...says HBO comedy executive

The way TV comedy approaches diversity is still ‘super-problematic’, one of HBO’s top executives has claimed.

Ada Chiaghana, manager of development for comedy programming, says much of the industry is still taking a ‘reactionary’ approach to diversity, rather than championing a range of different voices.

‘I’ve noticed some places will have their black show, their Latino show, their gay show – but there’s never any crossover,’ she said.

Speaking at an industry panel at the Just For Laughs comedy festival in Montreal, he questioned ‘to what end?’ such an approach was aiming, saying that in contrast HBO ‘embraced’ diversity and the chance to find ‘what it is that’s passionate about different voices’.

Chiaghana cited the example of Issa Rae, creator of the  Awkward Black Girl YouTube video, who HBO signed to create her own series, Insecure, praising her for being ‘very funny and charming and [having] something to say’.

In contrast, she claimed that  ‘other broadcasters have a reactionary approach to diversity, rather than facing it with excitement and joy.’

Chiaghana, who concentrates on scripted comedy, also said that since the election of Donald Trump, ’every single pitch I see has the phrase "in this political climate" in it.

‘It’s harder to say anything funnier or more horrifying than real life… but while people will insert the occasional line, and are becoming generally more engaged [in politics], they are not changing the tone of their shows or getting preachy.’

HBO’s director of special events and programming, Aaron Spina agreed. The executive, who oversees stand-up specials, said: ’Stand-ups comment on the world and this is the biggest thing. Since I’ve been here every show I’ve seen has had Trump joke.’

Both also offered some tips for those pitching ideas.

Chiaghana suggested creators ‘don’t look for the person with the biggest title’, who oversees everything at a broadcaster or production company, but instead try to find a junior executive who likes their work, ‘because in that person you will have an advocate who is invested in your project’.

She also told those going to pitch meetings to be relaxed, and not stick doggedly to a prepared script.

‘It’s all about storytelling,’Spina agreed. ‘Come in and tell your story.’

Published: 27 Jul 2017