How much of being successful in comedy is marketing?
Moderators: bingolong, Jennifer, tamra
Forum rules
Spam is not allowed. All spammers will be blocked and reported to appropriate agencies.
Spam is not allowed. All spammers will be blocked and reported to appropriate agencies.
How much of being successful in comedy is marketing?
I like to think I can write songs. I have lots of really solid ones (about 20 or so) but I came to realize that having them wasn't any where close to being enough to make any thing happen. I bet it's the same in comedy. I bet you could have the best comedy bits of all time and never get any where unless your marketing strategy wasn't agressive and well thought out. My question is what are the components that are neccesary to have a shot at the big time if you have great stuff? Or is there no recipe. Is it just a matter of jumping in the water and swimming your ass off?
Re: How much of being successful in comedy is marketing?
walrusjk,
Considering how fast my career has taken off, I shouldn't be saying a word. But I'll throw in my 2 cents anyway. Representation is a big deal. Most artists are genuises creatively, but their business sense is somewhat lacking. It's perfectly understandable too. Art and business can be equally demanding. Hence, it's difficult to excel in both areas. That's why they out-source the business side. Agents, managers, publicists...whatever. They will generally handle the marketing of your act.
I've seen many comedians funnier than the ones on television. Why aren't they successful? Poor representation and bad luck are typically the culprits. Getting good representation can be an ordeal. Managment agencies must first consider you marketable to take you on. Some things you can change or improve and others you can not. If you're a certain age and rather average looking, it can be especially hard to get managment. I'm talking legitimate managment like Dela Font or Hysterical managment, not the Wilheminas out there. But I digress.
Why did Dennis Leary succeed using material Bill Hicks originated? Leary was more marketable. Patton Oswalt is infinitely more funnier than the lead in King of Queens. But he plays second banana, why? Because the lead is considered more marketable. That's entertainment, folks. The situation is far worse in the music industry.
Do you honestly believe Britany Spears and Gwen Stefani are the best vocalists out there? Am I making any sense? It's early people..
Considering how fast my career has taken off, I shouldn't be saying a word. But I'll throw in my 2 cents anyway. Representation is a big deal. Most artists are genuises creatively, but their business sense is somewhat lacking. It's perfectly understandable too. Art and business can be equally demanding. Hence, it's difficult to excel in both areas. That's why they out-source the business side. Agents, managers, publicists...whatever. They will generally handle the marketing of your act.
I've seen many comedians funnier than the ones on television. Why aren't they successful? Poor representation and bad luck are typically the culprits. Getting good representation can be an ordeal. Managment agencies must first consider you marketable to take you on. Some things you can change or improve and others you can not. If you're a certain age and rather average looking, it can be especially hard to get managment. I'm talking legitimate managment like Dela Font or Hysterical managment, not the Wilheminas out there. But I digress.
Why did Dennis Leary succeed using material Bill Hicks originated? Leary was more marketable. Patton Oswalt is infinitely more funnier than the lead in King of Queens. But he plays second banana, why? Because the lead is considered more marketable. That's entertainment, folks. The situation is far worse in the music industry.
Do you honestly believe Britany Spears and Gwen Stefani are the best vocalists out there? Am I making any sense? It's early people..
