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School Of Laughs


Welcome to the School of Laughs podcast. I am your host, Rik Roberts.

My goal is to help you get bigger, better, and more bookable as a comedian. Use the search tool at www.SchoolOfLaughs.com to find episodes on your favorites topics within comedy.  Be sure to subscribe and follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Questions? Email us at schooloflaughs@gmail.com 

Aug 15, 2020

CREATING A TV SHOW with JIM HOPE

Today we are talking about creating a TV show with my friend Jim Hope. He's a whiz who writes, performs, and produces comedy. I first met Jim when I performed on the Henry Cho Show on Great American Country (GAC Cable TV). He was a co-writer and producer and I could tell a smart guy. I caught him again a few years later performing on the showcase for the Christian Comedy Association in Los Angeles. And then one morning I was watching the Disney Channel with my kids and his name popped up as the co-executive producer for "Dog with a Blog."

I reached out to Jim in the early phase of the COVID-19 crisis because I figured it might be the only time I could reign in the busy man. And we all benefit from the conversation. Jim gives us a lot to think about.

Jim Hope Show Notes

Specifically, we talk about:

  • His early goal of being a college professor just like his grandfather
  • How he got a little burned out with college and tried stand-up
  • The pros and cons of starting comedy in Los Angeles
  • How performing on stage is like being naked
  • When comedians start to "build their armor"
  • Opening for Tim Allen, Gilbert Gottfried, Chris Rock, and Damon Wayans
  • Getting tips early on from Ellen Degeneres
  • Why you shouldn't try to be Jerry Seinfeld
  • What motivates him to keep doing comedy
  • Developing a show for Disney Jr., and an animated adult show
  • Teaching at Chapman University
  • Creating a TV show
  • The types of comedy tropes
  • "Helpers and obstacles"
  • Breaking down the characters on "The Office"
  • The ideal length of a comedy show

And much, much more!

This podcast is a production of the Rik Roberts School of Laughs. (C)(P) 2020 All rights reserved. Learn more at School of Lauhgs.com