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Day 3 Assignments
Reply to post your assignment.
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8 Replies
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Brad’s Funny Situations
What I learned doing this assignment was once I’ve identified the type of comedic situation I’m creating, I should extend the situation beyond the initial punchline/payoff to take it to the next extreme level.
A somewhat tame example of Comedic Surprise:
INT. LAUNCH CONTROL FLORIDA (GLASS VIEWING AREA) – CONTINUOUS
The VIPs watch from windows above.
CHAPERONE
Everything until lift off happens down there in the Firing Room.
Martha worms her way in.
CHAPERONE (O.S.)
Once the rocket clears the tower, Mission Control in Houston takes over; and only one person there, Cap Com, is allowed to talk to the astronauts.
Martha spots Don and beams.
MARTHA DONALDSON
(to a woman next to her)
That’s my husband. In the white shirt. He’s in charge.
ANGLE ON FIRING ROOM
Just about everyone is wearing a white shirt.
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Ira Drower’s Comedy Situation – Misinterpretation.
What I learned from this lesson is there are many ways to create comedic situations leading to laughs from an audience. This example shows misinterpretation. Another would be Fish out of water as in my example of a sultan who never cooked before starring in his own cooking show. A third would be comedic surprise. I could use that in either scenario. If Frank pretends to be a fashion model and gives a performance for Helen’s investors.
INT. INTRNATIONAL TERMINAL JFK – DAY
Helen Blazemore, thirty, struts through the airport. Her high-heels echo with a clatter alerting others to be alert. Her ear buds are hidden behind jet black hair cut in a blunt-chop. A double breasted blazer compliments her Tom Ford pencil skirt and ribbed crop top. She pulls out her cell phone from a Hermes bag.
HELEN
Yes, this is Helen Blazemore.
DRIVER (O.S.)
Miss Blazemore, this is your limo driver. I’m afraid there has been an accident on the highway. I will be there in approximately ten minutes.
HELEN
You should be waiting for me with the door open now. I do not have time for accidents. You’re fired.
Helen closes her cell phone and continues briskly walking through the terminal brushing people aside who do not yield to her pace.
EXT. JFK CAB STAND – DAY
Helen glares at the long line of passengers waiting for a cab and rushes past them toward the first one in line.
ATTENDANT
Hey, lady you have to wait your turn. Lady!
Helen pushes past an elderly couple attempting to enter a cab and climbs in shutting the back door.
HELEN
Intercontinental, Manhattan. And hurry please.
Frank Luzinski, mid-thirties, places his half-eaten sandwich on the seat next to him. Crumpled food wrappers and bottles of Pepsi occupy the passenger seat. He wipes a drop of mayonnaise-mustard from his white t-shirt with bold AC-DC letters and licks his fingers. Baggy jeans, worn brown cardigan complete his attire.
FRANK
You’re suppose to wait until the attendant tells you…
Helen pulls out a $100.00 bill and hands it to Frank.
HELEN
Go now, and hurry.
Frank punches the accelerator throwing Helen against the back of the cab. Food wrappers and Pepsi bottle spill out from beneath the front seat forming a mound around her Jimmy Choo pumps.
HELEN (CONT’D)
Do you ever clean this vehicle? It smells like a soup kitchen.
FRANK
At least once a month if I have time. Seems like I’m always driving. Bills to pay, you know.
HELEN
I don’t know.
Helen pulls out her cell phone and dials.
HELEN (CONT’D)
Frances, is everything ready for our investors?
FRANK
The name is Frank. Only my mother ever calls me Frances.
Ignoring Frank, Helen continues her conversation.
HELEN
It’s important to be on top of our game today. Let’s go over the agenda.
FRANK
We picking up someone else?
HELEN
Everyone must be dressed to the nines. Tight fitting. Show it if you have it.
Frank looks at his jeans.
FRANK
I tried those slim jeans. When you drive 18 hours a day you need some room down there. Nothing worse than getting your junk compressed in your pants. That’s why I wear only baggy ones. And no boxers. They fall out sometimes and let me tell you the show ain’t pretty.
Staring out the window, Helen continues her conversation.
HELEN
And absolutely no white. It is October.
Frank checks his AC/DC shirt.
FRANK
You’re right. I wore this one yesterday. Probably should have put on the Black Sabbath one. It’s…black.
HELEN
If I see white I will rip it off their body.
FRANK
Seems a bit forward. We hardly know each other.
HELEN
And another thing I want the food and drink set up for easy serving.
FRANK
I suppose we could go through a drive-through if you’re hungry. Better yet I know this awesome deli.
HELEN
Champagne chilled?
FRANK
If you use their app they will put your booze in a to go cup.
HELEN
Will you shut-up? I am on the phone.
FRANK
Oh, OK. Sure you don’t want deli? You look like you could use some food in…
HELEN
Shut-up. No, not you dear this annoying cab driver. He is the poster child on how not to dress.
FRANK
I’ve never been on a poster before. Although my father always told me he looked forward to seeing me on a milk carton.
HELEN
In fact. I have an idea. Get the Lysol ready…Well find some or take it out of the corporate bathroom. We’ll put on a show they won’t forget.
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This reply was modified 3 years, 7 months ago by Ira Drower. Reason: Forgot to add my name and what I learned
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This reply was modified 3 years, 7 months ago by
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Denice’s Funny Situations
What I learned doing this assignment is that these techniques give you so many choices, it’s hard to choose the best ones at first try. Knowing them will make it so much easier and fun. Not at brilliant yet.
1885 OLD WEST
INT. LIVING ROOM CABIN– DAY
An old woman, ELSIE, squints through her glasses. Her foot pushes the treadle on a sewing machine. She moves off-white fabric through the needle.
A rapid knock on the door.
Elsie moseys to the door. Opens it. Squints up.
On the step is WILL STARR (18), outlaw, in a woman’s dress and bonnet. He looks over his shoulder, desperate.
WILL
(in a girlish voice)
Howdy, M’am. I’m a might parched. Reckon I could have a glass of water?
Elsie grabs his arm. Pulls him inside.
ELSIE
Get in here, Lily May, I swear you’ll be late for your own weddin’.
She slams the door.
Will’s eyes go wide. He glances at the room. Moves away from the window.
WILL
Sorry, M’am. Mind if I sit over here in the dark? Feeling a bit dizzy.
ELSIE
Nothing doing.
Elsie hauls him over to her sewing table.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
You youngin’s ain’t got no backbone. Never make it freezin’ or boilin’ stuffed in a covered wagon.
He fidgets. Peers around. Spots a back door down the hall.
Will moves an inch.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
Stand still, if’en you don’t want to get on my bad side. ‘Bout time you came in for measurements. Dress ain’t gonna make itself.
She looks at his boots.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
Take off them dirty boots.
WILL
Can’t run, ah walk, through puddles without boots, M’am.
ELSIE
True enough.
She looks him up and down.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
You grow’d some since last week. Keep growing I’ll have to add a ruffle to the bottom. Now, hold still while I measure your neck.
She grabs a cloth tape measure. Pulls it tight around his throat. Holds it.
Will gasps. Rubs his neck.
She writes down the measurement.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
About right. Twelve inches. Arms up.
Will raises his arms.
She measures his chest. Chuckles.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
Forty-two inches. Your husband is a lucky man.
Will squirms.
WILL
Ah, M’am. I need –
Shouts and hoof beats filter inside.
Will’s eyes shoot to the window.
She whips him around. Pinches his cheeks.
ELSIE
That’s better. Need a little color in them cheeks. Hold yer arms up.
She slides the measuring tape around his waist.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
My, my. Such a tiny one. You been starvin’ yourself?
WILL
Not on purpose, M’am.
Boots thump outside the door.
Will’s eyes panic.
ELSIE
Quit your squirming. You wanted my help and you’re gonna get it.
Knock on the door.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
Stay here and don’t move.
She opens the door to the SHERIFF.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
Sheriff. Up pretty early, Sheriff.
SHERIFF
Searchin’ for an outlaw, Miss Elsie.
ELSIE
You think I’d let an outlaw in my house?
SHERIFF
Ah, no, Miss Elsie.
ELSIE
Then let me get back to my sewing.
SHERIFF
Gotta check every house. He dangerous, tried to break into the bank.
ELSIE
Good luck, t’ you, Sheriff. I know you’ll get your man.
Sheriff tips his hat.
She closes the door.
Will’s shoulders sink.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
Now, where were we?
She adjusts the tape around his hips and the bulge of holster and gun.
He reaches down.
She flings his arm away.
ELSIE (CONT’D)
Good hips for birthin’ babies.
He chokes.
She peers up at him.
ELSIE
How long you gonna stand me messing with you, young man?
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Title: Amanda’s Funny situations
What I learned from this assignment is different situation styles that are funny.
INT. OFFICE – DAY
The office is modern, airy and light open space office. There are lots desks and people are working. Jason meets his friend Dan by the door and sees him off to his job interview. They walk across the space office area towards the conference room.
JASON
When did you get in town? Last night?
DAN
Yeah, I met some broad on Tinder.
JASON
Seriously?
DAN
Oh yeah! This one was a crazy bitch.
(whispering)
Kept begging for more… and more.
JASON
You’re fucked up, dude.
Jason and Dan arrive at the conference room door.
JASON
Ok, you’re on. Break a leg!
Dan knocks and opens the conference room door —
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM
— and enters the room. The room has a long modern table and the chair at the end the table is turned the other way. The person sitting on it is talking on the phone. Jason stands still, nervous. Suddenly, the chair turns. It’s the interviewer, CHRYSTAL, holding her phone.
CHRYSTAL
(putting her phone down)
Hi, you’re here for the job? I didn’t hear you knock.
DAN
Sorry about that.
CHRYSTAL
Well, sit down, please.
INT. OFFICE
Jason is sitting by his desk when her co-worker Daisy walks up to him. She nods towards the conference room.
DAISY
You know him? He’s interviewing for the job?
JASON
Yeah, why?
DAISY
I kinda met him last night.
Jason looks at Daisy, surprised.
JASON
You’re the crazy bitch, hah?
DAISY
What? Oh no, no, no. I’m not. What a wuss. He couldn’t even get it up.
JASON
You’re kidding me, right?
DAISY
Nope. That dude has serious problems.
Daisy looks bored and nods towards the conference room.
30 MINUTES LATER
Dan walks up to Jason’s desk, relaxed.
JASON
How did it go?
DAN
Yeah, fine, I think.
Daisy sneaks up to Dan from behind.
DAISY
(making crazy moves with her hands and body)
So, I hear I’m a crazy bitch! Wohoo!
Dan gets spooked and he jumps aside.
DAN
Shit! You? What are you doing here? What’s wrong with you?
DAISY
I work here! And what’s wrong with me? What’s wrong with you? And your weenie? Teeny?
Jason raises his hand, pointing the index finger up, then drops the finger.
DAISY
Exactly! I wouldn’t brag if I were you…
Dan looks defeated.
JASON
I have to say, Daisy… didn’t think you’re on Tinder.
DAISY
Why? A girl’s gotta eat… but not a weenie.
Daisy winks at Dan, turns on her heels and foots off.
JASON
Imagine if you did sleep with her…
Dan scoops his crotch with his hand, thankful.
DAN
Thanks for failing me, man.
Chrystal walks by and sees and hears Dan.
CHRYSTAL
I’m sorry, what’s going on here? You two know each other?
Jason and Dan get stiff like soldiers, trying to be cool. Daisy notices what’s happening across the office, and she laughs so much she has to hide behind her desk.
DAN
Sorry about that, we were just joking.
CHRYSTAL
Ok, I haven’t made up my mind, yet… but FYI… we don’t touch our genitals in the office.
DAN
Understood.
Chrystal ambles off. Jason and Dan try to keep a straight face while Daisy is laughing her ass off.
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Anthony Ward funny situations
What I learned doing this assignment was the three comedic situations. The misinterpretation , comedic surprise and wildly inappropriate response
My example:
INT. MUSEUM – DAY
Joe sits on a bench inside the museum. He removes a paper from his inner trench coat pocket, he studies it and returns the paper to his pocket. There is a small oil painting in front of him. The painting is of a lady standing nude in front of a mirror. Shortly after Joe is joined on the bench by a lady wearing a trench coat and a fedora.
LADY
Excuse me sir, would you happen to have the time?
Joe looks at his watch.
JOE
It’s half past… Oh, right. What do you think about this one?
Joe mouths her response.
LADY
I like it.
Joe slides a little closer to her.
JOE
They uhh, they are going to be closing soon.
LADY
What do you think of this painting?
JOE
Wait, you’re asking me?
LADY
Just making small talk I suppose.
JOE
I was kinda hoping we get right to it, but I think the painting is cool. I guess. Worth a lot though.
LADY
So should we do it here?
JOE
Yeah those were the instructions I recieved.
LADY
Is this your first time, I’m a little nervous.
JOE
From my experience try not to think about it. You know what you have to do so just get it over with. Don’t over think it.
LADY
Right.
JOE
So on three?
LADY
I don’t even know your name.
JOE
Remember we’re not supposed to use names.
LADY
I’m Lisa.
Joe exhales.
JOE
Joseph.
LADY
Nice to meet you Joseph.
JOE
You too Lisa, On three. 1-2-3.
Joe and the lady hop up at the same time. As fast as he can move Joe snatches the painting from the wall.
He does not hear an alarm, he does not hear the security guards but what he does hear is the lady shouting to the top of her lungs. Joe turns around and sees her standing there completely naked.
LADY
May I have your attention. Me and Joe are here to speak out against nudity. This museum is filled with nude art. Why can’t we walk around naked? Right Joe?
Joe stands there with a blank stare holding the painting. He looks over and see a lady wearing a trench coat and realizes she was the one he was waiting on.
LADY
JOe. Joe, say your line.
Joe drops the painting and tries to run. He gets about three steps before a squad of guards tackle him to the floor. He watches as Lisa continues to parade around naked.
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Janeen’s Comedic Situation
What I learned doing this assignment is that any location or situation can be funny.
INT. APARTMENT – DAY
NICK, still in his Santa suit with GRIZZLY in her carrier, enters the apartment of one of his dog walking clients.
The DOGS greet him enthusiastically. He puts Grizzly down and pats the dogs on their heads.
NICK Keep’em busy, Griz.
Grizzly immediately barks at the big dogs, runs around the couch and ducks underneath. The dogs run around from opposite ends. They look dumb-founded that Grizzly has disappeared.
Nick hurries into a bedroom, tears open the closet and grabs clothes for Holly and Rudy – or so he thinks. They won’t fit them properly and are clashing colors.
He hurries back to the living room, stops, snaps his fingers and returns to the bedroom.
He grabs a duffel out of the closet, stuffs in the clothes, grabs pairs of shoes, again, in colors/styles that don’t coordinate with the clothes and stuffs them in the bag.
He goes to the dresser and grabs handfuls of socks and underwear and stuffs those in the bag as well. Finally, seeing a box of adult diapers in the bathroom on his way by, he grabs a handful and stuffs them into the bag, barely able to zip
it.He whistles for Grizzly as he walks quickly to the apartment door and she runs to him.
He scoops her up and sets her in the still open carrier, rushing from the apartment and closing the door before the dogs can follow him.
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What I learned was that the hardest one for me is the most intriguing to me: the misunderstanding/setup. here is a recent shot at it.
This is a scene from a Rom-Com I’m writing. Jonathon and Jenna are dating and are attending a Holiday Concert. Jonathon brought Jenna there as a surprise, not knowing that the conductor is Jenna’s narcissistic ex-boyfriend, who still isn’t over the breakup. (Jonathon doesn’t know they dated, and Jenna didn’t know Dale would be conducting this concert, or she would never have agreed to go) It is intermission and they are in the reception hall. The interplay between Jonathon and Dale (Jenna’s ex) is the part that relates to this assignment. But Jenna got some good lines in there too I think…
CATHERINE (O.S.)
Is that Jonathon & Jenna?
A woman their age approaches them toting a darling 4 year-old and carrying an infant.
JENNA
Catherine Hi!
CATHERINE
Oh good you remember me. Wasn’t sure if you’d recognize me with a family and all.
(laughs)
JENNA
Oh yeah, we totally remember you, right Jonathon? You look great?
As Catherine bends down to tend to her kid, Jenna looks at him. He shrugs, wide eyed.
JONATHON
Well- Oh yeah you look great. And where’s your better half?
CATHERINE
Oh, Todd’s working late during the holidays, but you know, he’s here in spirit. Soo.. are you two, like a thing? Officially yet?
JONATHON
What, what do you mean?
In the background, Dale appears. He slowly beelines towards Jenna without anyone else noticing.
CATHERINE
Oh, I’m sorry, too soon, didn’t mean to make it awkward.
JONATHON
Ohhhhh. No it’s ok, we’re actually pretty serious, at least, since you bring it up, that’s how I’m feeling about it. How about you Jenna?
He puts his arm around her.
JENNA
Oh yeah, yeah. It’s been what, 2 months now? Kinda tough because of the long-distance thing but you know it’s been worth it so far.
DALE
Has it now?
People now notice Dale. Some applaud.
CATHERINE
Oh Mr. Gibbons, sooo beautiful!
DALE
Thank you thank you. How about you Jenna, hopefully It was good enough for your standards? I know you’ve got such high ones.
JENNA
Beautiful as always Dale.
DALE
I don’t think we’ve been introduced, Hi I’m Dale Gibbons, but surely you knew that. And you are?
JONATHON
Jonathon. Jonathon Piscatelli.
DALE
Ohh Italian huh? Very nice.
JONATHON
And how do you two know each other?
JENNA
Oh we used to work together, right Dale?
DALE
Well, I guess you could could call it work.
JENNA
It was definitely work.
JONATHON
OK. On what? Making music I assume?
DALE
We sure as hell tried. I did everything I could to get beautiful music out of her, trust me. It was a chore.
JENNA
How gracious of you! As usual.
DALE
Oh Jenna, don’t be bitter.
(to Jonathon)
She had her chance in the limelight. We could’ve kept working at it, but she decided to quit. That’s her perogative I guess.
Jenna is silent. For like, a long time. Catherine feels the tension. Her kids turn towards a fresh batch of cookies passing by.
CATHERINE
Hey I deprived these kids long enough, sorry I’m just gonna tend to them for a moment.
She scurries off. Dale turns towards Jonathon
DALE
Are you a musician?
JONATHON
Uh, I play some guitar.
DALE
Uh huh, classical?
JONATHON
Well mostly singer/songwriter stuff. But I love all styles of music, I mean, most types.
DALE
Whos your favorite composer? Do you know?
(turns to Jenna)
Does he even have one?
Jenna stays silent.
DALE
Have you ever written her a song?
JONATHON
I’ve fooled around a bit.
DALE
How about a Sonnet?
JONATHON
Well, not yet.
DALE
You should probably get on that. Actually now that I remember, don’t bother. It won’t help.
JENNA
(to Jonathon)
He’s a beautiful composer too.
Getting nowhere, Dale moves in closer to Jonathon.
DALE
How’s your nut stash?
JONATHON
Uh, what now?
DALE
(To Jenna)
Has he brought you a stash yet? You still got mine?
WOMAN (O.S.)
There he is!
Dale turns towards the voice. Jenna grabs Jonathon and scurries away with him.
JENNA
Oh God I hate that man!
JONATHON
What happened he didn’t like your playing?
JENNA
Really? You don’t get it?
JONATHON
Uhh…
JENNA
I wanna get out of here.
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Daniel’s Comedic Situation
What I learned doing this assignment: To actually create a structure for the comedy. It is an actual skill and process, You don’t just wing it in hope that something turns out funny.
INT. KITCHEN-AFTERNOON
Mary-Beth comes into the kitchen with TWO BAGS OF GROCERIES and deposits them on the kitchen table next to a few others. She sits at the kitchen bar and begins to become distracted with something on the TABLET on the bar. Mary-Beth reaches into her purse and pulls out her CELLPHONE and calls someone.
INT. GARY’S OFFICE – SAMETIME
Gary sitting at his desk, staring into a screen completely absorbed. His PHONE begins to RING. He picks it up sees who it is, a little smile, and answers.
GARY
Hey you, I was just thinking about you.
INTERCUT phone conversation.
MARY-BETH
Ahh, I just got home from Costco.
GARY
What did you get? I hope something good.
MARY-BETH
Oh just the usual. And I got a chicken.
GARY
(incredulous)
You got a chicken? Where are we going to keep it?
MARY-BETH
Probably just in the kitchen until we eat it. Where else…
GARY
Do the children know?
MARY-BETH
Not yet, but little Jon has been asking since he was over at Mark’s so I thought I would surprise him.
GARY
Surprise everybody.
MARY-BETH
I guess.
GARY
Does it have a name? What kind is it?
MARY-BETH
I don’t know about a name, it just said some kind of Italian.
GARY
A nameless italian chicken? And what are we going to do with it?
MARY-BETH
We’re going to eat it, what else do you do with a chicken?
GARY
And when are we going to eat this nameless bird?
MARY-BETH
What is it with you and naming our food? We will probably eat it tonight. Maybe you’ll actually be home to have some dinner with the rest of us? But I won’t hold my breath.
GARY
Now that’s something. You’re angry because I work too much, but the money you spend has to come from somewhere, and instead of talking to me about it you just make all kinds of hints and accusations, and then go out and get a chicken?
MARY-BETH
All of this attitude over a rotisserie chicken? Really? All this attitude over a dinner you probably won’t even be here for. Come on!
GARY
Rotisserie? I thought you bought a real chicken!
MARY-BETH
Why would I get a real chicken? Do you really think they sell live chickens at Costco?
GARY
Who knows? Who needs a gallon of mayonnaise?
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