With the ‘humour’ category added to Cannes Lions’ 2024 agenda, and the general need for more content which makes us laugh out loud, LBB’s Nisna Mahtani asked editors what it takes to get that perfectly timed edit.

Difficult to nail but imperative to capture – humorous elements of a creative project often deliver the most impact. From movies to TV shows, OOH ads to creative copy and even looking at the ins and outs of a script, it’s important to hone the comedic process of a project to deliver the funniest results.
 
So where do the important aspects of comedy come into play? Every part of the process, from script to execution, demands delicate handling to ensure the comedic spark ignites in just the right way. But arguably, the most important aspect is honed during the post production process of editing, which brings the entire project together. In the hands of adland’s editors, impromptu dialogue, imperative aspects of the script and those crucial pauses can be leaned into, fine tuned and crafted into some truly magical moments. 
 
In a quest to unveil the secrets of achieving that perfect comedy edit, LBB’s Nisna Mahtani puts it into the minds of the post-production edit masters. How do they approach this particular genre? What intricacies enable that all important laughter and what are their top tips for creating something memorable?
 
Here’s what they had to say:

Robin Burchill

Editor at Bandit

I find odd, uncomfortable, but decidedly human life experiences to be a rich source of humour – maybe not necessarily ‘ha ha’ funny, but something that pokes fun at situations we can relate to. The pregnant pause reigns here and the drama lives in the silence between the words. One of my spots that I hope illustrates this is an Old Spice commercial showing a young man who is flummoxed when his girlfriend asks which friend of hers he thinks is the hottest. Despite how innocent the question seems to be posed, he knows it’s a no-win situation for him, so he says nothing. The moment he registers his predicament is the one that draws the viewer in. The editing style is naturalistic, not drawing attention to itself, but the suspense builds and a quick cut to a reaction creates the humour. We feel the ‘squirm’, but observing the situation at a safe distance gives us the perspective to see the humour. We’re laughing because we know it’s true and ‘there by the grace of God…’. The story could just end there, with our young man ‘suspended’ in this uncomfortable space forever, but an added twist thwarts expectation adding another layer and, hopefully, one last laugh.

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