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Looking for tips and tricks to the art of writing for television? Welcome to the blog of experienced television writer Jane Espenson. Check it out regularly to learn about spec scripts, writing dos and don'ts, and what Jane had for lunch! (RSS: ![XML Feed](/images/xml.gif) )
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Home » Archives » November 2007 » Sweaty Observations
[Previous entry: "Day Two and An Answer for Betsy"] [Next entry: "Delivery Systems"]
11/07/2007: Sweaty Observations
Hi all! So, how many of you have been singing "Werewolf Barmitzvah" to yourself since you saw it on 30 Rock? I certainly have. It is, as I'm sure you've noticed, available in a full version here. I'm not just mentioning it as a good example of solid comedy, which it is, but because it also provides an excellent example of a comedy writers' room term. Listen to some of the chatter running through the song and you'll hear an exchange that goes something like this: "I don't know if the idea of this song can sustain itself for this long. It seems a little sweaty now." "This whole premise is sweaty!"
"Sweaty"! I've actually been looking for a chance to discuss this term, but I hadn't come up with the perfect way to explain it. Well, here it is. A scene, a joke, or especially a comedic premise is called "sweaty" when the writer has to labor to keep it going, when they have to over-extend a metaphor or make characters say unlikely things to propel a comedic situation. Not every comedy room uses the term, but some do, and it's a favorite of mine. Add it to the little writer-to-English dictionary you carry with you to your first week on a show!
Strike: A hearty thank you to Friends-of-the-Blog Kal-el and Chris, who brought cheese and cold-cuts and crackers and fruit to the picket line today. It was much appreciated by the hungry hungry writers!
Lunch: cheese and cold-cuts and crackers and fruit
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