MAKE 'EM LAUGH
FOR 90 MINUTES
The Art of Comedy Feature Filmmaking
Daniela Saioni's online program for writers and directors on creating comedy feature films based on real-world techniques
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Do you have an idea that would make a great comedy feature, or do you feel inspired to come up with one?
Good timing, because with the dominance of Netflix and other streaming services - not to mention the lingering effects of a global pandemic - the resurgence of demand for original comedy features is back!
This five-part program will dive into the process of comedy feature filmmaking from concept to completion, from the perspective of both the writer and the director, since this genre in particular requires both artists to fully understand and participate in each others' process.
Get inspired and focused on writing and making your first - or next - comedy feature with tried and true processes and techniques your instructor and course creator (me... Daniela Saioni) has learned from making hit movies alongside some of the great comedy masters.
On the writing side, this course will cover: what makes an idea best suited to the comedy feature format, understanding high-concept versus low-concept, tone, what makes a character comedic, structuring your story and incorporating set pieces that organically reflect your movie's central idea, writing for a low budget reality, incorporating comedy tools and scene structures in your work, finding the game of the scene, improving your dialogue and joke writing.
On the directing side, we will go over: casting and workshopping the script, the writer-director relationship at the prep and production stages, examples of real-world pro comedy director processes on set, directing comedy performances, incorporating on-camera improvisation, comedic visual storytelling and working with your editor.
You will also receive a database of comedy feature film screenplays for study.
Daniela is an in-demand comedy story editor who will give you direct feedback on your premise and/or character work and/or story outline during the program.
COURSE DATES
The course is pre-recorded and delivered on SamCart and supported in a Facebook group with five-week guided sessions that happen multiple times a year. In the guided sessions, you will be able to directly interact with Daniela and your classmates live over Zoom to float story ideas and character work, to 'yes-and' each other's work (a constructive and productive process we refer to in class as "idea jamming").
You can purchase and start the course at any time, and join any guided session within a year of purchasing the program (yes, even multiple sessions). The next guided session begins early January 2023 for five weeks.
You can submit your Premise, Character Work and your Story Outline for feedback within a year of purchase of Make 'Em Laugh as well.
This course is the pre-requisite for Feature Film Writers' Room, which is a separate program for small-group script development by invitation only, open only to those who have taken Make 'Em Laugh for 90 Minutes and have at least their premise and character work completed. There is a limit of 8 projects in every Writers' Room class and the cost for that program is $597US, which includes full script feedback and ongoing script feedback for five weeks. The next session will start in late February 2023.
Once you have completed Make 'Em Laugh, you are eligible to apply for any future Feature Film Writers' Room by submitting your premise and character work. And you can apply for any future writers' room with any future project as well. Several alumni come back again and again to develop their scripts!
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Daniela Saioni is a multi-award-winning comedy screenwriter whose stand-up has been described as "smart and subversive" and has aired to over 1.4 million listeners on CBC Radio One's Laugh Out Loud.
She has been training comedians and laypeople alike in her various comedy screenwriting programs since 2012, which have allowed her to shepherd her students through the creation of over 100 original scripts and help launch writing careers.
In addition to being an experienced Script Consultant, her own screenplays have won numerous award. Her feature script Jiyan, based on a story by Mazdak Taebi, won nine awards and honours, including Grand Prize Winner - WE Screenplay Diverse Voices 2021 and Best Screenplay and Best Fresh Voice at the 2019 Female Eye Film Festival.
Most importantly, her film & TV writing students are also collecting more screenwriting awards than ever before.
A veteran script supervisor on major motion pictures and TV series (Shazam!, A Simple Favor, Suits, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Work It ), her talents are varied but her mission is singular: change the world, one laugh at a time.
DANIELA'S LAUREL COLLECTION FOR HER FEATURE SCRIPT JIYAN
WHAT YOU'LL GET
Entertaining lectures which will arrive each week and which you'll have access to for a full year
Access to our private Facebook Group where I will host a weekly live Q&A and post additional content
Access to a database of comedy feature film scripts for study purposes
Free bonus access to the 5-DAY COMEDY FEATURE FILM PREMISE CREATION CHALLENGE videos and exercises to help you arrive at a comedy feature film premise that is personal to you.
Free bonus content lectures including PRO SCRIPT FORMATTING TECHNIQUES
LIfetime access to my private alumni Facebook group for comedy writers and directors, where I continue to give all my alumni feedback and support, and where you can network with your fellow alumni internationally
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
Daniela's courses set me on the path of exploring my comedic voice in both series and feature writing. She is fabulously entertaining and a deft award winning screenwriter. She works with our industry's finest and teaches what she knows from an insiders perspective. If you're looking to hone your craft, find your voice, or explore comedy writing as a professional, Daniela Saioni is the real deal. I highly recommend any and all of her courses whether it's in the room or virtual, you won't be disappointed.
Leslie Ann Coles (Filmmaker, Quarterfinalist PAGE International 2020 and ScreenCraft Drama 2020)
Toronto, Canada
The lessons I have learned from Daniela about structure and technique when it comes to writing for TV and Film have been invaluable. Daniela is a generous, supportive and encouraging teacher, with years of experience to draw from. Participating in her Feature Film Writing Room was the catalyst I need to write my first film script. Thank you Daniela!
Barb Scheffler (Actor, Playwright, budding Screenwriter)
Toronto, ON
I came to Daniela from an improv background and despite having comedy experience I didn't really have a clue on how to consistently write or develop comedy beyond an improv sketch. I don't say this as some exaggerated testimonial comment : there is no one out there with Daniela's talent for writing who has her talent for teaching.
The thing that just wows me is that she truly and deeply cares about every student. If you have struggles, she helps you through them (but if you are really high maintenance don't take the class because I want her to have some time for me).
Rob Watts
Toronto, ON
I have enjoyed both Daniela's material and her genuine enthusiasm for comedy. I find that she gives a wealth of resources to her students and it is clear that she genuinely wants everyone to succeed. The material has helped me strengthen my own work so much and I look forward to learning more with her in the future.
Amanda B.
Lethbridge, Alberta
This course is AMAZING for anyone who wants to get into comedy features from any angle. Her examples range from her lived experiences on comedy features working with top-tier talent like Paul Feig and writing her own award-winning scripts to hilarious dissections of what Hollywood films did to make us laugh.
Take this course if you want to know the ins-and-outs of comedy or want to have a good time laughing with the best!
Megan Laursen (Filmmaker)
Toronto, Canada
I started taking Daniela's classes when Covid-19 hit, and I was hooked from day one! Her online learning approach was fantastic. She showed specific and clear examples in her teachings with clips and interviews, and had multiple resources readily available. Each student was given individual attention and feedback on their work, and she was always quick to respond to email inquiries. Daniela's passion for the work is infectious, and paired with years of on-set knowledge and experience, she has crafted a truly invaulable set of courses for anyone looking to expand their skills in the film industry.
Sarah Bransfield
Toronto, Canada
Daniela is a natural teacher who can bring out the best of your ability with much encouragement and patience. This, combined with her knowledge of the industry, ensures that your class is immensely informative and at the same time, thoroughly entertaining.
Nobumi K.
London, UK
From Schtick to Script was an amazing experience - I took the class twice - and I still use things I learned in the TV writing rooms where I now work. It's an excellent, comprehensive and super fun workshop. (on FROM SCHTICK TO SCRIPT TV Writing Workshop)
Zoe W. (Schitt's Creek, Crawford)
Toronto, Canada
Within the first 5 minutes of Daniela’s writing course, I knew I’d already gotten my money’s worth (on FROM SCHTICK TO SCRIPT TV Writing Program).
Peter C. Hayward (Winner of the inaugural comedy.co.uk award)
Los Angeles, CA
Here's a short video of Daniela teaching her top tip for differentiating character voices in her scripts.
FAQ