How to Write Comedy & Create Comedy Content
Have a funny idea but aren't sure what to do with it?
One of the biggest mistakes I see new writers make is waiting for the "perfect" idea before they ever start writing. The truth is, great comedy usually isn't discovered overnight. It's developed through brainstorming, experimenting, rewriting, and giving yourself permission to explore different directions.
Whether you're writing a comedy screenplay, TV pilot, web series, sketch, or short film, these comedy writing tips will help you move from a simple idea to a story that's ready for the page.
If you want help developing your story, strengthening your structure, or finally finishing your screenplay, BOOK HERE.
Comedy Writing Tip 1: Decide What You're Creating. Before you write your first scene, decide what you're actually making. Is it?
Your idea can always evolve later.
One of my own projects, "Love at First Spite," started as a TV pilot before eventually becoming a feature film.
The important thing is momentum.
Comedy Writing Tip 2: Use the Resources You Already Have. One of the best ways to generate comedy ideas is by looking at the people, places, and skills already around you.
Ask yourself:
Kevin Smith wrote "Clerks" because he worked in a convenience store.
Jerry Seinfeld built routines from ordinary observations.
Broad City started as a web series before becoming a hit television show.
Instead of wishing you had different resources, write around the ones you already have.
Need help turning your idea into a screenplay? Whether you're just getting started or halfway through a draft, I work one-on-one with writers to develop stronger stories, better structure, and scripts that actually get finished.
BOOK HERE
Comedy Writing Tip 3: Brainstorm Characters You'll Enjoy Writing. Funny situations come and go.
Great comedy characters can generate stories for years.
Spend time asking:
The stronger your characters become, the easier it becomes to generate comedy.
Comedy Writing Tip 4: Find the Core Concept. Once you've chosen your format and started developing characters, it's time to define your concept.
Ask yourself:
What makes this different?
What makes this funny?
What keeps generating new stories?
If you're writing a web series, think about episode ideas.
If you're writing a TV pilot, think about future seasons.
If you're writing a feature, think about how the concept can sustain an entire movie.
Strong concepts create strong stories.
Comedy Writing Tip 5: Write a Great Logline. Every screenplay should begin with a simple logline.
A logline is a one- or two-sentence summary that explains the core idea.
Aim for about 30 words or fewer.
A good logline makes people immediately understand the concept while making them curious enough to hear more.
Don't worry about making it perfect.
You'll probably rewrite it many times as your screenplay develops.
Comedy Writing Tip 6: Keep Brainstorming. One idea leads to another.
Many of the best comedy scripts go through dozens of brainstorming sessions before the first draft is finished.
Give yourself permission to explore.
Experiment.
Rewrite.
Most importantly, keep writing.
Progress beats perfection every time.
Want Help Writing Your Screenplay?If you've always wanted to write a movie or TV show but aren't sure where to start, I can help.
My coaching focuses on:
Common Comedy Writing Mistakes
Frequently Asked Questions: How do I come up with comedy ideas? Start by looking at your own experiences, hobbies, relationships, and observations. Many successful comedy writers build stories from ordinary situations and then exaggerate them.
Should I write a screenplay or TV pilot? Choose the format that best fits your idea. Don't worry about making the perfect decision. Many projects evolve over time.
What makes a good comedy character? Funny characters usually have strong flaws, unique perspectives, and clear goals that naturally create conflict.
How long should a comedy logline be? Aim for about 30 words or fewer. It should explain the main character, the central conflict, and the hook of your story.
I'm stuck. Can someone help me develop my screenplay? Absolutely. Whether you're starting with an idea or already have a draft, I work one-on-one with writers to strengthen their stories, improve structure, and help them finally finish their scripts.
BOOK HERE
Have a funny idea but aren't sure what to do with it?
One of the biggest mistakes I see new writers make is waiting for the "perfect" idea before they ever start writing. The truth is, great comedy usually isn't discovered overnight. It's developed through brainstorming, experimenting, rewriting, and giving yourself permission to explore different directions.
Whether you're writing a comedy screenplay, TV pilot, web series, sketch, or short film, these comedy writing tips will help you move from a simple idea to a story that's ready for the page.
If you want help developing your story, strengthening your structure, or finally finishing your screenplay, BOOK HERE.
Comedy Writing Tip 1: Decide What You're Creating. Before you write your first scene, decide what you're actually making. Is it?
- A feature screenplay?
- A TV pilot?
- A web series?
- A sketch?
- A short film?
Your idea can always evolve later.
One of my own projects, "Love at First Spite," started as a TV pilot before eventually becoming a feature film.
The important thing is momentum.
Comedy Writing Tip 2: Use the Resources You Already Have. One of the best ways to generate comedy ideas is by looking at the people, places, and skills already around you.
Ask yourself:
- What locations do I already have access to?
- What hobbies do I have?
- What talented friends could inspire characters?
- What interesting job or life experiences could become stories?
Kevin Smith wrote "Clerks" because he worked in a convenience store.
Jerry Seinfeld built routines from ordinary observations.
Broad City started as a web series before becoming a hit television show.
Instead of wishing you had different resources, write around the ones you already have.
Need help turning your idea into a screenplay? Whether you're just getting started or halfway through a draft, I work one-on-one with writers to develop stronger stories, better structure, and scripts that actually get finished.
BOOK HERE
Comedy Writing Tip 3: Brainstorm Characters You'll Enjoy Writing. Funny situations come and go.
Great comedy characters can generate stories for years.
Spend time asking:
- What are their biggest flaws?
- What do they obsess over?
- What makes them different?
- What situations would challenge them?
The stronger your characters become, the easier it becomes to generate comedy.
Comedy Writing Tip 4: Find the Core Concept. Once you've chosen your format and started developing characters, it's time to define your concept.
Ask yourself:
What makes this different?
What makes this funny?
What keeps generating new stories?
If you're writing a web series, think about episode ideas.
If you're writing a TV pilot, think about future seasons.
If you're writing a feature, think about how the concept can sustain an entire movie.
Strong concepts create strong stories.
Comedy Writing Tip 5: Write a Great Logline. Every screenplay should begin with a simple logline.
A logline is a one- or two-sentence summary that explains the core idea.
Aim for about 30 words or fewer.
A good logline makes people immediately understand the concept while making them curious enough to hear more.
Don't worry about making it perfect.
You'll probably rewrite it many times as your screenplay develops.
Comedy Writing Tip 6: Keep Brainstorming. One idea leads to another.
Many of the best comedy scripts go through dozens of brainstorming sessions before the first draft is finished.
Give yourself permission to explore.
Experiment.
Rewrite.
Most importantly, keep writing.
Progress beats perfection every time.
Want Help Writing Your Screenplay?If you've always wanted to write a movie or TV show but aren't sure where to start, I can help.
My coaching focuses on:
- Story structure
- Character development
- Brainstorming
- Accountability
- Motivation
- Finally finishing your screenplay
Common Comedy Writing Mistakes
- Waiting for the perfect idea before writing
- Choosing a format and constantly changing it
- Creating characters without strong flaws
- Writing stories instead of concepts
- Forgetting to write a logline
- Trying to do everything alone
- Giving up before finishing a draft
Frequently Asked Questions: How do I come up with comedy ideas? Start by looking at your own experiences, hobbies, relationships, and observations. Many successful comedy writers build stories from ordinary situations and then exaggerate them.
Should I write a screenplay or TV pilot? Choose the format that best fits your idea. Don't worry about making the perfect decision. Many projects evolve over time.
What makes a good comedy character? Funny characters usually have strong flaws, unique perspectives, and clear goals that naturally create conflict.
How long should a comedy logline be? Aim for about 30 words or fewer. It should explain the main character, the central conflict, and the hook of your story.
I'm stuck. Can someone help me develop my screenplay? Absolutely. Whether you're starting with an idea or already have a draft, I work one-on-one with writers to strengthen their stories, improve structure, and help them finally finish their scripts.
BOOK HERE
Want an example of my own comedy? Check out my series, Aaron and Abby's Adventures