Wednesday, November 01, 2006
How to get a Manager
Every two months our Advanced Class in LA has VIP night. This is where we invite a VIP, invite the public, get everyone drunk and showcase for them. After the showcase we have a Q and A with the VIP.
Last month, manager Barb North, gave us insider information on what managers are looking for when they watch standup comics. Here's what we learned…
What are some Do's and Don't's of showcasing?
"When putting together a showcase set, put up front material that reflects your 'point of view,' with material that tells the audience who you are. Don't use your funniest line if it doesn't say anything about you. And have jokes that payoff quickly. You shouldn't go more than 15 seconds w/out a payoff. If it's for TV and they ask you to be clean, be clean. If they ask you to go 8 minutes, don't do 15.
What do managers do?
"A manager is there for your whole career. Some are equipped to bring both creative and business insights. A manager will help you get all the different kind of agents you need and work with them to get you opportunity as well as look over deals and advise you. A manager / comic relationship is like a marriage – I have to love a comic – I have to believe in them."
"Managers have different tastes. If a manager rejects you – it may not be because of your talent."
How do I get on Premium Blend?
"They aren't shooting Premium Blend at the moment... they are doing Gotham, but in general, it is harder if you are white male just because there are so many white male comics and so the competition is steeper. They are always looking for women – but some female comics get their shot when they aren't ready yet, which can hurt. The upside is that if it takes you longer to get noticed then you will have more time to get better. A lot of shows say 'Pitch me someone with credits.' Credits beget credits so work wherever and whenever you can until you get established."
[to comic Joseph who is Hispanic] "There is a huge Hispanic market and more and more opportunities all the time."
[to comic Joseph who is Hispanic] "There is a huge Hispanic market and many Latino Laugh Festivals."
"Mad TV and SNL are looking for people who can do characters. If you are a standup and want to get on that show, then it's good to weave characters in and out of your act."
"Start with smaller festivals. Don't go right to the Montreal Festival as your first festival."
[When talking to Kenny, who's act is about being a dad] "Your act is about being a stay at home dad, I would find that easy to market."
"It's important to learn cold reading. If a casting director likes your looks, she might like to have you in for an audition and you will need to know how to make copy come alive."
"Showcase under the radar until you are ready."
Barb also talked about what was on everyone's mind:
How to get a manager:
"There is a magic about it. I like to sign someone I connect with and I think I can sell. A manager needs to see someone several times. If you are out there and performing a lot, you will get seen."
Things that turn a manger off?
Email blasts. I like to get emails on what you are doing, but don't harass a manager. We are people too and need a life. And don't think if we don't sign you right away we are rejecting you. Keep us informed on what you are doing, but don't over do it.
Barb North will be giving a workshop at the California Comedy Conference. Dec 1 – 3. Spots are still available.
www.comedyworkshops.com/ccc.html
Last month, manager Barb North, gave us insider information on what managers are looking for when they watch standup comics. Here's what we learned…
What are some Do's and Don't's of showcasing?
"When putting together a showcase set, put up front material that reflects your 'point of view,' with material that tells the audience who you are. Don't use your funniest line if it doesn't say anything about you. And have jokes that payoff quickly. You shouldn't go more than 15 seconds w/out a payoff. If it's for TV and they ask you to be clean, be clean. If they ask you to go 8 minutes, don't do 15.
What do managers do?
"A manager is there for your whole career. Some are equipped to bring both creative and business insights. A manager will help you get all the different kind of agents you need and work with them to get you opportunity as well as look over deals and advise you. A manager / comic relationship is like a marriage – I have to love a comic – I have to believe in them."
"Managers have different tastes. If a manager rejects you – it may not be because of your talent."
How do I get on Premium Blend?
"They aren't shooting Premium Blend at the moment... they are doing Gotham, but in general, it is harder if you are white male just because there are so many white male comics and so the competition is steeper. They are always looking for women – but some female comics get their shot when they aren't ready yet, which can hurt. The upside is that if it takes you longer to get noticed then you will have more time to get better. A lot of shows say 'Pitch me someone with credits.' Credits beget credits so work wherever and whenever you can until you get established."
[to comic Joseph who is Hispanic] "There is a huge Hispanic market and more and more opportunities all the time."
[to comic Joseph who is Hispanic] "There is a huge Hispanic market and many Latino Laugh Festivals."
"Mad TV and SNL are looking for people who can do characters. If you are a standup and want to get on that show, then it's good to weave characters in and out of your act."
"Start with smaller festivals. Don't go right to the Montreal Festival as your first festival."
[When talking to Kenny, who's act is about being a dad] "Your act is about being a stay at home dad, I would find that easy to market."
"It's important to learn cold reading. If a casting director likes your looks, she might like to have you in for an audition and you will need to know how to make copy come alive."
"Showcase under the radar until you are ready."
Barb also talked about what was on everyone's mind:
How to get a manager:
"There is a magic about it. I like to sign someone I connect with and I think I can sell. A manager needs to see someone several times. If you are out there and performing a lot, you will get seen."
Things that turn a manger off?
Email blasts. I like to get emails on what you are doing, but don't harass a manager. We are people too and need a life. And don't think if we don't sign you right away we are rejecting you. Keep us informed on what you are doing, but don't over do it.
Barb North will be giving a workshop at the California Comedy Conference. Dec 1 – 3. Spots are still available.
www.comedyworkshops.com/ccc.html
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Anonymous said...
Judy I hear you peform comedy because you have a very disfunctional family life that you never came to terms with......keep up the good work hiding behind your worthlessness with comedy and keep on abusing those young boys! They will only suffer for life!
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Judy I hear you peform comedy because you have a very disfunctional family life that you never came to terms with......keep up the good work hiding behind your worthlessness with comedy and keep on abusing those young boys! They will only suffer for life!
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