Comedian Orny Adams + “Jackpot” Director Paul Feig
Aug 8, 2024
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Orny Adams, a sharp-witted comedian, joins to discuss the notorious 20-year-old Dave Matthews incident, blending humor and social commentary. He reflects on auto commercials shifting from toughness to emotional appeal, paralleling the political landscape. Filmmaker Paul Feig returns to unveil insights about his new film "Jackpot" and shares his comedic beginnings at age 15. The conversation also touches on the absurdities of grocery shopping after California's plastic bag ban, hinting at the quirks of everyday life while highlighting the complexity of modern advertising.
The podcast discusses the cultural shifts in stand-up comedy, highlighting the blend of traditional jokes and improvisation techniques in modern performances.
Orny Adams shares his comedic journey and experiences, illustrating the highs and lows encountered while establishing his career in humor.
Paul Feig emphasizes the importance of test screenings for films, using audience feedback to refine comedic elements and enhance narrative flow.
The conversation explores how cultural references in comedy impact audience engagement, underscoring the balance between cleverness and relatability to diverse crowds.
Deep dives
The Ancient Olympics and Their Myths
The discussion reveals that the ancient Olympics were not merely events of pure athleticism, as is often romantically portrayed. Instead, they were interwoven with deception and mythology, challenging the modern perception of these historic games. A reference is made to Lucian, a Roman-era writer, who humorously pointed out that lies about Greece kept its tour guides fed, insinuating the prevalence of myth-making even in ancient times. Therefore, understanding the true nature of the ancient Olympics necessitates an examination of the cultural mythology surrounding them.
Notes from the Podcast Guests
Guests Ornie Adams and director Paul Feig engage in lively banter about their respective careers and upcoming projects while reflecting on the state of comedy. Adams shares insights into his upcoming performances at multiple comedy clubs, including experiences and challenges faced during his time in the industry. Feig discusses his film 'Jackpot', an action-comedy involving popular actors like Aquafina and John Cena, emphasizing the blend of humor and action in modern cinema. Their conversation showcases the camaraderie of fellow comedians and creators while illustrating the evolving landscape of entertainment.
Comedy Evolution and the Stand-Up Scene
The podcast dives into the fundamental shifts within stand-up comedy, with past influences against the backdrop of emerging trends in the comedy realm. Both guests illustrate how traditional comedy is now often blended with improvisation and elements borrowed from other genres, including horror. The discussion evolves into the significance of maintaining a solid set of jokes while acknowledging the appeal of crowd interaction as an effective tool for comedians. They highlight how stand-up continues to adapt and reinvent itself amidst changing tastes in humor.
Cultural References and Their Relevance
The conversation touches on how cultural references in comedy, like mentions of iconic celebrities or events, significantly impact audience engagement. The guests underline the importance of contextualizing references to maintain relatability with audiences who may not share the same cultural background or experiences. This aspect of comedy craft showcases the delicate balance between clever commentary and accessibility for the audience. Moreover, they discuss how references can enhance comedic narratives, yet must be carefully selected to prevent alienation of the crowd.
The Power of Test Screenings
Feig emphasizes the pivotal role of test screenings in shaping the final product of his films, stating they serve as a barometer for audience reactions. This process allows for the swift identification of successful elements and what needs improvement, all while maintaining the integrity of the creative vision. The guests express how the feedback collected from test screenings can lead to transformative changes that enhance comedic impact and overall narrative flow. This method of gauging audience response underscores the dynamic relationship between creators and their viewers.
Reflections on Personal Experiences
Adams recalls humorous anecdotes from his early days in comedy, specifically his experiences performing in various venues across Detroit. He shares the contrasts between acclaim from fans and personal catastrophes when navigating the intricacies of stand-up performance. This comedic journey reveals both the highs and lows of pursuing a career in humor as they weave through the changing landscape of audience expectations. This retrospective of their artistry demonstrates how experiences shape their comedic styles as well as their respective journeys.
Views on Humor in Film
The discussion touches on the evolution of humor in modern cinema, asserting that comedy thrives in tense scenarios rather than solely comedic settings. Both guests argue that the intersection between horror and comedy has become a rich avenue for storytelling, capturing audiences' laughter amid fear. They cite films like 'Megan' as examples of this successful blend, effectively showcasing how tension amplifies comedic moments. This insight provides a glimpse into how contemporary filmmakers harness diverse styles to engage audiences creatively.
The Role of Personal Style in Stand-Up
The guests fervently discuss how personal style significantly impacts effective stand-up comedy delivery, from attire to performative choices, suggesting that humor can be maximized through a fully realized persona. They note the importance of authenticity in one’s performance, wherein comedians must resonate with their audience while delivering thoughtfully-crafted material. This emphasis on style reflects a broader understanding of identity within comedy, as comedians are encouraged to fully embrace their unique perspectives and experiences. Through this discourse, they shine a spotlight on the artistry inherent in the craft of stand-up.
Adam welcomes Orny Adams for his 20th visit to ACS and they open by talking about the 20th anniversary of Dave Matthews’ tour bus dumping its waste onto a tour boat in the Chicago River. Then they discuss how auto commercials went from selling toughness to selling love and how this is mimicked in politics.
Next, Dawson joins to read the news including stories about how the California plastic bag ban actually led to more plastic waste, Snoop Dogg’s rumored $500k Olympics day-rate, a new Australian “flying car” and a revised way to sing the alphabet song.
Finally, director Paul Feig returns to the show to talk about his new movie “Jackpot”, dealing with network/studio notes, working with John Cena, starting comedy at the age of 15 and if he ever thinks about returning to stand-up.
For more with Orny Adams:
● INSTAGRAM: @ornyadams
● WEBSITE: www.ornyadams.com
● The Comedy and Magic Club - Hermosa Beach, California August 15th
● CB Live - Phoenix, Arizona August 30th through September 1st
● Ice House - Pasadena September 14th
For more with Paul Feig:
● INSTAGRAM: @paulfeig
● New film Jackpot on Amazon Prime August 15th
Thank you for supporting our sponsors:
● http://SimpliSafe.com/Adam
● This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp http://BetterHelp.com/Carolla
● http://ForThePeople.com/Adam or Dial #LAW (#529)
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