Joke writing is a process that takes an enormous amount of effort, time and disappointment. It’s like raising a teenager. They’re all considered special, but only a small number of them will ever work, and even fewer will make you proud enough to buy some ice cream. It is a surprise to many that comedy is a serious business because there’s so much fun involved in observing the act of comedy.
It’s amusing that the term “joke” is defined as something that should not be taken seriously. Obviously, the definition of a joke means “something said or done to evoke laughter.” However, the notion of writing a joke is a serious activity that needs to be consistently practiced to obtain a better quality of comedic material. Practice is not the only thing a comedian needs in order to understand the technique of writing jokes. Sometimes, a bit of advice and experience from an established performer can help immensely to get a better grasp on the familiarity of joke writing.
Sam Morril, a New York-based comedian, is a prime example of a professional joke writer. Milwaukee Comedy’s Steve Breese got the opportunity to keep Sam up late to answer a few questions about his start in comedy and joke writing!
Milwaukee Comedy: How long have you been doing comedy? Where did you get your start?
Sam Morril: Long enough to take it seriously, short enough to still enjoy myself. New York City.
Milwaukee Comedy: What were some of the struggles you dealt with early in your career, and how did they build you to where you are today?
Sam: Having to hand out flyers on the street, not being funny enough, figuring out where that comedic line was and learning how I can cross it in the most clever way possible, working the door at clubs when unfunny comics were onstage wondering why they were getting work instead of me. Nothing will make you fight to be a starter like sitting on the bench.
Surround yourself with good, driven, funny people. It’ll make the bad times easier and the good times sweeter.
Milwaukee Comedy: How would you describe “developing a voice”? How should a comedian try to recognize his or her voice in their material?
Sam: I think if you want to develop an honest voice, it has to happen organically, over time.
Some comics will try to act confident as part of their schtick, like a shortcut or substitute for weak jokes. People see right through that. They may occasionally fool a crowd, but not me. There’s a difference between acting confident and being confident, and the latter has to be earned over years of honing your act.
Everyone is in such a rush. Focus on getting great, not your brand or your voice. That sounds like industry talk. Get funny, write, and do sets.
Milwaukee Comedy: What questions do you ask yourself to help develop your set?
Sam: Will this be funny? Is this hacky? Why do I feel the need to wear women’s underwear?
Milwaukee Comedy: How do you think a comedian’s time can be used wisely?
Sam: Cut down on masturbating. I know we have all day, but force yourself to take walks or hit the coffee shop. Also, live life. Exercise. Call your mom … I don’t know. Make some of your own decisions. Why the fuck are you still listening to me?
Milwaukee Comedy: What makes a good joke and why?
Sam: A setup, punchline and laugh is how I picture a good joke. A joke I love is Dave Attell’s bit: “You remember when you’re young, and you think your dad is Superman. Then you grow up and realize he’s just a drunk that wears a cape.” That’s such a good joke. It’s silly, funny, and sad. The way most people take in a sunset, that’s how I get with a great joke. I need to stop for a second and appreciate it.
Milwaukee Comedy: How do you think comedy has changed over the last decade?
Sam: The obvious answer is social media and the Internet. Twitter and Facebook weren’t around when I started. I remember having VHS tapes of my sets. VHS!
Technology is a game changer. Your career can be ruined by a camera phone.
I recently saw a comic get into it with an audience member, and it almost came to blows. Another comic in the room reached for his cell phone to videotape it.
That’s the time we live in. People don’t stop to help; they stop to record. Can you imagine superheroes like that? “Spiderman, help!” He just reaches for his iPhone 6.
I’ve also noticed that people have become so politically correct. Crowds groan more and more. There is an increased sensitivity in the air. These days, when you get a crowd that laughs at a naughty joke, it almost has a Prohibition-ary feel.
Milwaukee Comedy: What are some of the advantages to living and performing in New York?
Sam: I followed Dave Attell onstage tonight. That’s the advantage. You’re around killers in New York, and it keeps that ego in check. It also makes you want to get better.
The way New Yorkers are gritty and fast-paced, I feel that in the comedy here.
Milwaukee Comedy: What sort of advice would you give an aspiring comedian thinking about moving to New York?
Sam: Yeah, lets get more people to New York. It wasn’t crowded enough on the train today during rush hour.
Milwaukee Comedy: Are you looking forward to coming to Milwaukee? Will it be your first time performing here?
Sam: I’ve been before. I’m very excited. You think I do this questionnaire for everyone?
Milwaukee Comedy: Who are some of your influences?
Sam: Interviewers who ask less questions. It’s 3:04 a.m. I’m getting tired!
Milwaukee Comedy: Are there any comedians you currently admire whose work people may not be familiar with?
Sam: There’s so many so I’ll mention a couple I saw tonight: Nick Griffin and Joe List. Check out Nick and Joe. Also, Anthony DeVito. He’s great too.
Sam Morril – Milwaukee’s Comedy Café, March 12-14
Also appearing: Sydney Adeniyi and Allison Dunne.
If you want tickets, click here and enjoy a night of comedy!
[su_youtube url=”http://youtu.be/DyQ4GHa4hVg” width=”460″ height=”300″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq7wXNrXq-Y[/su_youtube]