Guest Column 'HTWFA' | #18 Tips for Writing Humorous Content

Why did the animated chicken cross the road? Because a big truck was barreling down, and in the world of cartoons, a little chaos is always good for a laugh! But what happens when that truck tire smacks into our wide-eyed chicken? Figuring out those consequences is where the real fun begins!

In the animation industry, we often talk about something called "cartoon logic." This term refers to the wild and wacky rules that govern animated worlds, where even the most absurd scenarios can make sense in their own unique way. For instance, picture a character running through a wire fence only to slide apart into a neat pile of slices. The underlying logic here is simple: if it works for salami, why not for a cartoon character? 

While this kind of cartoon logic can lead to some hilarious moments, it’s built on an understanding of reality and the principles that govern it. It’s this balance between the absurd and the logical that allows us to create humor that resonates. So, next time you watch a cartoon and see something completely outrageous, remember: it might be silly, but there's a clever bit of logic hiding behind the laughs!

Jeffrey Scott

There’s that word again: logic! While it might seem like a dry and boring mathematical concept, logic is actually at the heart of all humor. Believe it or not, humor thrives on illogical sequences and unexpected twists. 

Take the classic example of stepping on a rake. When the handle whacks you in the face and you react with a silly expression, it’s not something you’d expect to happen. That’s what makes it funny! The more intelligent the person stepping on the rake, the more absurd the situation becomes, and thus, the funnier it is.

Think about it: it’s completely illogical for a coyote to run off the edge of a cliff, pause mid-air, and then look at the camera with a terrified expression. That’s why we laugh! Conversely, when was the last time you chuckled at someone simply turning on a faucet and having water come out? Probably never, because that’s perfectly logical. However, if the water suddenly started gushing out of his ears, now that’s a different story! 

This leads to an important point: knowing your audience is crucial when crafting humor. They need to understand what’s logical to fully appreciate and laugh at the illogical. This is why physical comedy, like slapstick, tends to get the biggest laughs. You don’t need a Ph.D. from Harvard to get the humor in someone slipping on a banana peel; it’s universally relatable and instantly recognizable. 

So, the next time you’re trying to write something funny, remember the importance of logic and its delightful counterpart, the absurd!

In comedy, the essence often lies in things happening where they’re not supposed to, when they’re not supposed to, and in ways that defy expectations. However, it’s not just about being illogical—there’s an art to balancing logic and absurdity. For instance, a man trying to cut grass by praying to the gods comes off as tragic, while a guy attempting the same task with a toenail clipper is undeniably funny. The key is to maintain a thread of logic within the illogical.

One effective way to infuse humor into dialogue is by setting up a logical premise or question, then surprising the audience with an unexpected, illogical response. I once wrote a line for "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" where Michaelangelo, contemplating the challenge of finding a missing kid, quips, “It’s gonna be like finding a noodle in a haystack.” When Raphael points out, “You mean needle, don’t you?” Michaelangelo replies, “I was trying to be optimistic, dude.” The humor lies in the illogical comparison—after all, a noodle in a haystack isn’t any easier to find than a needle!

When plotting a story, whether it’s drama or comedy, it’s crucial to keep the overarching narrative logical. However, when it comes to writing gags and comedic moments, let your imagination run wild and embrace the absurdity.

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"About the Author:"

Jeffrey Scott has penned over 700 animated and live-action TV and film scripts for major studios including Sony, Warner Bros., Disney, Marvel, and many more. His work has earned him three Emmys and the Humanitas Prize. Jeffrey is also the author of the acclaimed book *How to Write for Animation*. To learn more about his work, visit his website at [www.JeffreyScott.tv](http://www.JeffreyScott.tv).

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"Check out other articles in this series:"

- #1 The Difference Between Live-Action and Animation Writing
- #2 Tools of the Trade
- #3 It All Begins with a Premise
- #4 The Secret to Developing Your Story
- #5 Finding the Scenes That MUST Be There
- #6 How to Write an Outline
- #7 How to Easily Transform Your Outline into a Script
- #8 A Brief Introduction to Script Writing
- #9 How Long Should Your Scenes Be?
- #10 How to (and NOT to) Edit Your Writing
- #11 How to Write Description
- #12 The Writer’s Bookshelf
- #13 The Importance of Communication
- #14 Continuity
- #15 Pacing
- #16 Writing Dialogue
- #17 Assuming the Point of View of Your Audience