A few readers have asked me to put all of these "truism" posts, scattered over the past 18 months, in one convenient place for persual. So be it (just click on the numbers to get to the corresponding links).
# 1: The primary challenge lies not in creating obstacles to keep the couple apart, but in convincing the audience that these two people truly do belong together.
# 2: A star can open a romantic comedy, but a protagonist who doesn't make sense will piss off the movie's audience forever.
#3: The depth of your audience's emotional investment in the central romance is directly proportionate to the size of the story's stakes.
#4: Solve the Woman Problem and you will get rich.
#5: The most effective function of a subplot is to show how the protoganist is transformed by love.
#6: Formulaic approaches to this genre have become so self-parodying that a fresh and imaginative take on your story is mandatory.
#7: To humiliate one of your protagonists is wonderful, but to humiliate both is divine.
#8: A theme that resonates with your audience can excuse a multitude of contrivances.
#9: The less said, the more felt.
#10: A cliché is as good as you can make it new.
Doubtless there are other romantic comedy truisms to be explored in the future, but let's call this an initial "top ten."
Enjoy, learn, and prosper.
What a cracking list. I may have to read these every day.
Posted by: DavidHAllison | October 03, 2012 at 07:01 AM
Billy, bless your kind heart for making it ever easier for us!
Posted by: Ourdia Hodge | October 03, 2012 at 07:51 AM
LIKE LIKE LIKE! Great to come across this today as I set fingers to keyboard for yet another FADE IN on a RomCom.
Posted by: Chera Federle | October 03, 2012 at 09:25 AM
David: Thenkew, sir! I aspire to be cracking.
Ourdia: We do aim to please.
Cheda: Good timing - may help set you up for that first rewrite - but regardless, congrats on completing your draft!
Posted by: mernitman | October 03, 2012 at 09:51 AM
Thank you, Billy - but this one is fresh, part of a #scriptchat writing group. Hey, you should join us for #scriptchat on twitter sometime...every Sunday @ 5:00 pm for one hour.
Posted by: Chera Federle | October 04, 2012 at 06:19 AM