Comedian Hannibal Buress discusses being rejected by prostitutes in Amsterdam, his career influenced by Mitch Hedberg, and his years writing for TV. Also mentioned: Moshe's book, 'Kasher in the Rye,' and living forever.
The author's journey as a TV writer involved a steep learning curve, but they embraced the challenge and learned from experienced writers at 30 Rock.
The author found that stand-up comedy provided them with a greater sense of creative freedom and personal expression compared to TV writing.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of not releasing a book straight to paperback in order to gain reviews and respect, and discusses the necessity of doing an audiobook version of the book for a wider audience reach.
Deep dives
Challenging Writing Process of the Book
Writing the book was a challenging process that required a lot of dedication and effort. The author tackled the task by setting a goal to write two pages every day. The book was written in a chronological order, following the author's own life experiences. The initial draft of the book was very different from the final version, with significant changes made during the editing process. The author was open to the suggestions and feedback from the editor, understanding the expertise and experience they brought to the table.
Transition from SNL to 30 Rock
After leaving SNL, the author decided to focus more on stand-up comedy and less on writing for TV. However, they had the opportunity to join the writing team at 30 Rock and learn more about the mechanics of writing for television. Although it was a different experience compared to SNL, the author brought their stand-up comedy background and unique perspective to the writing process. They found the experience at 30 Rock to be valuable, working alongside talented writers and getting involved in sketch writing, rewrites, and script development.
Learning and Growth as a TV Writer
The author's journey as a TV writer involved a steep learning curve. Initially, they had limited experience in sketch writing and had just completed a sketch writing course. However, they embraced the challenge and made the most of the opportunity. Being part of the writing team allowed the author to learn from experienced writers, understand the dynamics of the writers' room, and refine their writing skills. While there were moments of nervousness and uncertainty, the author appreciated the chance to contribute to the show and improve their craft.
Transitioning to Stand-up Comedy
After their time at 30 Rock, the author decided to shift their focus back to stand-up comedy. They wanted to dedicate more time and energy to their stand-up career, honing their skills and focusing on their own shows. While TV writing had its own challenges and rewards, the author found that stand-up comedy provided them with a greater sense of creative freedom and personal expression. Their experiences in both TV writing and stand-up comedy influenced their comedic style and approach, allowing them to bring a unique perspective to their performances.
The Importance of Reviewing Books
The speaker discusses the importance of not releasing a book straight to paperback in order to gain reviews and respect. He mentions that he had a conversation with his agent about selling his book in paperback due to the cheaper price for his fans, but his agent explained that releasing in paperback may not get reviewed or respected. The speaker also talks about the necessity of doing an audiobook version of the book.
The Excitement of Going on Tour and Improving in Stand-up Comedy
The speaker expresses his enjoyment and excitement about going on tour and constantly working on his stand-up comedy. He talks about the satisfaction of getting better and more confident in his craft. The speaker also highlights the convenience and relative ease of stand-up comedy, where he just needs himself and his thoughts to entertain an audience. He discusses the challenges of trying new material and the balance of wanting to do fresh material while still delivering a great performance for the audience.
Comedian Hannibal Buress (Letterman, Comedy Central, 30 Rock) sits down with the Champs to discuss being rejected by prostitutes in Amsterdam, how Mitch Hedberg affected his career, and his years writing for TV. Also discussed: Moshe's book, "Kasher in the Rye," and living forever.
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