#1033- Judd Apatow - Why Comedies Suck Now

In a reflective discussion, Judd Apatow offers an introspective look at how personal experiences and psychological factors contribute to developing a comedian's craft and the challenges they face as their careers progress.

Comedians Use Trauma, Adversity, and Uncertainty For Inspiration

Apatow shares how key moments from his past, including his parents' divorce in his youth and the unstable nature of reconciliations and re-separations known as "the double divorce," impacted Apatow's comedic drive and creativity.

Judd Apatow's Challenging Upbringing Shaped His Comedic Voice and Drive

He suggests that his challenging upbringing, characterized by insecurity and a disruptive home environment where arguments were plainly heard through thin walls, shaped his comedic voice and driving force. This insecurity instilled in him an obsession with comedy, both creatively and in the business sense, as a means of establishing personal safety and self-reliance.

Unsafe, Misunderstood Conditions Heighten Comedian's Observational Skills

The constant exposure to conflict and uncertainty heightened Apatow’s observational skills, feeding his comedic material and shaping a need to feel secure. This manifested in his focus on determining how to succeed in the industry and his concern for taking care of himself, which, in turn, influenced his dedication and persistence.

Comedians May Adopt Perfectionism to Compensate For Insecurity

Apatow expresses that from his teenage years, he pushed himself "to a ridiculous extreme," such as writing a hundred jokes when only a few were needed, in order to showcase a strong work ethic and dedication despite feelings of insecurity. Even when he doubted his ground-breaking abilities in early stand-up performances, this drive compelled him to work tirelessly toward his goals.

Intensity and Uncertainty in Comedy Can Enhance or Hinder Creativity

Apatow discusses the mix of intense emotions, self-belief, and adrenaline often fueling comedians, particularly in their younger years, driving them to push past rejection despite the slim chances of ever achieving large-scale success.

Adrenaline and Belief Drive Young Comedian Past Rejection

For young comedians, belief in oneself is critical to perseverance. Apatow cites the self-belief of comedians like Adam Sandler and Jim Carrey, equating it to a hunter-gatherer instinct vital in taking risks and dealing with the adversities of a comedy career.

Intense Emotions May Cause Volatility, Struggling With Criticism, and Tying Self-Worth To Work Outcomes

This youthful energy can be stressful and lead to volatility. Apatow reflects on managing his expectations through a "slow clock" and how getting older has allowed him to channel his creativity in a less pressured manner. He speaks candidly about struggling with criticism and the emotional turmoil he en ...

Judd Apatow and Chris Williamson explore the unique challenges and dynamics of comedy in comparison to other art forms, highlighting the necessity of live testing and the fleeting nature of success in the field.

Comedy's Public Nature Invites High-Stakes, Immediate Feedback

Both Apatow and Williamson underscore the public and high-stakes nature of comedy, where performance feedback is immediate and can make or break a comedian’s success.

Comedians Must Test Material Live, Unlike Musicians or Writers

Apatow particularly emphasizes that comedians must learn their craft in front of a live audience, unlike musicians or writers who can refine their work privately. This immediate feedback is fundamental to the comedic process, and Apatow compares it to learning other skills, such as skiing or sex, publicly. Furthermore, he reflects on the experience of bombing on stage as an integral part of the learning process. Comedians like Norm Macdonald and Andy Kaufman would adapt to audience reactions or lack thereof—Macdonald slowing down his delivery and Kaufman turning the audience into an adversary when they didn't understand his material.

Cultivating a Comedian's Adaptability in Hyper-Vigilance, Self-Doubt, and Recovery From Unsuccessful Bits

Apatow acknowledges the adaptation comedians must undergo, dealing with personal insecurities and the dynamics of the audience during live performances. Despite the struggle, certain comedians demonstrate unflappability. Chris Williamson talks about the externalization of comedians' self-worth and the importance of adaptability.

Comedy's Fleeting Nature vs. Music's Enduring Success

Apatow and Williamson point out the distinct differences between comedy and other art forms in terms of revenue generation and enduring success.

Hit Songs and Movies Generate Lasting Revenue and Engagement, Whereas Comedy Is Judged Immediately

Apatow discusses how a hit song or movie can generate long-term revenue and engagement. Comedy, on the other hand, sees immediate judgment and comedians feel compelled to constantly create new material for their acts.

Comedians Pressured to Create New Material to Stay Relevant and Popular

Apatow articulates the pressure comedians face to produce new content, as once material is aired on television, it is commonly expected that those jokes will not be used again live. Comedians must frequently innovate and find new way ...

Comedians' careers are significantly influenced by their mentors, collaborators, and the ability to navigate a changing industry.

Mentors and Collaborators Pivotal to Comedian's Success

Judd Apatow Credits Mentors Like Gary Shandling for Early Career Guidance and Opportunities

Judd Apatow had mixed emotions as his peers progressed in their careers, like when David Spade, Rob Scheider, Adam Sandler, and Chris Rock joined Saturday Night Live (SNL). He dwelled on his dream of being part of SNL and the disappointment of not joining it. Reflecting on his early days, Apatow hinted at the mentorship he received, which shaped his comedy career. He particularly recalled Gary Shandling's mentorship and how it provided him with career guidance and opportunities. Shandling trusted Apatow with directing and co-running “The Larry Sanders Show” and encouraged him by praising his works, like the script of "The 40-Year-Old Virgin."

Decline of Traditional Comedy Spaces Hinders Emerging Voices

Apatow notes that the exclusivity of traditional comedy spaces, like choosing between the improv or comedy store, has historically impacted comedians. These spaces were crucial for mentorship and community building, which fostered new talent. However, the industry is ever-changing, and comedians have to adapt their approach to sustain their careers.

Business Models and Audience Habits Impact Comedy Landscape

Streaming Rise and Dvd Decline Reduced Comedy Films' Cultural Footprint

The decline of DVDs and the rise of streaming have reduced the comedy films' cultural footprint. Apatow discusses how comedies that performed well on DVD now struggle to find the same financial success with the shift to streaming. He mentions that films like "Heavyweights" have found new appreciation on platforms like Disney+ years after their release, indicating the changing dynamics of how comedies are consumed and remembered.

Comedians Navigate a Fragmented, Algorithm-Driven Industry Favoring Viral Content Over Thoughtful Work

Apatow cites the influence of social media on the success and visibility of comedians. With expectations of success defined by follower counts and streaming numbers, comedians must navigate an industry more focused on viral content than thoughtful work. He also indicates that studios make fewer comedies because they're no longer as profitable, and other film genres have begun incorporating comedic elements.

Comedians Must Savvy Up In Platform and Community Building to Sustain Careers

Self-Producing Content Creates Opportunities but Requires Diverse Bus ...