How to Get a Job as a Comedy Writer

A comedy script stems from one funny idea.

Many writers agree that comedy is the most difficult genre to construct. A comedy script stems from an idea and this idea can pay your bills if you know how to use your talent to build a career. Knowing how the industry works and the players involved is a handy prerequisite when looking to be employed as a comedy writing because you want to at least sound like you know what you're talking about.

Instructions

1. Write comedy as much as you can. Whenever you have an idea, write it down and try to develop it into a script. Don't write for an audience, write for yourself. If you think the material is funny, chances are someone else will too.

2. Study the scripts of professionals diligently. Read them often and thoroughly. Eventually, you will begin to notice techniques, such as the way characters are developed and how many characters are usually in each piece.

3. Study comedy writing in school. Various online and in-person writing schools offer programs specifically designed for comedy writing.

4. Have several writing samples available at all times. A full comedy sketch can go a long way to showcasing your material and taking it from the drawing board onto the television.

5. Move to a location that has lots of film and television work, such as Los Angeles or New York. Network with the people there by attending classes and other functions. Many of the successful comedy writers were helped by people they met casually.