Wednesday, September 19, 2012 Laugh Out Loud Wednesdays

Comedy 360 Daily

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

 If this is your first time reading our blog, Comedy 360 Daily is your digital manager.  We give you the tools to build your career and take your comedy to the next level. Today is LOL Wednesday and we have a great interview with Al Martin who is not only the biggest comedy club owner in NYC, but also a wise man shares with is 4 things he looks for in a comedy.

COMEDY NEWS UPDATE

• The Power of Comedy…Phys.org is reporting that the jokes by late-night comedy television hosts can be just as effective as regular political news in spurring discussion among viewers, a new University of Michigan study shows. Read more at:
  http://bit.ly/Pp5ezJ
  

• According to DeadlineHollywod.com, FX as renews both Stand-Comedian’s Russell Brand‘s Brand X  and Totally Biased With W. Kamau Bell.  Bell’s show is executive produced by Chris Rock is on Thursday nights at 11pm.  To read the full article click on the link.
  http://bit.ly/SZXlWm
  

• Cee Lo…Singing to Sitcom? The Hollywood Reporter scribes the Cee Lo Green has a  First-Look Deal With NBC, Developing Semi-Autobiographical Scripted Comedy.  To find out more about The Voice coaches deal click here;
  http://bit.ly/P0d8zt
  

• Your never to young to dream on a sitcom! Variety.com is reporting that 16 year old Joey Bragg is a teen comic on fast track with a sitcom in development after only 3 years in the business.  To read the entire article click on the link.
  http://bit.ly/PAPACY
  

• We’re days away from the Emmy Awards. Which sit-com should win “Outstanding Comedy Series”? To read up on each nominee from deadlinehollywood.com, click on the link! 
  http://bit.ly/P18ZK9
  

Laugh Out Loud Wednesday

So you thing your ready to make the move from Open Mics to the Main Stage, but your not quite sure how to maneuver the transition?  Al Martin, owner of the New York Comedy Club, Broadway Comedy Club and Greenwich Village Comedy Club in NYC shares with us the 4 things he looks for when booking comedians into his clubs PLUS talks how a young comedian can get is big break and make it onto the main stage.  Al had so much to say that this will be a 2 part interview and next week he reveals 8 Comedy No No’s, which I think are personally more valuable as a young comedian.

Al Martin celebrates over 20 years in the comedy business as club owner, booker and he even began his career as a comedian in New York City, so needless to say he know the business inside out.

Here are his Top 4 Things he looks for when booking a comedian,

1)    Original Material: It’s important to have your own voice and style and make the material your own.  There may be many people talking about the same subject matter, but put your own spin on it and in your own voice.

2)    Be Relatively Clean: No Dick, Pussy, Blow Job material in excess.  The other night a young comedian was auditioning for me and in his 6 minute set he talked about getting pussy, dicks, blow jobs and hand jobs.

3)    Facial Expression: Nothing sales a joke more then when you have great facial and body movement.  Avoid wearing hats on stage or anything that blocks your eye contact with the audience.  Being animated can really bring your act to a whole new level.

4)    Relatability: Being universally funny is important and connecting with the audience,  I think Kevin James is a good example of a comedian that connects with his audience.  I think good old fashion Stand-Up Comedy is a crowd pleaser.  Alternative Comedy although it can be funny, generally doesn’t do well in comedy clubs.

Many club owners try to book the next “young-hot” acts that are likely to be tomorrow’s comedy superstars, however funny is funny at any age.  Some of my favorite comedians are older like Max Alexander or Ross Bennett and they do well in front of any age group from high school students to senior citizens.  I want the best comedian on my stage, that will make my audience roar with laughter no matter how old or young they may be.

Many comedians ask me, “What’s the best way to get noticed”?  The new faces at my clubs come up through the ranks working for my intern program or participating in new talent showcases.   Also, my staff and managers give me great input on the comedians I book. My best advice is to get involved with my clubs and get to know the staff, attend the open mics, perform in the new talent showcases. Eventually your name will come across my desk.  I always give first preference to comedians that are active in my clubs.

I also look at other Comedy Club websites, if I consistently see names of comedians that are not working my club, I want to check them out to see what the ”hype” is all about.

Rarely do I look at DVDs or links that are emailed to me, and by the way if you are going to submit content to me make sure it has good quality audio and video.  I can tell with him seconds of watching your set whether or not you are a good fit for my clubs. If you can get a comedian to recommend you that is already working my room, that’s a great way to get my attention.  If a comedian is willing to put their name on the line for you, I will listen to what they have to say.  Many young comedians get their break opening up for established stand-ups and create a comedy bond.

Finally, hard work is always the best way to get noticed, make the rounds and put in your time.

Tomorrow is Industry Thursday!

We have a great tips from a comedy booker from Late Night with David Letterman, The Rosie O’Donnell Show and Showtime.  You’ll learn first hand what TV bookers are looking for                   and how you can tweak your act for television!

*Comedy 360 Daily is edited by Nick Willeke