These days I don't know how to classify things around here for fear of being accused of some flagrant internet offense that honestly I'm unfamiliar with. I'm a person, like most of you, who would like an honest opinion from time to time about things going on in my life - So here goes. For the past 6 years I've been touring (US and Canada) with a stand-up comedy group called the S.E.L.L.O.U.T Comedy Tour. Initially, this was a mainstream show with black comedians trying to neutralize the "sellout" concept. We wanted it to be everything that a mainstream America wanted - A show with black comedians who didn't use our color as a crutch. At the end of these shows we decided that we would have audience members fill out questionnaires anonymously, asking questions of 4 black men to see how many questions would be based on race as opposed to something more general. Of the 2000 or so questions we've collected, at least 90% of them were questions that had to do with our race. I don't think it's a bad thing, but it's certainly noteworthy. lol? This year we've decided to go with a new name for the tour because the end of our show turned out to be more marketable. This show will challenge us as comics to do a show that is completely generated by questions from the audience. We're doing the first one in Omaha Nebraska on February the 13th and this is the video I put together for promo. The footage was shot at the Rose Theater in Brampton, Ontario. I'm not looking for reps, just a few honest opinions from the vast pool of voices that are represented here. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWkc8TjWHfc&feature=youtu.be NSFW: Language Thanks in advance, I really appreciate it.
I though that clip was pretty hilarious. You might try a comedy show where you answer every single question in a non-stereotypical manner? Call out some racist askers. I have a terrible sense of humor though.
Thanks, that's actually what we try to do. Believe me, unfortunately some of the questions make us go rogue.
Like the promo. Like the concept. I wonder if it's better as an add-on to a regular set? I really don't know and wish you great success on the tour.
I agree with you, AB, regarding women not being able to stfu. Disagree with their best trait, because that could be found in this here thread http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=231512
Nice job AB, I thought the video spot is very well done. I love the concept, and am curious to see how this would go over as an entire set. Will you guys be performing in Austin or Houston in the near future?
I have personally seen and enjoyed your show. I liked it. Have you always had the same four people in the group? I thought that the idea behind "ask a question" was just that... when you leave it open, people will ask about anything, and the majority of questions will be of the likes of "why do black people [blah blah]", which in itself makes it funny that they think you're telling them to "ask about black people"... If you want to really call it "ask a black man" then they'll more than likely think they have to absolutely come up with questions "only black men would answer"... and be forced to have to come up with something that could potentially offend... but... hey, it's comedy. That's just my opinion. Personally, I don't like it when comedians or celebrities use their race to get more money... so I preferred it the other way (that's what she said). You weren't advertising anything about being black, and so you got people's questions about anything and your colleagues and you are witty enough to answer with entertaining stuff. I hope the new method is welcomed by everyone and you get more money! <- (no sarcasm there) Did you mean "Formerly" instead of "Formally"? Q: What do the letters in "S.E.L.L.O.U.T." mean? EDIT: Never mind... I see it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bWTNd4OilI :grin:
I think that's a great, creative and interesting concept. As for the 90% race questions thing, it just shows you that as far as we have come, race and stereotypes still play a huge role in how we view each other.
I appreciate all of the input. Thanks. Not scheduled but I'll keep you posted. I've registered the concept with the writers guild of america as a documentary, but an actual copyright, no. Thanks for catch. I did mean "Formerly" but "Formally" still works, we still do our college shows under that name. Thx for your impressions, they always mean a lot. Thx. We do regular sets to establish our personalities up front. Basically each guy has an opinion on each question and we spend a few minutes rifling through the questions and selecting who answers what before we go on stage together.
I thought you may have his number and he was interested in stand-up. He'd definitely sell a ticket or two.
My "don't be an ass comment" would be that the video quality is kind of weak. Then with the shaky BT at the end doesn't get any better (granted, I'm not a fan at all of the shaky video camera effect). Quality aside, the promo was indeed hilarious.
^ I wanted to throw technical stuff in mine, too, and didn't initially... but now I will since you touched on it (that's what SHE sa--oops, not legal to do that twice in one page)... On the shots where you have all three of you sitting on the stage, you're all on the right. I was expecting something to appear in the dead space of the video shot on the left. Perhaps add the logo of the show? It seems like the camera or pan could be having you all centered on the shot instead of moved to the right. EDIT: EXAMPLE option 1 Spoiler Zoom in to the shot, eliminate the left dead space: EXAMPLE option 2 Spoiler Leave as is, super impose something on the left or top left (maybe little to no opacity to not attract so much attention), I know your keyboard is important, so leave it there: Also, I extremely love the music, sir.
Funny... Honestly, your stuff is funny 90% of the time, which is not easy... Over the years your quality has been consistent.... which is a hell of a lot harder than people think.
