Two comedy contests launched

Current TV is the latest in a very long list of websites trying to boost its programming by asking comedians to submit clips for its users to watch, despite similar schemes attracting criticism for trying to build up a bank of content on the cheap.

The website, which launched in the UK in March, is hoping to encourage acts to hand over their material by offering the winner of the contest a £3,000 commission to create three, three-minute segments. These will air on the digital TV channel it has to showcase the best of its user-generated content.

The award was announced at yesterday’s Edinburgh Fringe launch – although it will not be restricted to festival performers; anyone can take part by uploading a clip or submitting a DVD.

Programming director James DuBern of said: ‘Current TV is delighted to honour up and coming comedians and give a voice to young talent.’

Current TV users will vote for the winner of the award which ‘will be awarded to an outstanding comedian, giving them a fantastic opportunity to move from the club’s circuit into television’.

Departing Fringe director Paul Gudgin, said: ‘It's fantastic to see Current's commitment to comedy, and the wonderful offer of a commission is a worthy prize for an up and coming comedian.’

Meanwhile, Virgin Radio is offering £20,000 and a trip to New York for the best new stand-up through its breakfast show.

The drawback for the army of open-mic acts performing around Britain is that entrants must NEVER have been paid for a comedy gig before.

Hopefuls can enter on air or online, by posting a video on to YouTube. One finalist will be chosen every day of the competition, starting on June, and at the end of the week they will all be asked to come up with a topical routine to be judged by a panel of established stand-ups.

Organisers hope this will avoid the criticism the station received in 2005, when it awarded £25,000 to the listener with the best joke – only to be greeted with a flurry of comedians claiming they were the rightful author.

As part of the prize, the winner will be flown to New York to perform an open-mic slot at the Comic Strip, where names such as Jerry Seinfeld and Eddie Murphy started their careers.

Breakfast show DJ Christian O’Connell said: ‘I can’t wait to hear the kind of entries we get from listeners to the show. I had a go at stand-up myself and I tell you it’s not as easy as it looks. This is an amazing opportunity for one comic genius to kick-start their career.’

For full details, visit virginradio.co.uk

Published: 8 Jun 2007