Top Banana
This show would be a documentary style programme consisting of 6-8 44 min episodes. Each episode would follow those who work in the comedy sector; it would be more behind the scenes based stuff, e.g. setting up for gigs, travelling, making deals with bookers, getting jobs and also trying to live a normal life.
The TV show would follow 3 comedians who are different stages in the profession, i.e. someone who has “made it” – someone who has just left full time employment to pursue this career and someone who solely does it as a hobby.
The show would cut between the 3 “characters” throughout and watch them through their journey in the comedy career path. I say “characters” as they would have to be unique, watchable, lovable and great for a TV personality. The show would be very character driven meaning these people would be the make/break succession of the show. We want diverse people and to understand why they have chosen this career path or hobby.
When watching the talent – we would see their off-stage presence i.e. their personal/family life, other careers and/or hobbies. So anyone who has a mundane or even exciting day jobs – they could try to get comedy into the office. Someone who I trying to provide for a large family by a comedy career, someone who is a travel enthusiast and is doing worldwide gigs, perhaps? We would also see their take on good or bad gigs etc. We would see what they do before set-ups, if they have any rituals for writing or superstitions before gigs.
Ideally the comedians featured would be largely unknown. They wouldn’t have a huge following of fans, or be able to hold up something like Wembley Arena just yet. We just don’t want to look at the hugely talented and successful nationwide stars. Not that their lives aren’t interesting, it’s just not what this show is about.
The style of doc would be mainly fly-on-the-wall, although I can’t see why brief interview when between stage, or at home etc could take place. It would be realistic with lighting, music etc.
This how wouldn’t butcher or poke fun at the comedy profession or stand-up. It would embrace both the good and bad aspects of this career.
Comedy Clubs and Open Mic nights may benefit if the show was successful and of, course those breaking into the profession may get larger recognition.
At this stage, finding the talent that could hold a show like this is one of the main areas of interest.
==> If interested get in touch with Sophie Ward:
sophiemarieward (a) hotmail.co.uk / 07805037822
