Gone are the days for young and up-coming comedians to rely on linear television and traditional mediums to grow their comedy brands and persona. The Online world and social media provides young people with a lot of opportunities to build their respective brands and careers, in fact traditional media goes on social media to find out who’s hot and happening not the other way around.
Dillon Khan, vice president of Paramount’s Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Viacom International Studios & creative services for Africa, spoke about the business of television and content on Monday at Savanna Comics Choice Awards Newcomer Workshop and Masterclass seminar at Redisson Red, Rosebank, Johannesburg.
The Comedy Central Africa boss, said the new crop of young comedians need the change the game if they really believe in their own talents, venture into a new pathways and collaborate with fellow comedians and create their own opportunities.
“You can show creativity in today’s world a lot more than you could have done 20 years ago in the 2000s. You can create content, be creative in your own space, and showcase that you understand that through building your own TikTok, YouTube channel, and Instagram account. If you’re a content creator, you can use a smartphone and apps that will allow you to edit that content how you like it. That’s the brilliant thing – it’s been democratised. You’ve got it at the tips of your fingers,” said Khan.
Khan said the current economic climate is not sound enough to allow traditional media platforms to invest in grooming young talents or the next future stars however, social media channels is the go to platform to build and grow in your own pace.
Last week we saw Amazon’s MGM Studios announce the layoffs. The company revealed is laying off several hundred employees in its Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. Mike Hopkins, senior vice president of the division, announced the cutbacks on the headcount, he also mentioned the reason for the reduction, which is to “reduce or discontinue investments in certain areas while increasing our investment and focus on content and product initiatives that deliver the most impact.”
“It is hard to say goodbye to talented Amazonians who’ve made meaningful contributions on behalf of our customers, team and business. Thank you for your dedication and work. To help with the transition, we are providing packages that include a separation payment, transitional benefits as applicable by country, and external job placement support.”
Other speakers at the Savanna Comics Choice Awards Newcomer Workshop and Masterclass was Kate Goliath, she spoke about Creating and Managing Your Comedy Brand, while comedian Chris Forrest spoke about the Art of Writing Jokes, just before the break Manuela Dias de Deus, Owner & MD of One Eyed Jack had a fireside chat with Chomie Ya Jeso and Savanna’s CMO Robert Weeder about the importance of using vernacular in comedy and how brands can plug in.
Lastly Takunda Bimha, Johannesburg International Comedy Festival Founder and CEO concluded the day by sharing nuggets of wisdom with new comedy entrants about how to put together a comedy show and festival.
To watch more video clips and pictures of Savanna Comics Choice Awards Newcomer Workshop and Masterclass follow NoJokesComedy on both Instagram | X-Twitter and YouTube Channel.
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