How I Write David Zucker: Hollywood Director Explains The 15 Rules of Comedy | How I Write
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Jul 2, 2025 
David Zucker, the comedic mastermind behind iconic films like Airplane! and Naked Gun, shares his insights into the art of comedy writing. He breaks down his 15 rules for laughter, discussing pacing with his unique 'flywheel theory' that keeps audiences giggling. Zucker emphasizes the importance of surprise and character development in crafting humor while reflecting on Hollywood’s trend toward sequels over original storytelling. He also delves into the impact of celebrity cameos and the challenges of maintaining timeless comedy in a changing landscape.
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Comedy Relies on Surprise
- Comedy depends on surprising the audience to create laughter.
- Use the unexpected to reverse audience expectations based on serious movie scenes.
Avoid Joke-on-Joke Trap
- Avoid 'joke on a joke' where everyone tries to be funny simultaneously.
- Have a straight man and a funny guy for effective comedic scenes.
Don't Acknowledge Jokes
- Don't acknowledge jokes to keep them funnier.
- Let the audience find the humor themselves without character reactions.