Comics out in force for MA project

A host of top stand-up stars have helped a media student put together a slick documentary on what it takes to be a comedian.

Lee Mack, Lenny Henry, Al Murray, Jo Brand and Russell Howard were just some of the comics who gave up their time for Ben Lowe’s MA dissertation.

In his professional looking half-hour film – below – Lowe, pictured, tries stand-up himself, despite having no ambitions to go into comedy, and seeks tips from established names about how he should perform.

Those doling out advice also included Micky Flanagan, Milton Jones, Ed Byrne, Tim Vine, Arthur Smith, Hugh Dennis, Rhod Gilbert, Greg Davies, Russell Kane, Stephen K Amos, Shappi Khorsandi, Johnny Vegas, Jack Whitehall and Kevin Bridges.

Lowe, 22, said: ‘Pretty much every stand-up I approached said yes straightaway, but convincing their agents I was worth ten minutes of their star's time was the challenge.

‘But I really believed in the idea and I think they admired me for having the balls to do it.

‘Being on stage felt exhilarating but waiting to go on was horrific! I was a bit gutted with how the second gig [at the Comedy Store’s notorious King Gong night] went because I was given so much fantastic advice and then absolutely bombed.

‘I enjoyed the experience but being a stand-up comedian was and still is my worst nightmare.’

He even persuaded X-Factor voiceover man Peter Dickson to help him with the voiceover.

Lowe’s film helped him graduate with a MA in Broadcast Journalism from Staffordshire University with distinction this summer, and he has now found a job working for MTV News as a researcher.

‘My lecturers loved my documentary,’ Lowe added. ‘They rate it as one of the best student films they have ever seen.’

Judge for yourself:

Published: 4 Oct 2011