"Stick to archetypal narrative patterns and structures"

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In the case of this guideline point, the screenwriter should give some consideration to the overall structure of their screenplay. While this is more of a suggestion than a written rule, it may prove beneficial. In the context of this research project, it has been highlighted that familiarity and the understanding of certain cultural or societal norms and values may impact the reception of certain comedy elements.

 

Therefore, the use of universally understood settings and situations act as a solid foundation for the screenwriter to build from in terms of comedy elements. Additionally, clear narrative structure aids the element of familiarity, avoiding room for confusion and disconnect.  

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"Avoid the use of plot points that rely on culturally specific situations to be understood."

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As explored within the associated research project, any elements of comedy and humour hinge on preexisting knowledge pertain to the cultural or societal norms and values in which the text takes place.

 

Therefore, if this knowledge is unfamiliar or completely unknown to certain audiences, the humour hinging on that knowledge will not be understood, nor received as intended by the screenwriter.

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As touched upon in the previous guideline point, the use of archetypal or universal settings and narrative structures may aid in providing some level of familiarity for Byne’s (2012) elements of Observation and Recognition to build from (see research for more information).

 

In the context of this guideline point in particular, rather than the whole setting and structure, this point advises on the smaller situational plot points that occur throughout. For example, the places the character goes or situations they put themselves in would be important to consider here in the context of whether they are universally familiar and not culturally specific.