Comedy is Serious Business
MUMBAI, 10 September, 2015 – Asia Society in partnership with the U.S. Consulate Mumbai was pleased to present on its platform a conversation between Ajay Nair, COO, Only Much Louder, Mike Farah, President of Production, Funny or Die, Brad Jenkins, Executive Producer/Managing Director, Funny or Die, Chris Bruss, President of Digital Content, Funny or Die and Radhika Vaz, Comedian.
This wide ranging and freewheeling discussion encompassed many topics ranging from social impact to the business of comedy. The programme began with a viewing of a Funny or Die video clip: Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis: President Barack Obama. Nair began the conversation by raising concerns about comedians being dissuaded from taking a stance on socially relevant issues in India.
The conversation then moved on to the realities of the comedy business with Vaz commenting on the positive reinforcement she has received as a female comedian in India. Jenkins commented on the bi-partisan support for President Obama’s appearance on Between Two Ferns, as an example of the stirring impact of comedy. Addressing the influence of comedy, Jenkins and Bruss saw immense potential in India for comedy to be used as a medium for social change.
They also spoke of the impact of comedy on young audiences and the ability to reach an older influential audience by reaching out to the younger generation first. Moving toward the practical aspects of comedy as a revenue earning business model, the speakers expressed the need to work with brands and promote them through comedy. The evening ended on a positive note with Jankins’ stating, "you're not going to solve every problem in India with comedy videos but its baby steps".
Video: Watch the complete program (1 hr., 24 min.)
Reported by Antaraa Vasudev Programme Assistant, Asia Society India Center
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