Making your mark in comedy
Kenton Allen, the current Creative Head of Talent & Comedy North at the BBC, is the man behind hits such as The Royle Family and I'm With Stupid, however he's also no stranger to comedy film making.
Kenton won an Oscar for his involvement in short film 'Six Shooters' and has been involved in many successful productions over the last decade.
Here he offers advice for new comedy film makers and shares tips on getting your films noticed.
Q1. Are there any taboos with comedy or is everything up for grabs?
Use your brain as well as your chuckle muscle when you're trying to work out what's acceptable. Think about your audience. The people who'd go to Borat wouldn't probably enjoy a Jennifer Aniston rom-com.
Q2. Character or plot. Which is more important in creating a great comedy short?
The best comedy comes from character, not from plot but in a film you need both, something that takes you on a journey and makes you feel something at the end of it. It's not a film if the characters just sit around being funny.
Q3. How important are actors in a successful comedy?
If you've got great material you should attract a good actor and should aim high. You have to learn comedy, it takes time and comedy actors need to develop.
Q4. How do I get my comedy short noticed?
Get it everywhere - The Film Network and YouTube are good. Your film needs to get on the festival circuit. 75% of making a film is getting an audience to it and that's hard work.
Q5. How can a comedy filmmaker starting out cope with the inevitable knockbacks and bad reviews?
Comedy is tricky. For everyone who loves The Office there are thousands of people who hate it. People are very passionate about the shows they love and are very vocal about things they don't like.
Q6. What's the appeal of comedy for you and why would you advise anyone starting out to go into comedy rather than say any other genre?
It's the best feeling ever to sit in a full cinema and everyone laughs at the things you find funny. It's artistically rewarding and potentially financially rewarding too.
