Comedy Conventions• Setting

• Shots• Sound• Lighting• Props• Character Types

SettingA comedy sketch or film usually appear in bright places to give it a joyful and friendly atmosphere.This is why locations for social events are usually used like cafes, homes, restaurants etc. It adds to the friendly atmosphere and shows the casualness of the film due it being a comedy

Camerawork/shots

Camera work is usually quite simplistic is comedies. Due to the light heartedness of them, no techniques like low angles are used to make people appear bigger than other characters in the film due to the camera work being naturalistic and showing no one character is better than another.

SoundSound is very important in the comedy genreDiegetic sound used in the film must be fairly loud and clear to the audience so jokes and puns are not missedNon-Diegetic sound is also important, it can be used to emphasise certain actions and sounds to create a comedic effect

LightingThe lighting in comedies is usually bright or uses natural light. This is because it gives the film a more realistic environment and keeps the atmosphere cheery.Bright and colourful scenes are used to show happiness so scenes are mostly done in daylight

PropsProps are also very important in comedies especially slapstick comedy when props are vital due to the lack of sound. Props are used to emphasise actions of actors and also used a lot to “hurt” the characters to create a comedic effect

Character TypesIn comedies, usually there is use of characters that are “idiotic” or just very different to give a contrast with a group of “normal people” and show the diversity of personalities in the film. This diversity emphasises the stupidity of the folly character and in shows like “The Big Bang Theory” over intelligent characters are used who are also socially awkward to create comedic effects in social confrontations. One very common attribute of characters also in comedies is sarcasm.