Thanks everyone! Owen and I recorded our conversation this morning. Planning to post it the first week of April*. (*edited from when I erroneously wrote "August" because I'm an idiot)
Hi Owen, impressive CV, full of shows I enjoy. How is writing comedy for the news cycle different from sketch comedy? It feels far closer to stand up comedy to me than sketch, with very little room for heightening. Perhaps a better phrasing would be what are the unexpected common ties?
When writing comedy from an “unfunny” or even sensitive topic, how are you able to find the line between handling it respectfully and still making it funny. I would try to take cues from people within the community the topic comments on but you may not always have that kind of access.
Hi Owen, thank you for taking the time to do this! When you're writing for a talk show, how much do you work with the talent to write the script? Is everything pre-scripted before the show or is there more improv than one might expect?
One thing that comes to mind with a lot of the shows that Owen has written on is that they cover current topics where maybe, not all of the information is available yet.
While writing pop culture jokes or on sensitive subjects, what precautions do you take to try to future-proof jokes?
The go-to joke about jokes about unfunny topics is the person who says something offensive or insensitive, followed by an awkward "What, too soon?" What different approach should that imagined person have taken while joking about such a hot-button issue?
Or alternatively, how much longer should they have waited?
Hi Owen, when writing about politics or current events (things I can only imagine you have actual opinions on) how do you keep the comedy from becoming too "preachy" or condescending? It seems very easy to be funny if we're all pointing and laughing at the same person, but obviously it's often more complicated than that.
Thanks everyone! Owen and I recorded our conversation this morning. Planning to post it the first week of April*. (*edited from when I erroneously wrote "August" because I'm an idiot)
In 5 months time???
Whoops, I meant to say April. My brain is... busted.
Or you have amazing foresight?
Hi Owen, impressive CV, full of shows I enjoy. How is writing comedy for the news cycle different from sketch comedy? It feels far closer to stand up comedy to me than sketch, with very little room for heightening. Perhaps a better phrasing would be what are the unexpected common ties?
And which is your favorite CH sketch?
When writing comedy from an “unfunny” or even sensitive topic, how are you able to find the line between handling it respectfully and still making it funny. I would try to take cues from people within the community the topic comments on but you may not always have that kind of access.
Hi Owen, thank you for taking the time to do this! When you're writing for a talk show, how much do you work with the talent to write the script? Is everything pre-scripted before the show or is there more improv than one might expect?
One thing that comes to mind with a lot of the shows that Owen has written on is that they cover current topics where maybe, not all of the information is available yet.
While writing pop culture jokes or on sensitive subjects, what precautions do you take to try to future-proof jokes?
The go-to joke about jokes about unfunny topics is the person who says something offensive or insensitive, followed by an awkward "What, too soon?" What different approach should that imagined person have taken while joking about such a hot-button issue?
Or alternatively, how much longer should they have waited?
Love all the things you've work on, and keeping myself from shouting "FUCK YEAH!" in a public place because I'm getting the chance to learn from you
A few questions:
How do you avoid getting too cynical with the humor?
Do you write more for the audience or is it more for yourself/other people working with you?
What's the least funny thing you've ever laughed about? Joked about?
Hi Owen, when writing about politics or current events (things I can only imagine you have actual opinions on) how do you keep the comedy from becoming too "preachy" or condescending? It seems very easy to be funny if we're all pointing and laughing at the same person, but obviously it's often more complicated than that.