WGSA knowledge share in Durban

The Writers' Guild of South Africa (WGSA) was established on 8 May 2009. It replaces SASWA, the South African Scriptwriters Association which was formed in 1974, and remains the only association in South Africa with the sole purpose of protecting, empowering and developing performance writers in the local film, television, radio, stage, animation and new.

 

The writers’ Guid of South Africa continues its series of knowledge share sessions with a workshop on Comedic Timing. 

 

Darren’s industry knowledge, intelligent repartee, engaging manner and ability to win over an audience made him perfect for this WGSA event.

 

Darren was asked to define the term comedic timing and share his views on the topic. 

 

Darren explained that you cannot immediately and intrinsic learn comedic timing and it cannot be taught. He elaborated by saying that you can get closer to it and play in the realm of it especially if you’re a writer, writing  a script for someone else who does have comic timing.

 

Comedic timing should be used as a disruptive tactic and not to aim for the punch line. You should structure your scrip so that it can stand alone.

 

Know the content; know who you are writing to and that the audience is aware that you are writing for them.

 

Complete the scene; the scene should be able to stand on its own without a funny line or disruption. 

 

He concluded by stating that if you write to build something towards a punch line then the moment only lives in the punch line itself and your entire scene will fall flat. 

 

Darren’s descriptive explanation of the term comedic timing was engaging and stimulating. He explained the term in a way many writers can relate with and amateur writers can learn from. 

 

Take a look at behind the scene snap shots of the WGSA event:

 

If you are interested in developing your writing knowledge and skills visit  WGSA  Facebook page. 

 

-The Breakfast Stack