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    Typical Approaches Connected With Computer Animated Humor

    As an independent filmmaker specializing in animated comedy, Let me discuss my thoughts and observations on how to create projects meant to get people to laugh (in a good way). By taking a close look at current popular shows and movies (i.e. Simpsons, Family Guy, Shrek, etc) I’ve outlined a short analysis that identifies some of the major techniques of humor used in a lot of today’s animated television programs and shows, along with the advantages/disadvantages of applying them. Just a note before we continue: this article is not intended only as a guide for comedy filmmakers- I’m sure people who appreciate good humor are certain to get something from it as well.

    The following compilation is the result of my own observations, and i’m certain you’ll see the reason if you take a closer inspection this Sunday night when Family Guy comes on. Later, I will share some of my own, personal thoughts on the subject of producing effective humor for mainstream audiences.

    1. PARODY: This calls for poking fun of well-known genres and plot formulas (action, horror, porn, etc), and making references to well-known films, TV shows, celebrities, significant historical events, etc. Very often, these genres, films, and TV shows are spoofed. Think of the number of times you’ve seen a reference to a Kubrick film during an episode of The Simpsons, or a Star Wars reference in Family Guy to emphasize a joke.

    Benefits: First off, it’s easy to do and frequently elicits laughs. The fundamental structure of the joke is based on a well-known source, and the audience will probably get it right away.

    Drawbacks: Being blunt, it’s lazy filmmaking. An excessive amount of parody thrown in a story is often interpreted as deficiencies in creativity/originality, and ultimately limits the project’s depth. Jokes/gags of this kind will only last as long as the spoofed or referenced subject is popular or is fashionable.

    2. ANIMATION That’s DELIBERATELY BAD/CHEESY: Includes using poorly drawn/animated characters and backgrounds as an important component of the humor.

    Advantages: Sometimes more effective and more cost effective than using more descriptive animation techniques. It’s funny to watch and calling some attention to the bad animation can generate new jokes and great sight gags. Think of shows like Aqua Teen Hunger Force and Sealab 2021.

    Down sides: Similar to the parody, this can quickly develop into lazy filmmaking. Depending only on bad animation for laughs might make the project challenging to maintain over time.

    3. GROSS-OUT HUMOR/EXPLICIT LANGUAGE: Includes humor that’s, but not limited to being scatological, sexual, bloody, etc. Also includes utilization of foul language. Because the Simpsons and South Park, audiences have come to expect jokes of this kind.

    Positive aspects: In small doses and when done with subtlety, gross-out humor and the use of explicit language combined with visual sight gags may be hilarious.

    Downside: Easy to overuse. Dialogue containing too many four-letter words with regard to being obnoxious will turn off most viewers. Gross-out humor, if only employed for shock value, will seem shallow if it does nothing to contribute to the overall story.

    4. NON-SEQUITORS (RANDOM HUMOR): Jokes, statements, events, etc. that happen out of nowhere. Advantages: Absurd humor occurring at random works on several levels, which include the outrageousness of the act itself, its unpredictability, as well as its general disregard for logic in context with the scene’s apparent focus. It will take an audience by surprise, and may add some originality to the project.

    Drawbacks: If an ridiculous and random act suddenly shifts the main objective of the story, it may disappoint viewers who have otherwise been engaged in the narrative. Also, many individuals may not “get it,” which has the potential of restricting the viewing demographic. Whenever a nonsequitor serves as a story’s conclusion, it’s usually proof of an inability to create an effective ending.

    Characters along with distinctive qualities: Attempting to be original isn’t easy, but it is a lot of fun. When creating characters, don’t be concerned too much about whatever’s “hip” or “in” at the moment. Start off with characters that have very specific character traits, habits, etc. Base them off yourself, off of people you know, your experiences, or just let your imagination go wild. Give your characters specific hobbies, unusual interests (i.e. a hero that can’t resist objects that squirt water), and/or specific likes/dislikes. These concrete qualities will often provide opportunities to develop character, storylines, and especially, humorous events.

    Stories with solid conclusions: Many creative folks I have talked to notice the problem of coming up with good endings. Regardless of what the genre, filmmakers of all sorts can learn a valuable lesson from mystery novel authors. When generate the idea for a film, start with understanding how it will end. This provides the story focus, and makes it easier for all your events to realistically pan out. Another significant tip to remember- audiences will typically forgive a movie with a bad beginning, but won’t ever forgive a film with a bad ending.

    Understand that being funny isn’t the same as acting funny: Okay, exactly what does this imply? Here’s an example: There was a video on the web of a careless skateboarder falling on his face multiple times after attempting to coast off the roof of his parents’ house. It was not funny for the skateboarder, but it was funny to most people who saw it happen. Why? On a psychological level, it is in our nature to laugh or take some type of satisfaction in someone else’s misfortune/failure so long as the screw-up does not bring about death or dismemberment (most of the time). On a more practical level, most of the online viewers laughed at the sheer idiocy of the act. After all, the careless skateboarder who plunged off the roof actually expected positive results from his stunt. So how should we apply this to making comedy? Create situations that are funny to the audience, although not to your characters. One effective way of doing this is having your characters expect serious results from doing things that are clearly dangerous, stupid, or both.

    These are just a few pointers that will help you get started with creating your own comedy, or to help you understand a few of the more successful comedy out there today. I hope you enjoyed the article. Have a good laugh!

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