Screenwriting : Caught up in the middle... by Jerry Doubles

The most important part of mixing genres is that you actually mix them... and not have one scene in genre A and the next scene in genre B... and usually one of the genres is dominant. So, as someone who often writers action comedy, I write action movies with smart ass characters (think BEVERLY HILLS COP). But I have also written comedy films with an action plot (think SPY). Either way, the story mixes action and comedy. If you have an action comedy that isn't funny, do rewrites that address that issue. But you may have to reoutline and create situations which are both funny and exciting. And having a good sense of humor is not the same as being funny on the page... you have to be able to write jokes. The funny situation is the foundation for a series of funny things on top of that. That's a skill. I have an action comedy about a James Bond type spy who reaches mandatory retirement age and realizes his government pension is based on his salary without all of the perqs and expense account elements... and has to find a way to live in the lifestyle he's become accustomed to. He becomes Butler to a millionaire whose hobby is solving crimes (but he's not very good at it) who accidentally uncovers a huge conspiracy. Now we have a James Bond action story with our butler trying to keep his boss alive without his boss realizing the butler is much better at this stuff than he is. Stretch limousine in a car chase, etc. The concept creates both comedy and action. It all starts with that concept... it has to be both genres.

I am currently writing a drama/comedy and I am having the same experiences. I can do the drama pretty well I think, but when I get to the comedy I hesitate. I will think I am hilarious, but I immediately ask, call, text or repeat the "funny" joke or scene and ask what somebody else thinks. Most times we know our own sense of humor. ie goofball, sarcastic, slapstick, gags and "yo mama" jokes whatever. but you have to think from a BROAD spectrum of what humor is to others. Ethnic and cultural humor can be funny to certain groups and not others. My kids are always the best judges of what is funny because if it is not, they will give me a blank stare that speaks volumes. On the flip side, when you can get an immediate chuckle from a honest person, chances are its funny. I am nobody important, but I say concentrate on the genre you feel you are best at, then collaborate with somebody on the other until you feel more confident.

William, sure a lot of rewrites will help I think.. and like Dawn said, I will pitch the scenes to friends and see if they find it funny. If the problem persist, I will get a master of comedy and co-write together or I'll pay to be edited. Finally, I won't force it, Leon. Thank you all.