Lufuno Nethengwe’s Post

Comedy is in a strange place right now. It’s not dead, but it doesn’t feel the same as it did in the '90s, 2000s, or even the 2010s. Comedic movies and network sitcoms aren’t being produced at the same rate. Many 30-minute episodic series aren’t really aiming to be funny anymore. Late night has essentially turned into “Day Night” or “YouTube Night.” Growing up in the '90s and early 2000s, I only watched sitcoms. These days, I rarely do. As a retired (failed) stand-up comedian and current comedy writer, I’m passionate about the cultural impact of comedic TV shows and films. 'Martin', 'Beverly Hills Cop', 'The Office', 'Austin Powers'—all of these had a significant cultural impact. There have been some great episodic shows in the last few years, but it's becoming more rare that they are culturally impactful. Sitcoms and comedic movies are competing with funny 30-second reels and social media comments in ways that horror and superhero films don’t. You’ll never see a 30-second horror clip on TikTok that matches the entertainment value of a well-crafted film. That’s why I’m excited to organize and moderate the Black Film Space "State of Comedy" panel with Meredith Dawson (Co-EP of Paramount+'s 'Everybody Still Hates Chris'), Sachi Ezura (VP of Adult Animation at Paramount Global), and Sam Jay (HBO’s 'Pause with Sam Jay'). I’m looking forward to hearing their insights on the current state of comedy, what networks are looking for, and where they believe comedy is heading culturally. What are your thoughts on the state of comedy right now? Check the comments for details on how to register for the panel!

Want to make a comedy advert, but scared of not getting it right? Here are 4x simple ways to make it less daunting: - Pull relevant references from films, shows and stand-up specials Not only can it inspire you in how you structure your comedy, but you can see something already tried & tested on screen. Goes a long way to appease stakeholders. - Allow flexibility with the script. While it's key to get a script approved by all stakeholders, the longer I think about a comedy script, the more ideas for refinement I get. Those little tweaks bit by bit make your script go from good to great. Don't lose that part of the process for the sake of internal sign-offs. - Film a lo-fi version As a director, I always film a lo-fi version of the film on my phone, so I can see how it cuts together. That way, if a joke isn't landing, I can make tweaks in advance rather than having to do it on the shoot. - Hire comedy specialists It might be obvious but you don't need to be confident with comedy, you just need confidence in the people you hire. Not just script writers & directors, but comedy actors too. Scrimping on talent perpetually undermines how good your ad can be. For more comedy film-making tips, give me a follow.

Hollywood Film 'Fast Charlie' Review: Entertaining Cast Saves Predictable Plot Language: English Genre: Action, Crime, Dark Comedy Director: Phillip Noyce Starring: Pierce Brosnan, James Caan, Morena Baccarin, Gbenga Akinnagbe Available In: Theatres Runtime: 90 minutes Rating: 3 star Fast Charlie is an action movie with a fun twist of humor. Pierce Brosnan plays Charlie, a hired killer who works for an old gangster boss (James Caan). When a rival gang attacks, Charlie seeks revenge. He teams up with a smart and brave woman named Marcie (Morena Baccarin) and faces many dangerous situations together. The Good Stuff Great Acting: Pierce Brosnan is charming and tough as Charlie. He works well with Morena Baccarin, who is funny and strong. James Caan delivers a memorable performance too. Action & Comedy Mix: The movie has exciting fight scenes and funny moments throughout. What Could Be Better Simple Story: The plot might feel familiar, like other action movies you've seen. Slower Pace: Some parts of the movie move a little slower. Direction and Style Noyce's direction keeps the film simple and engaging. The story mixes crime, romance, and humour. The action scenes are balanced with moments of introspection and comedy, though the plot sometimes feels predictable. Final Thoughts Fast Charlie is an entertaining movie, especially if you like action and some laughs. The actors are all great, and the movie is a nice tribute to James Caan's career. Even though the story might not be surprising, it's still enjoyable to watch. #Hitflik #fastcharlie #hollywood #moviereview #3star #morenabaccarin #piercebrosnan

The Best Comedy Movies Ever Made: What Makes Them Timeless? Comedy is an art form that evolves, yet the greatest comedy films remain timeless, delivering laughter no matter how many times we revisit them. For a film to stand among the best comedies ever made, two qualities are essential: popularity and rewatchability. Popularity stems from the ability to connect with audiences broadly—memorable quotes, unforgettable characters, and universal humor that resonates across generations. Rewatchability, however, is the true mark of a classic. It’s the magic that makes us press play over and over again, noticing new jokes, hidden layers, or just craving the comfort of a familiar laugh. Here are some comedic treasures that hit those marks: 🎥 “Airplane!” (1980) – Pure absurdity paired with sharp writing. It’s a masterclass in parody that still leaves audiences in stitches. 🎥 “Groundhog Day” (1993) – More than laughs, it offers heart and depth, making it endlessly enjoyable to revisit. 🎥 “Dumb and Dumber” (1994) – Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels prove that slapstick and impeccable timing never get old. 🎥 “Superbad” (2007) – A coming-of-age comedy that captures the chaos of adolescence with awkward hilarity. 🎥 “Bridesmaids” (2011) – A groundbreaking ensemble comedy that remains a cultural touchstone. Comedy, though subjective, thrives on its ability to evoke emotion and offer relief. Whether it’s the quick wit of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” or the nostalgic charm of “The Sandlot,” the best comedies remind us of the joy of shared laughter. So, what’s the most rewatchable comedy in your opinion? Let’s talk about the films that never fail to make you laugh, no matter how many times you’ve seen them. #Comedy #Film #TimelessLaughter #Entertainment

Thriller, comedy, and romance jumble together in the trailer for Hit Man, Richard Linklater’s new Netflix movie about a fake assassin getting into a relationship with one of his clients. A man of many disguises, Gary Johnson (Glen Powell, who also co-wrote the film with Linklater) is a professor with a strange side hustle: he works for the police as a pretend assassin. But things go from complicated to even more complicated when he becomes romantically involved with a client (Adria Arjona), who may be more sinister than she seems. How to watch: Hit Man is in select theaters from May 24, and streaming on Netflix from June 7. var facebookPixelLoaded = false; window.addEventListener('load', function(){ document.addEventListener('scroll', facebookPixelScript); document.addEventListener('mousemove', facebookPixelScript); }) function facebookPixelScript() { if (!facebookPixelLoaded) { facebookPixelLoaded = true; document.removeEventListener('scroll', facebookPixelScript); document.removeEventListener('mousemove', facebookPixelScript); !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script','//https://lnkd.in/eY9zQvVb'); fbq('init', '1453039084979896'); fbq('track', "PageView"); } } Source link By Nakisisa George

Do you have time to laugh? For the best comedians out there, the delivery is just as important, if not more so than the joke itself. And part of delivery which first-time comics don’t pay enough attention to: - Not giving the audience enough time to laugh between jokes It’s the same in commercials, TV & film. All too often, you want to come straight in with another gag, when in reality, much like performing in real life, you need to give the audience time to take the joke in and enjoy it. Some of my previous comedy shorts were gag after gag after gag. And while there's nothing wrong with that, with my comedy sketch Masterclass, I added tactical titles to give as many jokes as possible the breathing space they needed. It allowed space between the jokes so people can laugh without then feeling like they’re going to miss something. Now, if you're creating TV ads for certain spot times, that's more difficult than when you're creating a social film, but it's always worth asking yourself: Do the audience have time to enjoy the joke? And if not, it's on me to work out what I can do to give them more time. For more comedy tips in film-making, follow me.  Virtually, not physically. 

Today's post is for Comedy writers: With recent Emmy wins for shows like The Bear and Hacks, does your comedy pilot still need a strong, hooky engine? Or can you rely on compelling characters in a fascinating world? Based on a conversation I recently had with a studio executive, you still need a strong plot engine. Buyers are passing on scripts that feel "small." It's not enough to a have a Jim & Pam "will they/won't they?" carrying the series. You need something bigger, like the mystery in The Good Place or a Fish-Out-of-Water plot goal like Ted Lasso. Even though I personally loved Parks & Recreation, you're not going to be able to sell a show like that right now unless you're a famous comedian with a bunch of famous comedian friends. Until then, it's time to focus on what, specifically, in your plot story is going to hook your audience from the pilot and make them want to watch from episode to episode in order to find that answer. *** For a full breakdown on what TV executives are looking for in a pitch, check out the article I wrote laying out the formula for a TV pitch that sells. Link in the comments below!

Vince Vaughn on Why No 'R-Rated' Comedies are Made Anymore https://ift.tt/g1ehkFn It;'s actually pretty crazy how many actores and filmmakers go on Hot Ones and give incredibly thoughtful and honest answers about why things are the way they are in Hollywood. The latest person to spt the facts is actor Vince Vaughn, who has been in many incredible movies like Swingers, Old School, Brawl in Cell Block 99, and Wedding Crashers. Vince Vaughn Catches a Hot Streak While Eating Spicy Wings | Hot Ones www.youtube.com When host Sean Evans asks Vaughn about why he's not doing R-rated comedies anymore, Vaughn gave a thoughtful and composed answer. Check it out on Twitter. — (@) In the clip, Vaughn says that development execs are stuck on a set of rules and are afraid to take risks, because if they fail they worry they will lose their jobs. That's why we get so many movies based on IP, and not originals. Vaughn argues that these rules stifle creativity and don't necessarily make good movies. He believes that audiences still want to see R-rated comedies and predicts that these types of movies will be making a comeback soon, but maybe outside of the studio system first. I thought this was a great and truthful quote about the state of the industry. It's very frustrating for people trying to break in right now, especially those with original ideas. Still, it doesn't mean you stop writing, you just try to be theo ne who breaks through. Let me know what you think in the comments. via No Film School https://ift.tt/3xAzotZ August 06, 2024 at 06:04AM

🎥 Making People Laugh is Serious Business 🎬 Comedy is one of the toughest genres to get right. It’s not just about landing a joke; it’s about timing, authenticity, and creating moments that resonate long after the punchline. Whether it’s a goofy short set in a dead mall (Mall Quest) or a story about a cowboy-turned-Uber driver chasing love in NYC (Cowboy Taxi), comedy gives us a way to tackle life’s absurdities while finding the humanity in every laugh. At Hollenbeck Film + Experience (HFE), we approach comedy with the same precision and care as any drama or thriller. It’s about creating characters and stories that feel real, even in the most ridiculous situations. Laughter isn’t just entertainment—it’s a way to connect, to reflect, and sometimes, to heal. To all the creators, writers, and producers out there making people laugh: Keep going. The world can always use more of what you do. Let’s hear it—what’s your favorite comedy movie or show, and why does it stick with you? Drop it in the comments! #Filmmaking #Comedy #Storytelling #HollenbeckFilms #LaughOutLoud

What is the deal with insisting that comedy is dead? I've been gobsmacked by how many comedy writers of recent have made public statements to the effect of how they couldn't get away with jokes from their old sitcoms/stand-up acts/etc. 1.) I can start by directly refuting Jerry Seinfeld and Mindy Kaeling's assertions that audiences wouldn't accept jokes today made on Seinfeld and The Office back then by pointing out that both shows are still among the most ubiquitous and widely viewed sitcoms in both streaming and syndication. Millions are still watching, outrage-free. 2.) Audiences aren't dumb. Context means everything and shows like It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and South Park continue to push the envelope of good taste and political correctness because that's baked into the cake of the subject of the humor. 3.) Times and audiences change - always have, always will. And while a pie in the face will always be funny*, comedy based on societal observations will always hit hardest based on where society is at that moment. I listen to Jerry complain about how he thinks he'd receive more pushback nowadays on certain ethnic humor, and it strikes me as myopic. Why did his sitcom generally avoid racial humor considered totally appropriate in the 1940s and 50s? Because he knew it was no longer appropriate to a modern audience. Why should that acknowledgement end with his generation's maturation? The best comedy speaks truth to its moment. I often hear "You could never make Blazing Saddles today"... It begs the question, why exactly would you make Blazing Saddles today? Marketers generally know this - I don't ever see an agency roundtable where creatives crab about how the "Plop Plop Fizz Fizz" campaign would never work for Alka Selzter with today's audience. They acknowledge what worked in the past and focus on the audience of today. TL:DR - Things change, focus on engaging & humoring people in 2024 and let 1992 be 1992. * Let's be real, pies in the face were never that funny, and the clown lobby really is to blame for making that a whole thing in the history of comedy.