Stand-ups sought for iTunes promotion

But the acts approached about offering their material for the service were initially offered just £10 per gag – even though the application is being created as a commercial marketing tool by Cobra Lager.

The company, which sold more than £178million of beer last year, hope to use comedy to promote its brand following the success of podcasts featuring Dom Joly and Danny Wallace earlier this year.

The production company making the clips advertised for 20 comedians to record ten jokes, each lasting between 10 and 30 seconds, for which they would receive a total of £100 – a fee likely to appeal to only the most inexperienced stand-ups.

However, Cobra has since said that no deal has yet been finalised, and would be confirming exactly what comedians would be offered next week.

Anyone who wants to take part must first pass an audition, taking place in East London on December 15 and 16. After being vetted by Cobra and Apple, the comics chosen will be invited back to record their gags. Just their mouths will be filmed – designed to put emphasis on the material – with the clips being linked to each comedian’s profile on the application.

Cobra eventually hopes to set up a website of comedy clips.

Comedians wishing to audition should email david@irresistiblefilms.com

Published: 3 Dec 2008