Talking Funny - HBO

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Strong rec visakanv · 2014-07 · on “For Taylor Swift, the Future of Music Is a Love Story”

One of the best things I've ever watched. Another very compelling thing to watch in this vein is that HBO special where Carlin, Seinfeld, Chris Rock and Ricky Gervais discuss their craft: [this video]

Recommends tomlock · 2017-01 · on “How Louis CK Tells a Joke”

In "Talking Funny"[0] Seinfeld tells a Louis CK joke and its an amazing example of how the two comedians differ. I feel like, at least for me, comedy isn't something I consciously analyze. To see its differences and techniques dissected is amazing. [0] [this video]

Recommends Reedx · 2018-07 · on “The Power of Positive People”

You don't have to go that far. Consider this insight from Chris Rock, who said: Joke about what people do, not what they are. That came up in this discussion where he, Jerry Seinfeld, Ricky Gervais and Louis CK talk about comedy and their techniques, etc. It's really interesting. [this video]

Recommends Reedx · 2020-05 · on “I got my first $50/mo customer”

Yeah, and the two are linked. Seinfeld's focus on the process and craft meant he got exceptionally good at it. The money was a byproduct, not the goal. The motivation was intrinsic and about improving his craft. To which there is no end. So he continues. This discussion with Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Louis CK and Ricky Gervais is worth watching for anyone interested in that aspect of comedy: [this video]

Cites Reedx · 2020-06 · on “Advice to new managers: don't joke about firing people”

I know you're specifying amateur comedy, but it's not so clear what's up or down. A lot of people think Dave Chappelle punches down, but is he really?[1] "Comedy is subjective, and it's offensive, it really is. And people are making these imaginary rules, like, 'Comedy can punch up, but it can't punch down.' No, comedy punches down too sometimes, sorry. You don't make up the rules for my business without consulting a few of us. This is just people deciding these random rules about my business, and they're not even the funny people at their office, probably." - Jerry Seinfeld "Who decides what’s punching up and punching down? I have a routine about these comedians writing articles in the Guar

Cites a4isms · 2021-12 · on “A Lisp Interpreter Implemented in Conway's Game of Life”

Yes, and both have my sympathy. Sometimes, a musician revisits their earlier work and finds new things to explore. Joni Mitchell and Ryuchi Sakamoto come to mind. But other times, a musician feels that although their earlier work may be new and exciting to you, they are finding other things more engaging today and tire of answering questions about the old work with the same rote, trite answers. Over and over again. For someone constantly seeking fresh ground to cover, this attitude is an asset. p.s. In this discussion about comedy, Louis CK talks about a tip he got from George Carlin, namely to throw the old material out after a year and start over again, forcing yourself to find new things

Cites h3mb3 · 2022-07 · on “How to Stop Procrastinating on Your Goals by Using the “Seinfeld Strategy””

The truth is, he hasn't written (or at least presented) that much new material in his standup act in the decades after he finished the TV show. And that's OK, as a millionaire, I'd probably achieve far less than he has since the show (it's not not just standup he's been doing). But in an article praising his productive habbits, this strikes as a bit ironic. In HBO's Talking Funny [1] (from 2011) there's a discussion (around 1:00–2:00), where it's pretty clear how his habbit of replacing old material in the act is far more infrequent and little-by-little compared to the other comedians around the table, who generally throw away their entire hour almost every year after a special. [1] [this video]