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covid-19

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TCB Debriefing 9/20/23: COVID-19 Gets Shepherd/Kimmel, Luenell, Ryan Reynolds, Ms. Pat, Nate Craig, Voy! Voy! Voy!

September 20, 2023
News
covid-19, jimmy kimmel, luenell, ms. pat, nate craig, netflix, ryan reynolds, sherri shepherd

1. Sherri Shepherd, Jimmy Kimmel, and the staff of a Steve Martin/Martin Short show all got COVID-19 and have had to postpone/cancel whatever shows they were doing (THR). This is great time to remember that “endemic” doesn’t mean “disease free”.

2. Take a gander at the Luenell‘s Netflix special, Town Business, with the official trailer. Curiously, not only is it presented by Dave Chappelle, but branded as Chappelle’s Home Team. Wonder if they have a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy with pronouns on that team.

3. Ryan Reynolds will be the latest recipient of the Robin Williams Legacy of Laughter in support of Glenn Close’s Bring Change to Mind org, a children’s mental health NPO (THR). They would have to probably not invite Deadpool to this, right?

4. Ms. Pat will add judge to her resume by taking up a gavel and presiding over Ms. Pat Settles It on BET on Oct. 18th (Deadline). If there’s eventually some sort of competitive reality show that will pit Ms. Pat against Judge Judy and Chrissy Teigen, we won’t be surprised in the slightest.

5. Nate Craig, who released one hell of a special this year with Live at the Green Mill, has got some tour dates all around the country. Go get tix at natecraig.com/calendar.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by natecraig.com (@natecraiglive)

6. Another country is going to submit a comedy to AMPAS for Oscar consideration. This time, Egypt is going with Omar Hilal’s Voy! Voy! Voy! a sports comedy about a man with normal vision trying his fortunes playing blind football (Deadline). Honestly, it should get some sort of distribution deal on the premise alone.

7. We’ll leave you with this: Guess Vegas is still aggressively relaxed on their COVID-19 measures.

SpongeBob SquarePants Pulls Upcoming Episode with Virus Storyline

March 30, 2021
News
covid-19, pandemic, spongebob squarepants

(via Deadline)

In the ongoing debate of when is “too soon” when it comes to whether or not to joke or even address certain topics or events due to their traumatic nature, an episode of the long running SpongeBob SquarePants is being put in the too soon column due to COVID-19. The pandemic is still very much happening (no matter how many certain folks want to pretend like it is) and there has been and will continue to be debate over whether to address COVID-19 in TV shows, movies, etc.

In many ways, the entire world has not processed what well over 7 billion people are experiencing all at the same time and it’s more than understandable that you’d like your comedy and your cartoons like wherever you’re locked down: COVID-free. At the same time, the coping power of comedy is undeniable and is part and parcel of why comedians and many others have made COVID-19/Coronavirus humor since day zero.

What’s interesting here is that the episode “Kwarantined Crab” was already written and produced, presumably while in the thick of this historic time and yet, they’ve still decided to pull it. So, there was one point where the producers thought it might be OK to move forward with such a storyline (perhaps they thought the pandemic would be over by the time the episode aired?) and then, standing where we are with the majority of the global populous still unvaccinated, they changed their minds to “too soon”. There’s no telling as of yet whether they’ll take this particular episode off the shelf after enough time has passed, but curious minds won’t forget about to be sure.

The prospect of tackling the subject matter of this time with any sort of truthfulness must be confounding, but probably even more so when it comes to a children’s cartoon (though we don’t doubt that Mr. Rogers probably would have a very special quarantine episode of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood). From the writers that we’ve talked to over the last several weeks, anything pandemic related is largely going to be avoided, but we have no doubt that won’t last for long. Michael Bay already made a pandemic movie, Songbird, and their have been quarantine themed indie comedies, such as The End of Us, that have been shot, edited, and making the rounds at film festivals.

So, with that in mind, the question that should be posed might not be, “Is it too soon to joke about COVID?” but “If at all, how and what has made you laugh as a way to deal with everything that is happening?”

#SpongeBobSquarePants has pulled the “Kwarantined Krab” episode from its current 12th season due to its “virus storyline” https://t.co/BVZHXwjQhr

— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) March 30, 2021

Dave Chappelle Tests Positive for COVID-19

January 22, 2021
News
covid-19, dave chappelle

(via Pitchfork)

Dave Chappelle was one of the few comedians that could tour with all the sort of precautions that one can take to do in-person shows during this COVID-19 pandemic. He had been doing socially distanced outdoor shows in Ohio and had just started doing them in Austin, TX. Despite rapid testing for the audience and going through daily testing himself, it was just announced by Chappelle’s reps that Chappelle has contracted COVID-19 asymptomatically. There’s no trace as to how he specifically got it yet, but, as we all know at this point, the spread of COVID-19 is so rampant that there might be no telling where he got it.

He has since cancelled those shows that he had scheduled and refunded any tickets bought. There’s no word as of yet, but we can only hope that the rest of those Austin crowds are COVID-19 free.

It’s important to note here that no sort of gathering is entirely safe during this pandemic and that you can only mitigate the probability of transmission. Chappelle utilized all the measures available to him to try to do shows and somehow, he still caught the virus.

There will inevitably be a period where things attempt to reopen in earnest and for good as the vaccine distribution moves forward. Yet, this is a perfect example of why the protocols that scientists have put in place to combat the spread of the virus will have to stay until the majority of the world’s population gets inoculated. Essentially, things won’t be safe until we all can be safe and we can only wish that this lesson will stick very soon.

The Comedy Bureau Field Report Ep. 39: Zane Rubin & The Miracle of Getting Things Made

December 23, 2020
News, The Comedy Bureau Field Report
covid-19, eddie izzard, indie filmmaking, john mulaney, relief bill, zane rubin

Rising star filmmaker Zane Rubin has craftily built a delightful filmography of darkly comedic and hysterically discomforting work. That ranges from short films to web series and everything in between at networks like Comedy Central and the like. As you might guess, she, like the rest of Tinseltown, had to set almost all of her 2020 plans aside due to the pandemic. Zane still kept at writing scripts, pitching over Zoom, and whatever else you could feasibly do in regards to indie filmmaking that you can do under the umbrella of COVID. She zooms with TCB’s Jake Kroeger about her quarantine journey and also dishes on “hot” takes for Mulaney’s going to rehab, Eddie Izzard using she/her, and the COVID-19 Relief Bill’s provisions for movie theaters/live venues.

You can find Zane @zanesrubin on IG and Twitter, watch CREAT(E)URE on Hulu, and get into Zane’s work at zanerubin.com.

The Comedy Bureau @thecomedybureau across platforms and please, please support TCB via GoFundMe, Patreon, or on Venmo (@jakekroeger).
Produced by Jake Kroeger
Music by Brian Granillo
Artwork by Andrew Delman and KT

Here’s a List of Precautionary COVID-19 Questions We Will Keep in Mind in Consideration of In-Person Comedy Shows

October 5, 2020
Uncategorized
covid-19, in person show, live comedy, precaution, protocol

Note: this appeared in our TCB Weekly Debriefing newsletter, which you can sign-up for here.

Outdoor comedy shows, drive-in comedy shows, etc. that are live and in-person have been and are happening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We figured that would happen.

You might have noticed that we’ve been hesitant to list such events as they have been taking place here in Los Angeles or elsewhere. There is a responsibility we feel the need to be mindful of in spreading the word about such events in light of COVID-19 still being as infectious as it ever was and the timeline for a full vaccine that will be available to everyone is still very uncertain.

We have been quietly checking out outdoor shows, drive-in shows, etc. that have happened over the last several weeks, even listing some as we think they’re both taking a great amount of precaution and are also putting on a great comedy show.

Again, more of these shows will be bound to happen and we’ll do our best to keep you in the know about the ones worth checking out that are extensively striving to not further the transmission of the virus.

Specifically (and we know that we are not epidemiologists, government officials, and we’re not trying to lay down guidelines here), we’ll be asking ourselves about the following details about current and future live shows/open mics when considering them for listing at TCB:

-Is it outdoors?
-How will people be socially distanced?
-Will there be signage for distancing/precautions?
-Are there measures for contract tracing?
-What are plans for entrances and exits, both for audiences and performers?
-Will there be temperature checks?
-What will the protocol be for face coverings/masks (especially if there’s food or drink available/being sold)?
-What will the protocol be for using mics/mic stands/etc. for performers?
-What is the “green room” situation for performers/staff?
-Will there be a COVID officer/point person checking in on social distancing and masks?
-What is the bathroom situation? How many will there be? How often will they be cleaned?
-Is there clear language about accountability in regards to something like getting infected with a virus?
-Are performers being compensated (especially if it’s a ticketed show)?

Whether you’re thinking about going to or putting on an in-person show/mic, we’d strongly urge you to think about these questions as well before making a decision to move forward and also keep in mind that the best way to not further the spread of the virus is to not irresponsibly gather in big groups.

Please Revel in James Austin Johnson’s Impression of Trump with COVID-19

October 2, 2020
News
covid-19, impression, james austin johnson, parody, trump

Sure, so many impressions of Trump have arisen over the years of this seemingly interminable administration of his presidency. It can be hard to parse out the folks that truly nail the impression (not to mention that you probably try to manage how much you intake of his voice as possible at this point).

That being said, Donald Trump being infected with the novel Coronavirus, COVID-19 presents a rare time where Trump probably doesn’t want to be on camera or even be interviewed if he’s really sick. So, we’d like to point out James Austin Johnson‘s brilliant, spot-on take of Trump (that he has done so many fun things with in the past including speaking in Radiohead lyrics) as he bedridden with COVID-19.

We can only hope that Trump has such a cough as depicted here for your convenience to revel in.

View this post on Instagram

The virus virtually affects nobody! I look forward to full, speedy complications from the batman virus. Thank you White Christians for your Magic Prayers to Mr. God and Mr. Jesus for quick recovery and violent strength in my convalescents! We're doing GREAT BIBLE in America, Everyone going to heaven in droves like you've never seen before!

A post shared by James Austin Johnson (@shrimpjaj) on Oct 2, 2020 at 12:36pm PDT

Pick of the Day: The Future of the Future of LA Comedy 6/23

June 22, 2020
News
barbara holliday, christian chavez, covid-19, jake kroeger, joel mandelkorn, lockdown, phase 4, reopening, youtube

At this unprecedented moment of three months of lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global uprising against systemic racism and oppression and police brutality, the idea of when live comedy will come back or where it will fit in these historic times we’re living through is a question that seems far from having an answer or an even an attempt at an answer. In LA specifically, live comedy falls under the category “Phase 4” of reopening, which seems to be far, far away at a date TBD.

Thus, we here at The Comedy Bureau are attempting to attempt to have some sort of conversation with The Future of the Future of LA Comedy.

Perhaps, this virtual roundtable discussion could lead to some start to some answers about live comedy in LA going forward in regards to reopening, safety, sustainability, diversity/inclusion, and supporting the plethora of important causes happening right now.

Joining TCB founder Jake Kroeger will be a panel of people that operate throughout all corners of the LA comedy scene including Joel Mandelkorn (producer of Hot Tub with Kurt & Kristen, CleftClips), Barbara Holliday (owner/booker of Flappers Comedy Club), and Christian Chavez (owner of Echoes on Pico). Their discussion will hopefully be the start of getting on the same page as we believe that comedy and live performance in general will come back safely and maybe better than ever.

The Future of The Future of LA Comedy will be live-streamed this Tuesday, June 23rd at 3PM PT/6PM ET thanks to the fine folks at Hold The Phone Comedy. Please tune in at bit.ly/tcblayoutube.

Department of Cultural Affairs Offering Funding to Live Theaters in District 2 of LA for Online Experiences

May 28, 2020
News
artist relief, covid-19, district 2, grants, los angeles, theater relief

Los Angeles’ Department of Cultural Affairs, in normal times, has money earmarked to fund live events and performances. As that’s still not happening in full effect for awhile, they have transitioned a lot of those funds into multiple rounds of artist/theater relief.

This latest round of funding goes towards theaters and theater businesses in District 2, which mostly covers North Hollywood and Studio City. As both partial relief and funding, “stimulation contracts” of $8ooo will be offered to create and foster online experiences as the safer-at-home order is still in place in LA county. The deadline to apply is Jun. 12th.

More specifically:

-Funds may be used for rent, salaries, artist fees, videography, marketing, website administration, and related costs to be incurred between July 1 and August 31, 2020.

-Only one (1) application may be submitted by each theater business.

-Eligible theater businesses with fewer than 50 paid annual workers (including proprietors, salaried employees, and independent contractors) are encouraged to apply below.

Plenty of comedy and comedy adjacent venues definitely fit into these parameters and we can only hope more relief is coming all around the county and the Greater LA Area.

Get more details/apply here.

Restarting Community Business with Live Theaters Headquartered in Council District 2

Tim Dillon Shows That COVID-19 Is Feeling Lonely and Depressed Too

May 25, 2020
News
covid-19, sketch comedy, tim dillon

The global lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has wrought an unprecedented level of isolation and depression. The far reaching mental health effects from all of us being quarantined away from each other is more tangible than ever before.

In fact, even the COVID-19 virus itself is suffering from being cut off from any sort of life (outside of being a incredibly deadly virus).

Tim Dillon “shows” how the virus is living and how it’s feeling the loneliness like the rest of us (in addition of being a terrifying, destructive force that is unlike anything the majority of us has ever gone through). Also, Dillon shows how “man on the street” bits might go while socially distanced, especially if you have the guts to dress up as COVID-19 and walk around right now.

Enjoy Dillon’s sketch here.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tim Dillon (@timjdillon) on May 23, 2020 at 8:32am PDT

The President Show Has a Special White House Coronavirus Task Force Debriefing

April 14, 2020
News
adam pally, anthony atamanuik, covid-19, peter grosz, satire, trump

To date, Anthony Atamanuik and his portrayal of Trump, especially on Comedy Central’s The President Show, is one of the best takes on Trump that we think has ever been (especially since Atamanuik often riffs an insane thing in character and Trump ends up saying that insane thing).

Though the show came to an end awhile back in the “before times” (less than two years ago actually), Atamanuik donned his pitch perfect Trump and was joined by Peter Grosz and Adam Pally who played VP Mike Pence and Don Jr. on the aforementioned President Show to show what’s likely going on with Trump and his team after one of his daily briefings via Zoom.

Please enjoy it here.

View this post on Instagram

President Trump talks with his stupid son, Don Jr. and his suck up of a Vice President “stand up” Mike Pence about COVID-19 and how to best defeat it and move on, like, RIGHT NOW!

A post shared by Anthony Atamanuik (@therealactualtony) on Apr 11, 2020 at 5:22pm PDT

Paul Lieberstein and Ben Silverman Already Working on a Workplace Comedy Set During COVID-19 Pandemic

April 3, 2020
News, Uncategorized
ben silverman, covid-19, paul lieberstein, workplace comedy

(via Deadline)

First off, it was only a matter of time before an idea like this would get put into development, especially since everyone has so much time to themselves while stuck at home and it’s timely and we’re all having to get used to watching video conferencing/livestreaming/etc. to stay connected and/or work remotely.

Secondly, it’s nice to know that Paul Lieberstein and Ben Silverman, two EPs of the American version of The Office (also Lieberstein famously played Toby Flenderson) are working on this idea of a workplace comedy dealing with what we’re going through. It’ll be curious to see if this gets fast tracked into production (even though it would have to be all done remotely right now) as it would get some production folks back to work and networks/streaming services must undoubtedly be looking for content to keep our elevated binge-watching appetites satiated.

Also, if we had to guess, this series might look something like the John Cho thriller vehicle Searching, but something that’s technically less and more scary (because of the pandemic) at the same time.

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