugly) Pakari Nuva...
Also I advise authors to not use quotes from little known movies, Star Wars and Disney movies are Ok, but how many people on BZP are going to know about some 1930s film that's in B & W?

[Timekeeper]

heres my idea :
)it should be funny
)sadly, it has to be 300 words
)each character needs to play a role
(yay its(the topic)pinned)

[Mulligan Toa]

Well, let's see here, Gold Kanhoi Nuva, I totally agree with you. I like for my comedies to have someone that's stupid that's always doing stupid and unexpected things that end up ruining something (or someone lol)
Sorta' like me in Unsolved Mysteries of Mata Nui. (Don't now why I made myself stupid) Also, good use of Emticons turns and ordinary statement, into something that might get a little laugh out of the reader. like this piece from UMoMN

QUOTE

Starman20: TELL 'EM ABOUT THE SHOW YOU IDIOT! Tahu Nuva: I've never had a co-host this bossy! How 'bout you Mulligan Toa? Mulligan Toa:   Uhhh...

See what I mean! LOL!

[R2-D2]

I think what makes a good funny comedy are jokes that are plan funny!
It's got to have a good plot to it and sad to say 300 words long.
And it has funny smilys like burnmad and wacko and stuff like that!
Personaly i love Austin Powers and Weird Al jokes and it would be funny to have jokes like that but they would break all BZ rules and they would proble banned me.
Anyway i like GaliGee's storys.

This post has been edited by r2d2137: Jan 14 2003, 04:31 PM

[T-Hybrid]

Here's a suggestion for a good comedy.

Just because you can put "The Toa Meet _____" doesn't mean you have to.

Some combinations just don't cut it...and wind up turning into gratuitous violence and just plain gibberish.

So the next time you want to write a fic...and "The Toa Meet Alf" comes to mind. Think again.

[Goeyoshi]

QUOTE (GaliGee @ Jan 6 2003, 06:53 AM)

I think we can leave this here... I'd say a PLOT is a big asset. Most of all, it should have the characters behaving in-character (e.g., Lewa playful, Tahu irritable), but either in a setting that's unfamiliar (e.g., a fancy restaurant), or in a Mata Nui situation that's a little bizarre (e.g., Gali's head switched with Pohatu's). Good comedies tend to have a witty banter between the characters, but witty does NOT mean crude... you can be really funny without using any swear words or gross humor.

So true..

Always try to include a plot, without one your story will sputter and die. Also, it sometimes helps if your plot consists of 2 things:

An Epic storyline.
Comady

I used both in my story (A BZ Birthday Party (in sig) ) and now I've got a reply topic with 3+ pages of good comments

-GY

[Huriko Larelath]

What makes a comedy? Something with a funny plot and is clean. I personally like comedies where Bionicle Characters are stuck in the real world or somebody else gets stuck in their world.

Here's a tip: Make it a clean, funny, comedy with a plot. Plot's are an important part. Too many times I've seen people just post something that doesn't make any sense.

_H12_

[OnuaNut]

here are my thoughts:
Write what inspires you, and make it so that you don't break any BZP rules.
It helps for you to have a good idea of what your writing before you write it.
I start out with an idea, and expand on it as I write.
Also it's good that you don't do stuff that other people have done.
The Toa at Home was an inspiration to me, I wrote what I felt, I wrote out my inspiration to it's fullest.
I wrote it, not expecting it to become very popular. It was just something I felt I wanted to do. I never dreamed it would become what it has become.
After it got closed the first time, let me tell you, I was shocked, but I decied to try again. After a second time of it being closed, I felt that it was a sign for me to move on. That's when I started The Matoran at Home.
The Matoran at Home is based on The Toa at Home, and you'll see some little things in there that were from previous TTaH chapters.
I can't tell you how pleased I am with how it's going
I get a few PMs every week from members saying how much they like my comedies and how they want me to keep writing
I want to thank you for your kind words of support, you don't know how good it makes me feel
All in all, I write from pure inspiration, and that, my fellow BZP members, is my definition of what makes a comedy.


Happy Writing
-OnuaNut

[GaliGee]

QUOTE (Mahalis @ Jan 7 2003, 06:33 PM)

Well.. who defines 'in character'? Sure, there're stereotypes like that, Tahu a hothead, Pohatu either the wisest (in your stories) or the odd one out.. but often having them completely unstereotypical in a normal situation (e.g. Kennedy National Airport- I think that was the title) can be funny too. You refer to tTiaFR, but there they aren't in their 'in character' guises. Lewa submissive yet possibly the most intelligent, Kopaka more like Tahu's stereotype persona.. Well, I guess it comes down to personal preference. Some play with the characters, some with the settings, some both.

Mahalis, I thought the way you did the characters in tTiaFR WAS in-character (in the stereotypical sense) enough to make 'em familiar and believable, but with a twist. That's what made that story so hilarious. Lewa was the "kid" who was constantly being shushed, but at the same time he was sly -- he ended up getting the last laugh. The way you made Gali the one to try to keep the others in line is totally consistent with LEGO, like when she breaks up the fight between Kopaka and Tahu in comic #9, but she ends up washing dishes, anyway (the twist). And Kopaka IS pretty darn irritable, too, just look at the comic dialog to see that. But having him be the one to take on the bass in tTatO was funny because it wasn't expected.

Guys, if you want a lesson on writing comedy, read Mahalis's stuff.

Oh, one other thing -- patterns can make a story funny. For example, have a similar situation occur to each Toa and tell about their reactions, and then make the last one completely different somehow.

[-X-]

I find that a bit of insanity always helps. Over do the characters too, like GaliGee said-keep characters in character-but stretch their attitude to a breaking point! For instance, Lewa is usually kinda playful but serious sometimes in the comics-why not make Lewa hyperactively playful and rarely heroic!

Custom characters are also helpful-especially Matoran and a "running gag". Like in my comedy-it only just started but my "running gag" will be bob the evil Matoran eating office chair! And most of the starting characters are Matoran!

[R2-D2]

QUOTE (T-Hybrid @ Jan 16 2003, 02:38 PM)

Here's a suggestion for a good comedy. Just because you can put "The Toa Meet _____" doesn't mean you have to. Some combinations just don't cut it...and wind up turning into gratuitous violence and just plain gibberish. So the next time you want to write a fic...and "The Toa Meet Alf" comes to mind. Think again.

That is so true.i wrote a story called toa in a star war.I barly got replys cause people were saying it was too long.Each chapter had about 500 words.That's one thing i like.A long comedy with a good funny action plot.But i do like Weird Al jokes and Austin Powers jokes but there too much dirty things in it.Like there some comedies called the toa meet farly odd parents and stuff like godzilla fights and and it turns out being just plan stupid.
And there are comedies that don't make sense like just a buch of jiberish words that don't make sense.so over all there are good comedies and bad comedies but a good funny plot makes the comedy!

[Mahalis]

QUOTE (GaliGee @ Jan 21 2003, 10:41 AM)

Guys, if you want a lesson on writing comedy, read Mahalis's stuff.

I still can't believe you're saying that..
--
Anyways. This might not be the case with others, but I, for one, am always turned off by lots and lots of emoticons.. they break up the text and, though they're easier than actually saying the expression, it's kind of annoying all the same.

[Mulligan Toa]

Yes, I try not to use emoticons to much, I mainly use them at the begging or end of someone speaking. and yes of course, every character needs to behave in the same way they did in the first chapter of your story.

[The Ice King]

Well, I find that it's important to make your comedy readable. I see too many comedies like:

So Tahu is washing the window and gali says hey tahu what are you doing? Tahu says oh nothing and these guys come up and they are yellow and they say hi and the other person does a strange dance... and tahu goes what are you guys doing and gali says thats what i just asked.

See? It makes no sense. Randomness is always great, and so is running gags. Whats not good is stuff that don't lead to anything like:

Tahu: Hey everyone!

Lewa: Hi Tahu.

Funky Rubber Chicken: I love peanut butter!

Tahu: How strange, a rubber chicken.

Gali: You're stupid.

Tahu: Oh yeah, well you're stupid.

Gali: Oh yeah well...

Besides the characters being totally out of character here, the reader also might be wondering, what happened to the chicken? The answer is nothing, nothing happened to the chicken, he got one line, and then was forgotten completely. Don't let this happen in your comedy!

One last thing is: Sometimes people will forget where they left their character off in their last chapter and place them in a totally different place and situation in the next chapter without saying how they got there. Again, try to avoid this.

I hope this helped somewhat, I really like writing comedies and I thought I'd come here and give some advice!

[Guest_Murcielago_*]

QUOTE (Mulligan Toa @ Jan 26 2003, 03:56 PM)

I mainly use them at the begging or end of someone speaking.

I do that too. It sort of helps 'sets the mood' of what the character is saying. It also helps to make a transition from one mood to another. Like this excerpt from TNSHNY (Tahu's Not-So-Happy New Year:

Gali: Who is it? Oh, not you guys again.

Right there, Gali is all happy and has not a care in the world. But when the Bohrok came to the party and Gali got the door, she got really annoyed.

[@kaku kopaka nuv...]

Well GaliGee is right,and I think it has to be a funny idea,a funny place and situation,and put characters in a very funny comedy.And one more thing:Talent and a little bit of luck

[Koyana The Angel]

might need some somewhat serious part and then throwing something hilarious and unexpected thing in (like all the Toa talking about, say, a new Lego commercial. And all of a sudden, Lewa screams, like "CHEESE CUBES!!") There's something unexpected and funny*Made/said by GoldKanohiNuva*

Ha!Hey,I might need that technique!Anyway,a comedy should be funny and appropriate.We don't want anything gross,just like GaliGee said.Yes.This is what makes a comedy.This topic does deserves to be in an important place.I'm glad everyone was talking about this.Everyone is correct.And that is how it should be.

This post has been edited by KoyanaNuva: Feb 18 2003, 09:06 PM

[Tahu_Nuva113]

A good comedy would be somthing funny that has lots of Humor in it.

This post has been edited by Tahu_Nuva113: Feb 18 2003, 10:00 PM

[Taipu of Onu-kor...]

What makes a comidy? Let's see...:

1. Has to make you laugh
2. Has to have caracters
3. Has to have a basic story
4. Has to have Cheese!!! (Not really, just messin' with yo head)

This post has been edited by Speedy X: Apr 30 2004, 10:58 PM

[Jak]

I think this:
A comedy has to be funny,after all that's why their called comedies...Also it should fallow the guid lines of comedies...(I would realy hate to be banned from BZP)

[@kaku kopaka nuv...]

The mods of the comedies forum should start a pinned topic,like ,,writing tips'',in order to help the young comedy writers to know what's best..

[R2-D2]

QUOTE (@kaku kopaka nuva @ Feb 28 2003, 06:05 AM)

The mods of the comedies forum should start a pinned topic,like ,,writing tips'',in order to help the young comedy writers to know what's best..

Yes @kaku kopaka nuva that sounds like a very good idea!
If it happens maybe it will stop all those spamish comedies.

[Morzbuhak]

How do you write a comedy/What button do you press to start the comedy?

[giga toa]

when somthing funny that you least expect happens

[Minaku Yama Ulti...]

If GG's already said this then PM me and i'll edit it but she said that a good comedy is made when you have a good element and keep putting new twists on it...there are my two cents...

[Roca, Toa of Des...]

QUOTE (Deadly Kanohi Master @ Jan 5 2003, 12:20 PM)

something that makes you laugh? by the way, this forum is for comedies not things about comedies. welcome to  for 2(?) days ago.

I agree completely! What else does comedy mean? Something that makesyou cry? Sheesh! Look it up in the dictionary, ya crazy!

This post has been edited by Roca, Toa of Dessert: Mar 24 2003, 08:08 PM

[OnuaNut]

QUOTE (jala100 @ Mar 30 2003, 09:40 AM)

I cant make a comedy that anybody replies to!

I'm sorry to here that, jala 100.
A great comedy is not born over night though. Just keep at it and try your best. I'm sure if you keep doing that, then you'll have something truely wonderful on your hands.
If you need help, don't hesitate to ask me, I have lots of advice to give. And that goes for anyone else who is struggling out there. I'd be more than happy to help anyone who would like my assistance.



I'd just like to say something for those who are struggling with anything:
Don't give up. That is worse than anything that could ever happen. A person should never quit, he/she should give everything that he/she has. Some people weren't born to write, we all have our own unique gifts and we should use them to the fullest of our abilities. If writing comedy is your thing, then write comedy. If you like to draw, then draw. If helping people is what you do best, then by golly, help people.
The only thing that is stopping you, is you.


Thanks for your time.
Peace out and God bless.

This post has been edited by OnuaNut: Apr 1 2003, 10:44 PM

[Israeli Toa]

Well, I'm not an expert comedy writer, as I've never written any for BZP, but I do have some advice.

1)Don't just make your chapters or whole comedy 301 words. I like comedies when they're long... But don't make them too long...split it up into different chapters then.
2)Don't use emoticons too freely. I've noticed when people do this a lot, and it gets to be rather annoying. But, in some cases, emoticons really make the story so much funnier! So learn how to use them. OnuaNut is the master of emoticon-using in comedies! He knows just where and how to use them. His stuff really makes me laugh!
3)Usually, I don't like the dialogue type of comedy, such as:

Tahu: Ok, I'm going to go lava-surfing.
Kopaka: Fine...but you better not come back dripping lava!
Tahu: Oh, don't worry. If I do, I'll shake it off on you...

I like the regular type of writing better, like:

"So," Tahu said to Kopaka, "I'm going to go lava-surfing."
"Fine," Kopaka replied stiffly. "But you better not come back dripping lava!" Tahu grinned, saying, "Don't worry. If I do, I'll shake it off on you."

That kind of dialogue is much more descriptive. But, like with the emoticons, if you know how to use it, the first example of dialogue is extremely funny! But, most of the comedies that I've seen with that type are not. Also, like with the emoticons, OnuaNut is an excellent writer, using that first type of dialogue...
4)Have a plot. A good plot. Too many comedies that I've seen make no sense, are confusing, and are just ridiculous. Make the action and events at least a little reasonable.

Ok, those are the tips I can think of right now...hopefully, they're helpful to some of you! And, I agree with OnuaNut, don't ever give up! And, if any of you would like me to read their comedies, PM me, and I'd be happy to do so.

-IT

[Roca, Toa of Des...]

QUOTE (Israeli Toa @ Apr 2 2003, 04:13 PM)

Well, I'm not an expert comedy writer, as I've never written any for BZP, but I do have some advice. 1)Don't just make your chapters or whole comedy 301 words. I like comedies when they're long... But don't make them too long...split it up into different chapters then. 2)Don't use emoticons too freely. I've noticed when people do this a lot, and it gets to be rather annoying. But, in some cases, emoticons really make the story so much funnier! So learn how to use them. OnuaNut is the master of emoticon-using in comedies! He knows just where and how to use them. His stuff really makes me laugh! 3)Usually, I don't like the dialogue type of comedy, such as: Tahu: Ok, I'm going to go lava-surfing. Kopaka: Fine...but you better not come back dripping lava! Tahu: Oh, don't worry. If I do, I'll shake it off on you... I like the regular type of writing better, like: "So," Tahu said to Kopaka, "I'm going to go lava-surfing." "Fine," Kopaka replied stiffly. "But you better not come back dripping lava!" Tahu grinned, saying, "Don't worry. If I do, I'll shake it off on you." That kind of dialogue is much more descriptive. But, like with the emoticons, if you know how to use it, the first example of dialogue is extremely funny! But, most of the comedies that I've seen with that type are not. Also, like with the emoticons, OnuaNut is an excellent writer, using that first type of dialogue... 4)Have a plot. A good plot. Too many comedies that I've seen make no sense, are confusing, and are just ridiculous. Make the action and events at least a little reasonable. Ok, those are the tips I can think of right now...hopefully, they're helpful to some of you! And, I agree with OnuaNut, don't ever give up! And, if any of you would like me to read their comedies, PM me, and I'd be happy to do so. -IT

I agree. I don't think they should write stories in script-form. They sould be written in the proper way. I also think the plot should be a good one, like mine. There's a link to my story in my sig. A guy said my sig is too long. I just don't get that.