Comedy Writing for Late-Night TV: How to Write Monologue Jokes, Desk Pieces, Sketches, Parodies, Audience Pieces, Remotes, and Other Short-Form Comedy Paperback – May 5, 2014
by Joe Toplyn (Author)
He has written and produced comedy/talk shows for over fifteen years. Now four-time Emmy winner Joe Toplyn reveals his proven methods of writing for late-night television in this one-of-a-kind insider’s guide. Toplyn analyzes each type of comedy piece in the late-night TV playbook and takes you step-by-step through the process of writing it. His detailed tips, techniques, and rules include: • 6 characteristics every good monologue joke topic must have • 6 specific ways to generate punch lines • 12 tools for making your jokes their funniest • 7 types of desk pieces and how to create them • 9 steps to writing parodies and other sketches • How to go after a writing job in late night • PLUS a complete sample comedy/talk show submission packet Also use this comprehensive manual to write short-form comedy for the Internet, sketch shows, magazines, reality shows, radio, advertising, and any other medium.
About the Author
Joe Toplyn began his television career on the writing staff of “Late Night with David Letterman.” He went on to become co-head writer of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and head writer of “Late Show with David Letterman.” His other writing credits include the sketch show “In Living Color,” several situation comedies, and the comedic detective show “Monk.” In addition to his four Emmy wins, Toplyn is honored to have received over a dozen Emmy nominations.
Train Your Brain To Be Funny for Money
By David Rygalski on May 13, 2014
If comedy writers were construction workers, this book would be their favorite power tool.
Joe Toplyn has condensed 15 years of working in the late night pressure cooker into this
easy-to-follow manual for aspiring joke, bit and sketch writers. Having worked with Joe on Letterman,
Leno, Chase, I can tell you he is delivering the goods.
His insightful lessons will give you a competitive edge on how to write funny, how
to get your submission packet together, and most importantly how to get that dream job.
Aside from telling you how to be funny, Joe also shares many hilarious personal show-biz experiences that give the reader a terrific behind-the-scenes look at how late night shows get on the air every day. Wait till you find out how he almost killed David Letterman!
Product Details
Paperback: 444 pages
Publisher: Twenty Lane Media, LLC; 1 edition (May 5, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0615953891
ISBN-13: 978-0615953892
Product Dimensions: 0.9 x 5.9 x 8.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds