Social Media 🥲🙂‍↕️🤪🤩🥸🥶

Alrighty, now that we have the name and the overall idea of the short film, it is time to start the marketing. This meanssssss: Social media time‼️

These were the notes I took in class during the social media lesson to start my foundation on marketing this short film.

In my opinion, Instagram is the best social media to market my specific short film as well as any productions in general, because it has a strong visual focus, high engagement rates, people in many age ranges, different content formats (e.g. stories, reels, feed posts, etc.), and more. I think this can help me cultivate the most desirable environment for posting funny clips that garner interest in the film. Basically, I want an audience that consumes a lot of video content, particularly in a younger demographic as I see them as the ones to gravitate towards the genre of comedy. 

To help develop a proper brand for my project, I want to start with a color scheme. I definitely want to follow a bold, minimalistic style to provide a clean space for the comical elements to stand out. After some thought, I decided that a white and black color scheme with hints of yellow would work the best. 

Now it is time to make the logo. 👏😃 

I went through a series of alterations before I ended on a final result.

In this first trial, I got down the font; it was minimalistic and worked for the vibe I was going. The exact font I used is called “League Spartan.” 

Next, I just changed the positioning.

After I got the positioning down, I wanted to add a little element or something that I could make a reference out of later on in the short film. 

I tried many different variations and honestly did not like most of them, but I ended up with this:

I like the simplistic vibe; I think it would be easy to build off of and when I figure out the rest of the film poster, it can tie in nicely and fit the rest of the vibe.

After I had the logo, I went ahead and created the Instagram account for the short film. 

Here is the link for it: https://www.instagram.com/jobinterviewfilm/#

Yayyyy we have got a start on one of the most crucial parts of the film! I cannot wait for what's next.☺️😊

Hello...

Back to some regular blogging!!

I am thinking of making my comedy short film a parody or circumstantial/relatable comedy.

Some ideas for a parody could be:

• A ridiculous job interview

• Chaotic family reunion 

• Maybe vegan people? 

• Teenagers who vape - but doing the “vape” over and over with a silly object or food item, like kale. 

• Preppy girls/Beauty overconsumption

Circumstantial comedy ideas:

• Unemployed men

• Streamers (like Youtubers who screen record their screens)

• “Technophobe” - someone who refuses to adapt to technology or modern society in general

• Online dating

• Awkward first dates

• Boyfriend’s girl best friend

• A first date but the gender roles are reversed - like the girl does things guys typically do and vice versa

I chose a couple of ideas that I thought were the best for my project and tried to expand on them to help me zone in on a topic that I could produce. 

“The Ridiculous Job Interview”:

General Plot: A parody of job interviews where candidates are asked absurd questions and must perform ridiculous tasks to prove their skills.

Production Elements: Use a mock office setting with over-the-top interviewers. Props could include silly task cards or bizarre office equipment.

Writing/Comedic Timing Techniques: Employ quick-witted dialogue and unexpected twists in the interview questions. Keep the questions escalating throughout the interview. 

Acting Tips: Actors should maintain a straight face while delivering absurd lines. Use physical comedy when performing tasks, like trying to solve a puzzle with oversized pieces.

“I can stop eating kale anytime I want”:

General Plot: A group of teenagers start eating kale like crazy. They do it with their friends, sneak it into school, eat it in their rooms and hide it when their parents come, etc. This leads to a moral panic in their small town. As adults try to intervene, the fad continues to spiral out of control.

Production Elements: Use 

Writing/Comedic Timing Techniques: Use repetition and escalation for the "kale eating" scenes. Create humorous misunderstandings between teens and adults.

Acting Tips: Maintain deadpan delivery when discussing absurd "kale eating" habits. Exaggerate physical actions when and side effects. 

"Awkward First Dates":

General Plot: A first date goes so wrong due to misunderstandings, awkward silences, and unexpected events - this makes it comically sound.

Production Elements: Use a weird date setting; instead of something normal like restaurants, parks, and museums, it could be a first date at a gym, cemetery, parents house, gas station, etc.  

Writing/Comedic Timing Techniques: Employ quick cuts to highlight awkward moments. Use dialogue that is both relatable and absurd.

Acting Tips: Actors should convey genuine awkwardness while maintaining comedic timing. Use facial expressions and body language to enhance the humor.

Out of these, I think I am liking the job interview idea the most. I would simply title it “Job Interview” and let the elements of the film piece speak for itself. In my next post I will start the social media for the project. 

MORE comedy films😍

We have finally come to the end of this research. After dissecting a couple more short films, it is time to put this project into full motion.

The first short film I watched is called, "My Kreepy Teacher” which is supposedly satire for a Netflix documentary called “My Octopus Teacher.”

The short film parodies the original by replacing the octopus with a pool cleaning device called a Kreepy Crawly. The narrator speaks in the same earnest, philosophical tone as in the original documentary, creating humor through the contrast between the profound narration and the simple subject matter of a pool cleaner. The humor builds as the narrator describes his daily visits to the pool to observe the cleaner, marveling at how "its pipe sort of never gets tangled" and how it "disappears into the deep end." When the pool cleaner reaches the surface, he wants to push it back underwater but restrains himself because that would be "interfering with the filter" - a parody of the non-intervention philosophy discussed in the original documentary. The satire works effectively by maintaining the serious, contemplative tone of a nature documentary while applying it to an ordinary household item, creating humor through the deliberate mismatch between tone and subject.

The last short film I will have watched as of now is called "The Absent-Minded Waiter" (1977); this short film was nominated for an Oscar.

One thing about me is that I do not to older films (for the most part), but I really wanted to observe a different type of film. 

"The Absent-Minded Waiter" is a 1977 Oscar-nominated short film starring Steve Martin as the titular character. The film centers on a couple, Mr. Cates and his wife Susan, who visit a restaurant with a notoriously absent-minded waiter. Mr. Cates brings his wife there specifically for the "unforgettable experience" of being served by this waiter, though he doesn't tell her what to expect. The comedy builds through a series of escalating service mistakes. When taking their order, the waiter repeatedly asks if they'd like drinks even after they've ordered martinis multiple times. He brings them six martinis and a "lard omelette" they never ordered. Later, he brings dessert before they've received their main course, explaining that he "just went to the Bahamas for a moment" when they point this out. The humor comes from the extreme incompetence of the waiter contrasted with Mr. Cates' bizarre anticipation of the terrible service as some kind of entertainment. The short uses physical comedy, timing, and the increasing frustration of Mrs. Cates to build laughs. The structure follows a clear setup (introducing the absent-minded waiter concept), escalation (increasingly absurd service errors), and punchline (the ridiculous overpayment and immediate seating of new customers). This film demonstrates how a simple premise with strong characterization and progressively worsening situations can create effective comedy without needing complex plot elements or setups.

Based on studying these three comedy shorts, I can see several approaches to effective short-form comedy. I can create my own short film by displaying relatable situation, parodying different film conventions, build comedy through increasingly absurd circumstances, and so much more. For my own short film, I should focus on establishing a clear comedic premise in the first 30 seconds, using natural dialogue to drive the story, and creating humor through tension, contrast, or escalation. Whether I choose situation comedy, parody, or character-driven humor, keeping the runtime tight (under 5 minutes) will help maintain comedic momentum; I see the time limit as an advantage. The most successful elements across these films are relatable scenarios, surprising twists, and characters whose reactions feel authentic even in absurd situations. By starting with a strong, simple concept and focusing on timing and performance, I can create a memorable comedy short that connects with viewers and establishes the purpose I want it to.

I am so freaking excited. Let’s get it!!!!

I just can't stop watching comedy 🎭

Like I said in my last post, I will be looking at more comedy films that were recommended  this website https://ask.metafilter.com/367440/Youtube-Filter-What-are-some-good-5-7-minute-short-film-comedies 

Okay so there is this Youtube channel called “The Dress Up Gang” which has many different comedy short films to watch. 

The first short film I watched was “Toothpick Intervention for Donny.” I thought it was so cute and funny.

Basically, this short film is a comedic take on interventions, exaggerating the idea of addiction by applying it to something harmless, like toothpicks. The story follows Donny, whose excessive use of toothpicks makes his friends feel disconnected from him. They stage an intervention, with a therapist present, to convince him to stop. Throughout the film, the humor comes from how seriously everyone treats the situation, using dramatic language and intense emotions over something trivial. The film plays with themes of habit, perception, and social dynamics—showing how small behaviors can influence relationships and how people can overanalyze simple actions. It also highlights the power in making personal changes, as seen when Donny ultimately burns his collection of toothpicks to break the cycle. Overall, the film uses absurdity to poke fun at the way people respond to habits they don’t understand, while also touching on the idea of personal growth and letting go.

The second short film I watched was called “Did Frankie Pee in the Pool?”

The film "Did Frankie Pee in the Pool?" is a concise comedy short that revolves around a simple yet relatable premise. The story follows Frank, who has been lounging in his friend's pool for over two hours while consuming several beers. This naturally leads his friends to suspect he's relieved himself in the water. The humor builds as the pool owner becomes increasingly protective of his property, confronting Frank who maintains his innocence throughout. The tension escalates when one friend attempts to get revenge by threatening to pour what appears to be his own urine into the pool. In a comedic twist, Frank drinks the liquid, revealing it's actually juice, not urine. The final punchline delivers when we learn that Frank had indeed been peeing in the pool all along, considering it "the perfect crime" since no one could prove it. The film effectively uses situational comedy, natural dialogue, and a surprise ending to create humor without relying on complex setups or elaborate jokes.

Group Meetingggggg

I missed the last group meeting we did as a class, so i was super excited for this one. We had a small little group of four where we got feedback on our projects.

We came into the meeting with the understanding that it would be a safe and honest space. Every person got a turn to present where they were in their project—whether it was scripting, location scouting, casting, or editing—and then the rest of the group offered feedback. 

Feedback I Received for My Project

When it was my turn to share, I focused on three main areas I wanted help with: social media marketing, visual storytelling, and symbolism within my short film. The suggestions I got were extremely helpful:

• Pick a signature symbol or object from my short film and use it as a recurring visual motif. This could be an office item or something that connects to the main character’s energy. Using it in teaser posts would help build recognition and curiosity before the film’s release.
• Post “Meet the Director” and “Meet the Cast” content to humanize the production. This way, the audience gets a personal feel for the people behind the scenes; this adds charm which is especially important for a comedy.
• Clarify in the opening scenes that my main character, Ashley Lawson, is not getting ready—but is already rushing into a situation unprepared. This distinction is key to establishing her “Type B” personality, and I realized I needed to make that visually clear from the first few shots.

That last piece of advice was especially important, because it’s easy to rely too much on dialogue or exposition. Showing instead of telling is vital in comedy, and I’ll definitely be tweaking my script and shot list to reflect that.

Overall, I thought this was so helpful and I was so grateful to my group members for helping me.

Here is a little photo of us!

How Do I Write a Comedy...

Now that I know I want to produce a comedy short film...well...let's just say...I have a lot to learn.😍🥲

To start my research, I wanted to develop a basic idea of how to write a comedic script in general. I got my tips primarily from this article: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-comedy-screenplay-a-guide-to-writing-a-comedic-screenplay-that-will-make-audiences-laugh

According to MasterClass and General Comedy Theory, here are some Core Comedy Principles: 

• Exaggeration: Comedy thrives on exaggerating ordinary situations.

• Reversals: Set up an expectation and then completely subvert it.

• Timing and Pacing: Delivery and rhythm matter as much as the joke itself.

• Relatable Embarrassment: Audiences connect with humor rooted in everyday awkwardness.

• Character-Driven Humor: The best comedy stems from who the characters are rather than just punchlines.

• Rule of Three: Repeating a concept three times, with the third being the unexpected punchline.

I then stumbled across this website (https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/comedy-scripts/) which had so many comedy scripts for films that I could read. 

This is a snippet of the website:

I decided to zone in on two films to see how their comedic lines were written.

The first film was The 40 Year Old Virgin. Here are some snippets of the script:

I literally was so gagged when reading this—it was so out of pocket I could not stop laughing. 

This is what I learned from reading the script of the film:

• The 40-Year-Old Virgin: Key Comedy Elements

• Situational Comedy: The humor revolves around Andy’s inexperience and his attempts to navigate a sexual awakening later in life.

• Character-Based Humor: Andy is naive but likable, and his friends, who are hyper-experienced, create a comedic contrast.

• Dialogue and Improvisation: Many scenes feel natural due to the actors' supposed improvisation.

• Awkwardness as Comedy: Scenes like the one where Andy is making up an obviously fake story about having sex heighten the cringe humor through absurdity.

• Emotional Core: Despite the raunchy humor, there’s an underlying heart to the film, making it more than just jokes.

The next film I looked at was American Pie.

What I learned from watching American Pie.

• American Pie: Key Comedy Elements

• Teen Sex Comedy Tropes: Focuses on sexual discovery and the embarrassment of adolescence.

• Physical and Situational Comedy: Jim’s encounter with his mother walking in on him watching pornographic content is a prime example of escalating awkwardness in comedy films.

• Relatable Stakes: The fear of being inexperienced in high school creates tension that fuels the comedy.

• Comedic Structure: The rest of the film builds up to a climax (prom night) where all the subplots humorously converge.

I also watched a comedy short film called "Are We Doing This?"

"Are We Doing This?" (2024) is a short comedy film that thrives on situational irony, miscommunication, and escalating awkwardness. If I want to create a comedic film, it is likely in my interest to include these useful elements. The humor comes from Jeff and Mia’s misunderstanding of the party’s true nature, leading to a clash between their expectations and reality.

Key Takeaways:

• Situational Irony & Misunderstanding: The premise revolves around an innocent mistake—Mia failing to read the invitation carefully—leading to an unexpected and uncomfortable situation. This is a great comedic device that builds tension and humor as the characters react in real time.

• Character Reactions Drive the Comedy: The humor isn’t just in the setup but in how Jeff and Mia respond. Their discomfort, attempts to navigate the situation, and differing reactions make the scene funnier. In your own film, exaggerated but believable reactions can enhance the comedic impact.

• Escalation: The awkwardness doesn’t just stop at the key reveal. The tension likely grows as they interact with other party guests, further misunderstanding the situation or trying (and failing) to blend in. Comedy benefits from escalating stakes that keep pushing characters out of their comfort zones.

• Relationship Comedy: At its core, the film explores a couple’s dynamic and how they handle an unusual test of their boundaries. Relationship-based humor is relatable and can create both comedic and emotional depth. This comedy film involves a duo and it focuses on how they react to pressure which adds layers to the humor.

• Short & Punchy Setup: The film quickly establishes the premise and moves into the comedic situation without unnecessary exposition. Keeping the setup concise ensures the comedy lands efficiently and keeps the audience engaged.

All of this research has started the foundation to the portfolio project I will be creating. When it comes to writing my script, I have to be incredibly meticulous with the language and timing, or else it is very possible that this short film will not achieve what I want it to. I definitely want to use dialogue that is out-of-pocket to add a shock factor that turns into comedy. This will likely be a technique I utilize often in the script. 

I definitely want to look through more comedy short films listed on this website https://ask.metafilter.com/367440/Youtube-Filter-What-are-some-good-5-7-minute-short-film-comedies so I can keep expanding my knowledge on comedic film elements based on all the various comedy short films. 

References

Best Free Comedy Scripts Online (PDF Downloads) – StudioBinder. (2023, September 3). Studiobinder.com. https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/comedy-scripts/

How to Write a Comedy Screenplay: A Guide to Writing A Comedic Screenplay That Will Make Audiences Laugh - 2024 - MasterClass. (2020). MasterClass. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-comedy-screenplay-a-guide-to-writing-a-comedic-screenplay-that-will-make-audiences-laugh

Puttock, H. (2024, September 12). Are We Doing This? IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22470010/

Youtube Filter: What are some good 5-7 minute short film comedies? (2022). Metafilter.com; MetaFilter. https://ask.metafilter.com/367440/Youtube-Filter-What-are-some-good-5-7-minute-short-film-comedies