The Hidden Tools of Comedy

Explores why comedy works, how it works and what happens when comedy doesn't work (and how to fix it). Contains dozens of famous film and TV examples.

PART I: Understanding ComedyChapter 1: The Myths of ComedyChapter 2: A Comedy Perception TestChapter 3: The Theory of ComedyChapter 4: The Comic EquationChapter 5: Introducing the ToolsPART II: The HiddenTools of ComedyChapter 6: Tool #1 - WinningChapter 7: Tool #2 - The Non-HeroChapter 8: Tool #3 - ?Metaphorical ?RelationshipsChapter 9: Tool #4 - ?Positive (ly Selfish) ActionChapter 10: Tool #5 - Active EmotionChapter 11: Tool #6 - ?Straight Line/Wavy LinePART III: The Non-Hero's JourneyChapter 12: ?The 3,000-Year History of Comedy (in 15 minutes)Chapter 13: ?Tool #7- Archetype CastingChapter 14: Tool #8 -The Comic PremiseChapter 15: ?Non-Hero's JourneyPART IV: Nuts & BoltsChapter 16: Take These Jokes, Please!Chapter 17: ?Get Me Re-WriteChapter 18: ?What I Really Want To Do Is Direct! and Act!Chapter 19: ?"You're a Producer; Come Up With Something!”Chapter 20: ?20 Great Comic Films and SitcomsChapter 21: ?When Comedy Goes Bad: What to AvoidPART V: The PunchlineChapter 22: ?OK, I've Saved a Cat; Now What?Chapter 23: Comedy FAQChapter 24: ?Additional Resources or Who to Steal From (but please, always call it homage!)