Steve Kaplan - The Hidden Tools of Comedy: The Serious Business of Being Funny

Fresh insights with a why didnt I think of that on every page. Steve Kaplan is a true comedy maven. Dont know what that is? Read this book, and you will. You may even turn into one yourself.

Ellen Sandler, co-executive producer: Everybody Loves Raymond; author: The TV Writers Workbook

I rarely think about why something Im working on is funny. Im usually just fixated on the fact that its not funny enough. So it was interesting to look at it from such a thoughtful perspective. I started reading the book expecting to be merely amused, but what I found was a rigorous deconstruction of what makes comedy. Steve takes this ephemeral topic and reduces it to tangible terms that are both practical and illuminating. Oh, and its funny. Which is useful when youre talking about comedy.

David Crane, creator and executive producer: Friends, Episodes

Steve Kaplan is a master when it comes to comedy. In his new book, The Hidden Tools of Comedy, Steve gives you an inside look at how comedy works from the world view of the character; the truth that comedy presents; and the idea that the more the character knows, the less comic it is. All of these ideas and more made it a book that I didnt want to put down. The knowledge he imparts is a true gift to every writer, executive, and person that has a desire to know what makes humor work.

Jen Grisanti, story/career consultant; writing instructor for Writers on the Verge; author: Story Line and Change Your Story, Change Your Life

The Hidden Tools of Comedy proves what Ive said for years no one on this planet understands the principles of comedy more than Steve Kaplan. If they gave out degrees in comedy writing, Steve would have an MD, JD, and PhD.

Derek Christopher, President, TV/Film Seminars & Lighthouse Blues Productions

Steve Kaplan has discovered, refined, and sustained more stand-up, playwriting, TV and film writing careers and without any of the credit he deserves. There simply is no God if he doesnt receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor himself. God, are you listening? Oh well. Steve: Thank you for discovering me and being responsible for launching my career. Everyone else: BUY THIS BOOK.

Will Scheffer, co-creator and executive producer: Big Love and Getting On

Whether youre a performer, director, or writer, this is the best, most entertaining and practical book Ive ever read on the art, theory, and mechanics of comedy.

David Fury, writer/producer: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Lost, Fringe, Terra Nova

Steve Kaplans approach to comedy is both practical and artful. His years of experience working with comedy writers have created techniques that can help anyone craft a joke and find the funny. Written with the warmth and humor he brings to his in-person classes, this book is a must-read for the aspiring writer or comic whose desire is to make people laugh... and also make them think.

Pilar Alessandra, Director of the On the Page Screenwriting Program; author: The Coffee Break Screenwriter

Steve Kaplans The Hidden Tools of Comedy is a testament to how effective his comedic tools are. The book is funny. But in addition to being entertaining, it offers invaluable information about creating comedic material. Up until now no one has been able or willing to deconstruct the principles of how to be funny. Its always been shrouded in vagueness: you just have to be born funny or you either get it or you dont. With concrete examples Steves book gives you a step-by-step approach to understanding what the heart of comedy is and how to achieve it. You dont have to be born funny in order to work in comedy, you just need to know and use these tools.

Carole Kirschner, Executive Director, CBS Diversity Writers Mentoring Program; author: Hollywood Game Plan

If you want to make money with laughter... this book is no joke!

Dov S-S Simens, Dov Simens Two-Day Film School

Ive known Steve Kaplan for many years, going all the way back to the days of the HBO Workspace (what a great adventure that was!) and I have always known him to be keenly intent upon making every moment count. Working with him was great, taking his intensive workshop was fascinating, but this book is truly amazing and inspired. On almost every page I am stimulated with new and fresh ideas for my writing and my directing. And now I know I cannot (must not) venture into any other project (whether comedic or dramatic) without once again referring to The Hidden Tools of Comedy.

Mark W. Travis, director, consultant, author: Directing Feature Films and The Film Directors Bag of Tricks.

I dont know if comedy can be taught, but if anybody can do it, its KAPLAN!

Jack Kenny, Executive Producer: Warehouse 13

In his book, The Hidden Tools of Comedy, Steve Kaplan goes in depth, getting into the heart of what makes things funny, what makes someone funny. He breaks it down, from the fundamentals of what comedy is, to its emotional and logical cores, to the delicate balance between skill and talent. He explores tools that anyone and everyone can use in the creation of anything comedic. Its about time a book like this was written. No matter what experience youve had, The Hidden Tools of Comedy is a must-read for anyone interested in writing, directing, or performing comedy. Ive earmarked dozens of pages and cant wait to put what Ive learned into practice.

Risa Bramon-Garcia, director, producer, casting director

A great teacher is someone who knows their subject and knows how to teach it. Steve Kaplan knows comedy and he knows how to teach it and this is what makes his book an invaluable tool for anyone who wants to use comedy to entertain. Kaplan is to comedy as Toto was to Oz. He shows you exactly what is going on behind the curtain and how to use all the levers to create the magic. And since he is a gifted comic on top of being an incisive scholar, his book is not only incredibly informative, it is also funny and fun to read.

Gil Bettman, director, professor of film, Chapman University; author: First Time Director

If you are serious about comedy, you must read this book. Kaplan has detailed in easy to understand terms how to make comedy work. This book is no joke it is the real thing. It should be required reading for actors, writers and anyone involved in the comedy business, from beginners to seasoned veterans. They will all learn something from his insight.

Paul Caplan-Bennett, PB Management; past president, Talent Managers Association

You can learn comedy and this book can really help you. Its practical, accessible, and pretty darn entertaining.

Michael Bloom, artistic director, Cleveland Playhouse; author: Thinking Like a Director

Sometimes when somebody dissects something (is that alliterate or illiterate?), the magic dissipates into the ether. This is not the case with comedian-teacher Steve Kaplans book, The Hidden Tools of Comedy. Youll smile or even laugh out loud as you read every page outlining how to sharpen your literary implements and hack your way through the world of comedy. While humor does come naturally to some (but in my family, we dont make nose jokes), everyone can learn the joy of making other people giggle. What a gift to the world!

Mary J. Schirmer, screenwriter-instructor

Clarity served with humor; what better way to learn the art of comedy? Steve gets to the heart of our funny bone, so you can give life to your comedies that will leave your audience in stitches.

Ann Baldwin, screenwriter

Everything you need to be a comedy writer except the searing self-doubt, crippling anxiety, and suffocating social awkwardness.

Chad Gervich, writer/producer: