Documentary Production and Distribution News

(Las Vegas, NV) -- Finding The Funny, a new documentary directed by filmmaker John Bizarre and starring award-winning comedian Don Barnhart, explores whether becoming a comedian need always be an organic and accidental affair or if a person can actually be taught to be funny.

The film follows a group of students taking Barnhart's comedy class in Las Vegas as they work on material, technique and style, all leading to a final showcase at the end of the six-week course.

John Bizarre is also a stand-up comic, having made appearances on the Tonight Show and the Drew Carey Show, and recently directed another documentary, We Love You, Ms. Bevins, a film that focuses on four comedians entertaining the troops on a tour through Afghanistan and Iraq.

"Don's an old friend of mine," John said during a break in the editing room, "and I was giving him grief about teaching a comedy class. He said, 'why don't you come check it out?' and I said I would, as long as I could bring my cameras. He agreed and before we knew it, we had a movie."

In addition to following the comedy class, the film features interviews with Brad Garrett, Louie Anderson, Marty Allen, Andy Kindler and many other comedians who share their thoughts on the arduous task of becoming a stand-up.

"I was really skeptical going in," John continued, "but I have to admit I was impressed with how hard these guys were working at becoming funny."

Barnhart, a national headliner, got his start at The Comedy & Magic Club where he both managed and booked talent while pursuing his own stand up career. He has been teaching stand-up comedy in Las Vegas for the last 5 years.

"If you want to learn to play tennis you get a coach," Barnhart said 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 continue to study and hone their craft throughout their careers. And many great comedians have taken all kinds of classes to better themselves, so anyone who tells you that you shouldn't work on your game has an ulterior motive."

Keith Lyle, a comedic actor who some may remember from the film The Hangover, is one of Barnhart's students in the film.

"I took the class because I needed some guidance in both my act and career," Keith recounts in a recent interview. "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."

Barnhart says there are dues to be paid before you can legitimately wear the title of comedian. "Just because you got up on stage at an open mic or some coffee shop and whined about how difficult your Del Taco commercial was that morning...that doesn't make you a comedian. If your not getting paid, it's just a hobby."

"Comedy is not pretty. It's very competitive and not everybody has what it takes to succeed," Barnhart says. "It's a cutthroat business and anything you can do to separate yourself from the rest of the pack is a plus. Besides creating material and performance techniques, I try to emphasize the importance of treating comedy like a business. 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 handwritten resume with no references. My classes are designed to help shave years off what can be a brutal odyssey of gathering experience from the road, and prepare you for a long term career."

The comedians are currently on tour promoting the movie.

Don Barnhart Entertainment is the production company of award winning comedian Don Barnhart Jr and artist Linda Vu specializing in independent television and film projects along with live comedy show bookings. Don Barnhart Entertainment specializes in high quality, independent film and television productions. With over 25 years of professional experience in the entertainment industry we have produced feature films, television programs, comedy specials, commercials, short films, dvds, infomercials, documentaries, reality shows, sketch shows, interviews, talk shows and more...





Resources:

www.johnbizarre.com