Codes and Conventions of Comedy

1. Codes and
Conventions of
Comedy
Alex Watson

2. Setting
• In a comedy film, the general setting is in a
bright place. Also, social occasions are often used.
• Also in Comedy, they mainly take place in largely
populated places. Such as built up cities and
towns.

3. Camera Work
• For the camera work in comedy films, there isn’t much
focus on it because there is supposed to be more focus
based on what is going on, on the screen.
• It is also filmed in a way to show that everyone is equal
and that no one is of a higher power. One example of this
is in the film step brothers, between the two main
characters there is no sign that one is more powerful than
the other.

4. Sound
• Sound can be a very important factor in the
comedy genre, especially in the sub genre,
slapstick. In slapstick, non-digetic sound effects.
These sounds effects are used to show the
emphasis on certain aspects of the scene.
• Digetic sound is another important factor in
comedy because it is often the dialogue that is
making the audience laugh.

5. Types of Character
• In comedy films a stereotypical thing to do is to
place normal characters along side a very stupid
character. This is done to emphasis the
characters stupidity and also to show the
contrast of their personalities.
• Also, above average intelligence people are often
used (Big Bang Theory). This of comedic value
because many of the characters lack social skills
to get by in everyday life and are also unaware of
the boundaries of ‘Normal People’.