How Many Jokes a Page Should a Comedy Screenplay Have?

My Writing Philosophy

I've written many comedies in the past. Most recently, I was in the room for The Holiday Shift on Roku. And I've had two comedies, Himbo and Shovel Buddies, on The Black List.

At no point in my 10+ year career have I sat down to count the jokes on the page. For me, it's all about flow and how funny I think each moment is as the story unfolds.

But I do have three strategies when it comes to rewriting my script to make it funnier.

The first thing I do is make sure the dialogue is funny. That's where most new writers start, but I think they forget the other to do the other two.

One the words make sense, then I go through and try to put the characters in funny situations.

What's the goal of the scene? Can you make them have to do something funny to get through it?

Lastly, I think about the location. Is it a store with a funny name? Could something be happening in the background of the location? Is there someone else in the place who's not a main character but is doing something funny?

One you've done all three of those in a scene, I usually find there's enough laughs.

So, How Many Jokes Per Page?

I know I'm not the only writer out there, so I talked to some of my sitcom friends, who told me they always aim to get three jokes a page. And when I talked to other comedy feature people, they said they shoot for the same.

Still, the number of jokes per page in a comedy screenplay isn't set by a strict rule. However, it's important to consider a few key factors:

1. Quality Over Quantity: It's crucial to focus on the quality of the jokes rather than simply packing in as many as possible. A few well-placed, genuinely funny jokes can be more effective than a barrage of mediocre ones.
2. Genre Expectations: Different sub-genres of comedy will have varying expectations. A slapstick comedy might have more visual gags and quick jokes, while a romantic comedy might focus more on witty dialogue and situational humor.
3. Pacing and Rhythm: Comedy relies heavily on timing. The jokes should be spaced out in a way that maintains a good rhythm and keeps the audience engaged without overwhelming them.
4. Story and Character Development: Jokes should serve the story and the characters, not just be inserted for the sake of having a laugh. They should feel natural and be integrated seamlessly into the dialogue and action.
5. Audience and Purpose: Consider who the intended audience is and what the primary purpose of the screenplay is. A comedy aimed at a younger audience might have a different joke density compared to one targeted at adults.