About the Book:

Show me the funny!

While other books give you tips on how to write funny, The Hidden Tools Of Comedy offers a paradigm shift in understanding the mechanics and art of comedy itself, and the proven, practical tools that help writers translate that understanding into successful, commercial scripts. Steve Kaplan unlocks the unique secrets and techniques of writing comedy, deconstructing sequences in popular films and television to show when comedy works, when it doesn't, and why.

What people say:

"I've always been told – and have told others – funny can't be taught. After reading Steve Kaplan's thoughtful, informative and yes, funny book – I stand corrected. A great read for anyone wanting to break into the comedy game. And for those already in the game, a breezy, welcome jolt of education and inspiration." — Peter Tolan, The Larry Sanders Show, Rescue Me, Analyze This

"Fresh insights with a ‘why didn't I think of that' on every page. Steve Kaplan is a true comedy maven." — Ellen Sandler, co-executive producer: Everybody Loves Raymond

"I rarely think about why something I'm working on is funny. I'm usually just fixated on the fact that it's not funny enough. Steve takes this ephemeral topic and reduces it to tangible terms that are both practical and illuminating." — David Crane, creator and executive producer: Friends, Episodes

"I've been a comedy writer for years, and thanks to Steve, I now know all the things I was doing wrong. Steve understands the inner workings of comedy like no one else. I consider him the Steven Hawking of Comedy. He'll break down what seems vast and unknowable, into understandable parts. It's like he explains comedy on a sub-atomic level. And he talks funny. You are so smart to buy this book. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to better understand comedy. But be careful: it will make you a better comedy writer, which I resent a little, as you'll be after my job one day. So be it. Some of my favorite pages are 23, 106, 132, and 225. Enjoy! They say comedy can't be taught. Steve Kaplan proves them wrong." — Laura House, comic and writer on The George Lopez Show, Samantha Who?, Mom

"If you want to make money with laughter… this book is no joke." — Dov S-S Simens, Dov Simens' Two-Day Film School

About the Author:

Steve Kaplan is one of the industry's most respected comedy experts and author of The Hidden Tools of Comedy and The Comic Hero's Journey, best-sellers in their field. As founder and Artistic Director of Manhattan Punch Line Theatre, he helped launch the careers of actors like Oliver Platt and Nathan Lane, and writers including David Ives and Peter Tolan. He created the HBO Workspace and HBO New Writers Program, and has taught at major institutions including UCLA, NYU, and Yale. His expertise has been sought by producers and production companies all over the world.