Categories: Public
Comedy webseries logline (dual protagonists)
>>> over the course of the first episode, they come to understand each other and connect
Not so fast! The essence of an Odd Couple relationship is that their differences are irreconcilable. They may need each other (to pay the rent, etc.) but their inability to understand each other and connect should persist, because that inability is a running gag, a major ongoing source of conflict and comedy. Each episode presents a new problem they have to solve -- but that isn't the prime source of conflict and comedy. The prime source of conflict and comedy is and must continue to be the incompatible personality styles they have in dealing with the problem.
>>> over the course of the first episode, they come to understand each other and connect
Not so fast! The essence of an Odd Couple relationship is that their differences are irreconcilable. They may need each other (to pay the rent, etc.) but their inability to understand each other and connect should persist, because that inability is a running gag, a major ongoing source of conflict and comedy. Each episode presents a new problem they have to solve -- but that isn't the prime source of conflict and comedy. The prime source of conflict and comedy is and must continue to be the incompatible personality styles they have in dealing with the problem.
It is indeed an Odd Couple scenario. As you mention, the two characters do start out very incompatibly however the idea is that, over the course of the first episode, they come to understand each other and connect. However they are still very different people so conflict will be generated through their differing personalities and also through being young uni students trying to find themselves. From financial burdens to family expectations and their own dreams.
I hear what you are saying about desiring higher stakes etc. in the presence of the logline, however this will change from episode to episode, as will their personal challenges. Again, take a look at the premise for comedies like Broad City, Inbetweeners, Flight of the Concords. Self-contained episodes where there are some ongoing threads.
"Knowing nothing about your series..."
Never seen The Odd Couple, then?
Knowing nothing about your series, I really think it will be easier to find conflict if you introduce some sort of antagonist element. Like for example: a notorious principal who tries to expel one of the characters because of some personal gain. This conflict who seem to be in Jims favour (to get rid of the incompatible room-mate Leo) materialise in the opposite when Jim finds out that he will loose his new found girl (that of course is only available via Leo). Or something.
So, my idea here is to first throw conflict between Jim and Leo (they should start out very incompatible), but then give an outer conflict (principal or competing students) that forces the two to connect and help each other. Some stake need to be present like get expelled or running out of funds etc. If the obstacle is coming to terms with adult life, what is that? Could you give an example?
Thanks for your comment! Good point about the names, i could stand to lose them.
Since writing that logline I've noticed the big problems with it and re-worked it:
'When country slob Jim moves into student housing with vain, romantic Leo, an unlikely friendship develops as they haplessly pursue their dreams while struggling with the realities of adult life in Sydney.'
It's been a hard one for me to develop as it is dual protagonists, so it has to be more general but still compelling. I know lots of script analysts (including Karel) advise against a dual protagonist idea when you're just starting out but if you can't break the rules in a webseries, when can you?
So I've tried to include an inciting incident and a goal in the new logline. While there is not antagonist, there is an obstacle that impedes the pursuit of their goal- the difficulty coming to terms with adult life. Think Broad City, The Inbetweeners etc.
