This week switches the comic perspective from genre to mode. As a genre, comedy generates laughter by putting the comic frames across the work. However, it can be misunderstood by another non-comedic genre that also uses comic frames to build tension.  Breaking comedy down into modes captures the pure essence of the genre. How are parody and satire considered modes of comedy? Each contains foundational structures and writing techniques. In parody text, changes to the conventions of the original text initiate the formula (Krutnik and Neale 1990). On the contrary, satire is the mockery of external influence, mostly discussing social or cultural topics outside the text. Also, I picked up helpful filmmaking advice from the weekly reading ‘Parody Sketches’.

Two tips that I extracted from the reading are brainstorming the original video and adding punchlines consistent with the theme (Toplyn 2014). Before shooting, the preproduction stage is significant, especially during the brainstorming phase. Our guest lecturer advises that we should roll out as many ideas initially as possible because good ideas are not always present immediately. Therefore, it is recommended that the film crew arrange planning meetings for idea proposals to execute the most favorable idea. I took this instruction by heart and applied the process to every project. For this week’s sketch, the Disney Channel idea was not the first suggestion during the discussion. We present parody ideas from different shows, for example, Who is Smarter than the 5th Grader? However, the Disney Channel sketch was more intriguing in putting forward some incongruity punchlines that are unacceptable in the context of kid shows. Moreover, we are also familiar with the Disney vibe – how the animated characters normally act (their intonation and bodily figure), the editing style (the colorful kid-theme background), and the visual and sound selection. Next, most narratives would be kept consistent for general children viewing – starting with random conversations about the apple. The tension rises when Sam appears in the frame and spits wicked facts about the apple. The effect – zoom-in faces, dark gloomy vignettes complements the abnormalities.

Reference List:

Neale, S. & Krutnik, F. (1990) Definitions, genres, and forms in Popular Film and Television Comedy. London: Routledge, pp. 10–25.

Toplyn, J. (2014) Parody Sketches in Comedy Writing for Late-Night TV, New York: Twenty Lane Media, pp. 239–261.

Sketch Link: