Comedy instruction (sort of) — book review:

The Definitive Guide to an Unpredictable Career in Comedy — Joe Randazzo

I think that’s the full title

This book isn’t just a guide to a career in comedy, this book is called the definitive guide.

It covers a lot of ground, and at 335 pages, it’s pretty thick. Not then for reading cover to cover — unless you’re really obsessed, or feel the need to write a review — but to dip in an out of, for whatever topic interests you.

If you do go headlong into it, it certainly caters to more reader happy types. Thankfully, Randazzo’s writing style keeps you interested, with him adding frequent amusing comments along the way.

Inside, the text is comfortably sized. And the inch of white space to page edge makes it a little shorter than first impressions suggest. There are some diagrams along the way, too.

The book is separated into 5 parts; writing, performing, visual arts, the digital realm and the business of comedy.

Each of these parts contain a number of chapters each, breaking down for each sub genre.

While that means a lot is discussed, it can leave things pretty thin for each topic. Some weigh more heavily than others, with writing and performing having greater focus.

Being the building block for all forms, this is definitely necessary for writing,

Really nice is where Randazzo includes a piece of an unsuccessful submission packet he wrote. It could have been longer, but the constraints of the book force him to move on. Further topics have to be discussed.

Reading this book, I’ve learned 2 things about author Joe Randazzo. He likes to die, usually by self inflicted means, plus he enjoys playing with his own appendage.

And if he reads this review, he may do both, but in what order, I do not know.

Improv is another strong point of his, and it shows. The small chunks of information are useful, and if you have no knowledge on the topic, it’s a good base to start learning from.

That’s the best of it, and while there’s more to say for certain categories, other chapters feel more like lists.

With those which are done in less detail, the book can give the impression it has overreached, the author’s less knowledgable sides showing.

Even so, the flow of the text is helped along by the inclusion of a number of interviews. Short pieces, spread throughout the book, with advice on what to expect, or how the business works.

A quick glance over them, and you see many recognisable names from the industry (as of 2015).

Some offer little more than opinions, or cut off too abruptly, while others give genuinely helpful advice. These discuss values, individual failures, and the need for a strong work ethic. They remind you it’s important not to give up, if following a career in comedy.

An essential lesson.

Then finally, if you’ve read it all, the book is finished.

Unsurprisingly.

It didn’t delve too far into specifics, but gave you a good idea to if a comedy career takes your fancy. If it does, you’ll have learned bits and pieces, and will be able to make a more informed decision of which path to take.

And with that being the assumed purpose of this book, Joe Randazzo has succeeded here.

Verdict

A well written book which covers all career options in the world of comedy (as of 2015).

The book will remain valid on the writing tips and improv side, while the technology side and websites listed will become obsolete with the passing years.

There are helpful bits and pieces throughout, with plenty to explore afterwards, the book having given you plenty ideas of where to start.

Recommended for:

Anyone interested in comedy career options (this isn’t discussed in school).

People already in the industry who maybe considering other ventures.

Not so much for:

People seeking in depth techniques on any particular topic.

Other thoughts

Read this book, and if anything appeals to you, seriously consider the categories discussed. From there, grab films, comedy books, watch stand up, or look at anything within a particular field that sounds a good fit for you.

Length

Longer, 335 pages.

This could take slower, but dedicated readers, a couple of weeks to get through.

Speed readers will dash it off in a couple of days, if the time is invested.