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.

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

The Genre😉🥸

 

Today, we’ll be exploring different genres to determine the best fit for my short film. Right now, I’m torn between two options: a classic romance or a comedy.

To help me decide, we are going to be doing some research!!!😁(😢)

Exploring the Romance Genre:

Romance films focus on the emotional journey of love between characters. They often include themes like passion, trust, and sometimes the challenges that lovers face. The goal? Oftentimes it is to make the audience feel butterflies(😒...😏) and root for the couple to end up with each other.

Key Elements of Romance Films:

- Central Love Story: The plot revolves around two characters falling in love.

- Emotional Conflict: Obstacles or misunderstandings that the couple must overcome.

- Happy or Bittersweet Endings: While many romances end on a happy note, some do not.😃

Potential Sub-genres to Consider:

- Romantic Drama: Focuses on deep emotional conflicts and character development.

- Romantic Comedy (Rom-Com): Blends love stories with humor, making for some lighthearted, enjoyable entertainment.

- Historical Romance: Set in a specific historical period, adding some rich context to the love story.

This a romantic short film called "Signs." It is a charming short film I came across about two office workers who develop a unique connection through messages on paper.

Exploring the Comedy Genre:

Comedy aims to entertain and amuse an audience, often highlighting the quirks of everyday life. It's usually about making people laugh and feel good.

Key Elements of Comedy Films:

- Humor: Situations, dialogues, or characters that are funny.

- Exaggeration: Over-the-top scenarios or reactions for comedic effect.

- Happy Endings: Typically, things resolve in a positive, feel-good manner.

Potential Sub-genres to Consider:

- Slapstick Comedy: Physical humor and exaggerated actions.

- Satire: Uses humor to critique or poke fun at social/political shortcomings.

- Dark Comedy: Finds humor in serious, dark, or taboo subjects.

This is comedy short film called the "The Elevator."

Deciding is solely based on the story I want to tell and the emotions I want to evoke in the people who watch the short film. 

I know it would be a smart approach to combine both genres and do a rom-com, but I have already done that and I want to try my hardest to venture out as much as possible. 

There are some elements that are important to me in this short film. I definitely want to have instant engagement with my audience, have a lot of creative freedom, stand out, and have a fun, lighthearted connected with the people who watch this short film. As a result, I will be doing the comedy genre!!🤠 

I want to make people laugh and enjoy from the first few moments of the film to the last scene. Doing comedy will allow me to experiment with storytelling, dialogue, and pacing in many different ways that I am very excited for. I know many film makers lead toward more drama centered films, so I hope this short film will be a little different from the rest. However, this does come with some challenges: I need to become a creative writer and get the timing right, or this could definitely not work in my favor. 

I am very, very excited though!!☺️

References:

Hellerman, J. (2023, March 6). We Love The Romance Genre in Film and TV. Nofilmschool.com. https://nofilmschool.com/romance-movie-genre

largoblog. (2023, March 18). What Are the Best Genres for Short Films? Sofy.tv - Blog. https://sofy.tv/blog/what-are-the-best-genres-for-short-films/

Puttock, H. (2022, December 16). 5 Tips for Making Comedy Short Films. Raindance. https://raindance.org/5-tips-for-making-comedy-short-films/

Working on a Comedy Short Film? Check Out These 10 Tips! (2023, August 23). Student Filmmakers Forums. https://www.studentfilmmakersforums.com/threads/working-on-a-comedy-short-film-check-out-these-10-tips.54594/

Hell

Let's Schedule 😁

 

Now that we have officially set this project in motion, it is time to start scheduling it out!🙃😝

Here is what I plan on doing!!

Week	Tasks for Short Film
1	- Decide on the genre of the short film
2	- Research short films in the chosen genre - Analyze cinematography, themes, and storytelling techniques
3	- Develop the story idea - Outline key plot points and themes - Start brainstorming characters - Research social media pages of similar projects
4	- Write the full script - Develop a shot list and storyboards - Start scouting locations - Plan out production
5	- Cast actors - Gather necessary props and costumes - Begin filming key scenes
6	- Continue filming - Address any reshoots needed - Start planning the critical reflection
7	- Continue filming (if possible) - Start editing - Research some techniques for editing, color grading, and sound design
8	- Continue editing - Finalize visuals and sound - Begin writing the critical reflection
9	- Finalize the project - Export and upload the film - Finalize and submit the critical reflection

Alrighty!! It is time to start some research!🧐😋

It's the start...

 

I said I would be back soon!! We’re finally starting our portfolio project and it has me SO excited. For this project, I am working alone, which allows me to have full control over every part of the process. This is pretty new for me, but I am so eager for me to be able to show myself my capabilities of creativity and innovation. 

I have been thinking a lot about what I want to come out of this project – unfortunately, I am still not sure exactly what I want its purpose to be, but by the end of this process, I hope to have an end result I am proud of.

We had four options for this portfolio project: 

1. The first one was a music promotion package. This specific project entails making a full blown music video for an independent artist. Trust me, I love a good song. In fact, my goats (favorite artists) Drake and Partynextdoor are dropping an album this Friday (Valentine’s Day). 🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐That has me so hyped you do not even know–I don’t even care that all of the Kendrick Lamar “lovers” in my class are hating on me. Unfortunately, putting an entire music video together doesn't really feel like my drift. As a result, this option is OUTTTT.

2. The second option was a film promotion package. In this project, I would make two trailers for a full length film. I love the idea of creating a story–it is one of the reasons I am so eager to do this portfolio project. However, for this option I would just make trailers instead of showing a fully developed story. This doesn’t make this choice that appealing to me. 

3. The third option was a documentary package. Ummm, no thank you. ☺️☺️Ever since we had the documentary lessons earlier this year, I have actually gained a huge love and interest for watching documentaries–it has become one of my favorite genres. For me though, producing documentaries feels like a troublesome process; it has too many aspects I sense I would not be able to have control over. I have a HUGE respect for people who make documentaries, but I know for a fact that it is not for me.

4. The last option was the short film package. When I first heard of this being an option, it reminded me of a short film I had watched a few years ago called, “I ____ YOU.” The short film revolves around the emotion of love and is an incredibly artistic piece that is fast paced and passionate.

I then thought of a couple South Indian romantic short films I had seen before and discovered that I actually love the elements of a short film. They are fully developed stories that are put out in a short time frame and there is just an immense amount of creativity that can be immersed into them. I was pondering for a while actually, about whether I could confidently lock in on this option, but now–writing this blog post–I can tell that this is what I want to choose. 

Sooooo I’m making a short film!! 🥳🥳

Here is the short film that sparked my interest in the genre. 

I am SO SO excited for what comes next! See you all then😝

References:

School Manager by Family Zone. (2025). Hypebae.com. https://hypebae.com/2022/2/sarah-bahbah-short-film-i-love-you-nailea-devora-stevan-journey-watch