Finding the Funny!
The new documentary film, “Finding The Funny” directed by comedian John Bizarre stars Award-winning comedian and comedy teacher Don Barnhart. The film explores the long debated topic of whether or not you can actually teach someone to be funny and follows Barnhart and one of his comedy classes in Las Vegas.
Barnhart has been a regular headliner at the top comedy clubs for years and got his start at The Comedy & Magic Club where he both managed and booked the talent while pursuing his stand up career. He’s been teaching comedy in Vegas for the last 5 years.
“If you want to learn to play tennis you get a coach”, stated Barnhart in a recent interview. “Comedy is the same. I’m not so sure you can teach someone to be funny but you can work on an individual’s technique and help develop his or her style. Even famous actors will continue to study and hone their craft. The great comedians have actually taken classes to better themselves and anyone telling you that you shouldn’t work on your game has an ulterior motive”.
The film features interviews with a long list of comedy stars including Brad Garrett and Louie Anderson who both teach comedy and acting.
Directing the project is comedian, author and filmmaker John Bizarre whose credits included the documentary film, “We Love You, Ms. Bevins” a soldiers story told by comedians from Iraq to home.
“John and I first came up with the idea for the film after he was busting on me for teaching comedy. I told him to check out what I’m doing before making any judgments and he said ok, as long as he could film it”, added Barnhart.
The film focuses on one of Barnhart’s 6 week classes and follows the up and coming comics as they pursue their dream going from day jobs to hell gigs including actor Keith Lyle who had a small part in The Hangover to former drummer Slammin’ Sammy who’s day job is performing singing telegrams as the grim reaper.
Keith explained, "I took the class because I needed some guidance in both my act and career. I felt like I was losing momentum and focus. Some will say that those things are part of the process. But, for myself, that negativity breeds contempt. It was time to take my act and comedy career more seriously. I saw it as an opportunity to learn from a world class Headliner that was crystal clear about HIS objectives teaching the class. For Don, it wasn't about money, it's about giving knowledge to those that love the same thing he does- making strangers laugh. And it worked. I have seen HUGE gains in both my act and my attitude. The class helped grow my passion into a hunger. "
In the last two decades, comedy has become a booming industry and stand up comedians are getting famous as writers, directors and actors in both television and film. Most people don’t even realize that Dane Cook, Jim Carey, Judd Apatow, Robin Williams, Brad Garrett, Ray Ramano, Garry Shandling, Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Stewart, Tim Allen and many more all started as stand up comics.
“With all the comedians going into television and film careers it seems that almost everyone these days is calling themselves a comedian. Every open mic, coffee shop and alternative room that lets someone go onstage doesn’t qualify you to call yourself a comedian”. Barnhart’s philosophy, “If your not getting paid, it’s just a hobby”.
“Comedy is not pretty. It’s a tough and competitive and not everybody that wants to do it can make it. It can be a cutthroat business and anything you can do to separate you from the others is a plus. Besides creating material and performance techniques, I try to emphasize the importance of treating comedy like a business”, stated Barnhart. “As a comedian, booker and consultant, it amazes me what would be comics send out. If you were applying for a job, you wouldn’t send a hand written resume with no references. My classes also help to cut off years of what you would learn struggling out on the road and prepare you for a long term career”.
The film is produced by Barnhart and Bizarre and will be available soon…
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