benzado

Sketch writing

benjaminapple:

Sometimes when you shoot a sketch, the best parts of the finished product are lines someone improvised within the logical framework of the script. So then it feels weird to say you wrote that sketch, and also you wonder why you fleshed it out so much in the first place. Because of this, I mainly don’t feel guilty for writing something one paragraph long and calling it a sketch, because the basic logic is there and if you film it, the humor will come from the acting and the improvised specifics.

Is all of this ok?

Yes, assuming that (1) your actors are improvisors, (2) you are also directing the sketch, (3) you are also editing the video.

Most professional writers have to hand their writing off to somebody else and hope the finish product aligns with their vision. I’ve been told that it’s a quirk of New York “indie comedy” that individuals wear so many hats.

Anyhow, I just wrote a sketch called “I’m filthy from swearing not to bathe various parts of my body following celebrity encounters.” The title is also the content.

Imagine handing that off for somebody else to produce. Would you still call it a sketch? Would you still call yourself the writer?