The answer to "what is MyComedyBook?"

Author: Tim Gray

April 25 2012

Essentially, MyComedyBook.com is like an online telephone poll that comedians can put their profile posters up on for the world to see.  I was able to exchange some Q n’ A emails with Chris Hall (the President) to find out more about his new website.

Where did the initial idea come from?

I own a venue in Vancouver that started doing regular comedy shows. So, the initial idea came when I started trying to find good comics to fill the roster.  When comedians approached me, I had no way of knowing whom they were or if they were any good. 

It also baffled me that there was no website out there already for comedians. Musicians had Myspace, Actors Had IMDB and Casting Workbook.  Why was there nothing for comedy?

How is MyComedyBook more effective than Twitter or Facebook.

Facebook is great for getting the word out, but only to your friends and people you already know. So, if you’re not friends with a comedian, how are you going to find out about comedy shows in your city? And Twitter doesn’t archive information online, it’s a live feed you have to be following constantly.

 If you search for “Winnipeg Comedians” you’re probably not going to find the information you are looking for.  If you log on to MyComedyBook, you can find all of the local shows in your area within seconds. Not only that, but you can watch quick clips of the comedians that will be performing at each show. This way you’re informed and you know what you can expect.

What are you hoping to achieve with this site?

The goal for the website is to make it the best online resource for comedy. As comedians, they can create profiles, have people watch their videos and promote all of their upcoming shows/tours.  And all for free.

For comedy fans, they can log on and watch hours of clips of their favorite comedians, find comedians to book for their events, or find all of the local events going on in their area. In Vancouver, where we are based, I estimate that there are 20-30 events going on a week; however, 99% of people think that there are only Yuk Yuk’s and The Comedy Mix.

Is the site primarily for stand up comedians or can sketch and improv groups find it useful also?

We are not going to limit the site to just Stand Up, however we believe this will be the main bulk of the site.  Improv shows and sketch comedians are more than welcome to create profiles and promote their shows as well.

Top 5 favourite comedians?

Eddie Murphy (Raw and Delirious were my first real experiences with comedy, and loved it ever since)

Russell Peters

Aziz Ansari

Kevin Hart

Ron White

 

Top 5 favourite local comedians?

Phil Hanley

Byron Bertram

Darcy Michael

Dave Merheje

Patrick Maliha

Thank you for playing along Chris!

MyComedyBook.com is up and active! So, if you’re looking for some local laughs surf over and check out what’s happening in your neck of the woods.