John Truby: Story Code and Beats for Comedies

Danielle Krage interviews John Truby, the founder and director of Truby’s Writers Studio. The conversation is a deep dive into the comedy chapter in John’s most recent book, ‘The Anatomy of Genres’.
John shares so many practical storytelling insights and strategies as they relate to comedy - its themes, beats, tonal considerations, character types, and power. Plus, where it fits in relationship to other genres.
You can find out more about John Truby’s books, classes and story software at:
anatomyofgenre...
truby.com
You can find the transcript at:
comedymastercl...
And Danielle’s socials here:
/ daniellekrage
/ dekrage

[@CaitlinBurt]

His work is amazing. I wish it were available when I was in film school

[@comedymasterclassDK]

I find it so helpful.

[@johndavidsolomon4593]

What a great interview.

[@comedymasterclassDK]

Thank you. I find John's work so helpful.

[@carocarp5]

Danielle has some of the best interviews on YT. Not sure why she doesn't have more views. Hopefully, people will catch on and she will continue with this great content.

[@comedymasterclassDK]

Thank you!

[@BooksForever]

I finished reading John’s Anatomy of Genres a couple weeks ago. John has excellent insight into storytelling as a critical aspect of cultural development.

[@comedymasterclassDK]

I agree!

[@Sharath275]

Great interview.. thankyou🙂

[@olivierissoa5360]

thanks... I love Mr Truby. ;-)

[@SunMaximus]

Which movies has the most genres?

[@comedymasterclassDK]

Oooh. That's a great question. Do you mean which movie has the most genres combined in it? I'm more used to comedies that add in one other main genre. (eg Comedy + Action/ Coming-of-Age/ Love). It looks like you're really into movies. What do you think re which might have the most?

[@SunMaximus]

@@comedymasterclassDK I just looked it up, there are many. I just wanted to know what John Truby would say. Hope you can make a part 2 (more advanced comedy) of this interview.

[@brendarice-davis9795]

By the way I owned Anatomy and the Genre book by Trudy...

[@comedymasterclassDK]

It is such a good book.

[@brendarice-davis9795]

Story codes no and no beats...it might be practical to her but not to anyone else...the information re: comedy example was ok...but this was a waste of my hearing...and time

[@comedymasterclassDK]

Sorry it wasn't useful to you. I was trying to make it a practical intro to the comedy chapter and picking out some of what matters re story and beats for comedy (eg Manners and Morals being key, and the Four-Point Opposition beat, which contains The Comic Cyclone). But this is only a small portion of the chapter, I know. It has so many useful beats in it for comedy! I hope that you have a great day.

[@comedymasterclassDK]

I have also updated the title in case you weren't expecting it to be all focused on comedy. 💛