Very slow day here at Basshole Industries, so I'm posting something I've been thinking about for a while. What makes a show FEEL fast-paced, regardless of length.
What I'm about to express is purely opinion, go let's not go apeshit here, but here's what I mean:
So you have show like Big Bang Theory. I'm sure some (most? all?) of you hate that show, but oh well. It is 22 minute show, and I think it moves along pretty well, holds interest, etc.
Now let's take 30 Rock, another 22- minute show. While I like 30 Rock, recognize it's very witty, smart and clever, doesn't talk down to its audience, I feel like it somehow moves very slow. Everyone is talking a mile a minute, but to me it still feel draggy, much longer than its actual length, very hard for me not to flip channels if I try to sit through it.
More examples, less controversial maybe. Psyche and Monk, two sides of a coin. I think Psyche is a funnier show, but to me the mystery element is secondary to the humor, and doesn't really engage. Even though there are lots of jokes, each episode just seems to drag and take forever. Monk is occasionally humorous but kind of dark and depressing, but the mystery element is so well done that it keeps you rooted and wondering what the hell is going on.
So on a more technical/writing/story level, what are the differences between these that make one feel fast and one feel slow, though their lengths are the same? Anyone have insights? (realizing this is all subjective/opinion of course).
What I'm about to express is purely opinion, go let's not go apeshit here, but here's what I mean:
So you have show like Big Bang Theory. I'm sure some (most? all?) of you hate that show, but oh well. It is 22 minute show, and I think it moves along pretty well, holds interest, etc.
Now let's take 30 Rock, another 22- minute show. While I like 30 Rock, recognize it's very witty, smart and clever, doesn't talk down to its audience, I feel like it somehow moves very slow. Everyone is talking a mile a minute, but to me it still feel draggy, much longer than its actual length, very hard for me not to flip channels if I try to sit through it.
More examples, less controversial maybe. Psyche and Monk, two sides of a coin. I think Psyche is a funnier show, but to me the mystery element is secondary to the humor, and doesn't really engage. Even though there are lots of jokes, each episode just seems to drag and take forever. Monk is occasionally humorous but kind of dark and depressing, but the mystery element is so well done that it keeps you rooted and wondering what the hell is going on.
So on a more technical/writing/story level, what are the differences between these that make one feel fast and one feel slow, though their lengths are the same? Anyone have insights? (realizing this is all subjective/opinion of course).
