User-generated comedy slated

Almost every broadcaster now tries to encourage new talent by offering websites where anyone can upload their own content.

But it’s mostly rubbish because talent is rare, and can only be nurtured slowly, and usually in a live environment, according to Peter Bennett-Jones.

Mr Bennett-Jones is chairman of leading independent production house Tiger Aspect and his company, PBJ Management, represents the likes of Rowan Atkinson, Reeves & Mortimer, Eddie Izzard and Chris Morris.

Speaking to actors’ newspaper The Stage he warned that the rise of user-generated content could lead to a decline in quality talent.

‘There is so much trash out there and such a danger of a dilution of standards,’ he said. ‘User-generated content is 99.9 per cent rubbish and there is a danger of the amateur taking over.

‘In a Google world, where everything is being thrown open to everyone, you forget the fact that talent is a very rare commodity and it needs support, funding and structure. It always has done.

‘Most of the people I work with started performing in a live venue and then learnt their performance and writing skills and built them up. Usually television or anything visual comes further down the line.

‘People who go to it too quickly tend to come to grief - you can’t do it yourself without the right people to guide you.’

Published: 19 Jun 2007