White Light (WL) and Gasoline Productions are proud to announce the recent launch of Brave New World Comedy; an online pilot which uses the very latest broadcast technology in order to deliver a range of virtual stand up performances which bring together audiences with some of the UK’s funniest circuit comedians.
With most comedy clubs and venues temporarily closed across the UK, a void has been created for those usually present both on and off stage. Over the past few weeks, we have seen many comedians try to connect with their audiences through webcasts, live streams or social media, and whilst these do provide some level of communication, they are missing the vital ingredient that fuels any live performance – audience interaction.
By combining the technical wizardry of WL’s state-of-the-art SmartStage and Gasoline Productions’ experience of producing hilarious comedy evenings, Brave New World Comedy offers a refreshing, interactive way of bringing a comedy club directly into the homes of its audiences.
“We’re using SmartStage as it’s an immersive video environment, which replaces the traditional green screen element of a virtual studio and allows both the comedians and audience to see and interact with the content around them,” explains Lee Dennison, WL’s Head of Business Development. “As such, we are able to authentically recreate live comedy gigs by allowing both audiences and those on stage to feed off one another and interact in real-time. This allows everyone to become fully immersed in the event and makes it feel as if they are actually in a club together”.
Brave New World Comedy was filmed at WL’s London base where the SmartStage technology is situated. The set-up is incredibly easy-to-use, requires minimal crew and is cleaned thoroughly and re-set prior to each use; ensuring the complete safety of artists and staff.
Lee adds: “What’s great about Brave New World Comedy is that it brings people together and offers a natural way for them all to re-engage in a world that feels quite unnatural at the moment. Similarly, it’s also allowing a lot of the amazing circuit comedians who are not yet household names to be seen by a wider public and have their work engaged with on a much bigger scale”.
Following on from what was an extremely well-received pilot, both WL and Gasoline are in discussions with various broadcasters as to how they can emulate Brand New World Comedy’s success.
“With so many people now spending the majority of their time indoors, there’s a bigger demand than ever for home entertainment,” explains Gasoline Productions’ Jamie Gosney. “Yet with so many restrictions in place preventing the production of new content, broadcasters are having to look for new and inventive ways to deliver their shows. This is exactly what we’ve been able to do with Brave New World Comedy; create original, engaging content with minimal crew and resources. It’s a truly impressive and innovative venture and we’re really excited about where we can take it next”.
If you would like to learn more about Brave New World Comedy, SmartStage or how both WL and Gasoline can help deliver your production, then please contact the team today.
About the comedians
Matt Price
Matt Price is known for having some of the most extraordinary
and outrageous stories drawn from the wilder side of life. Yet this
self-effacing Cornish born comic brings real warmth and heart to his tales – as
well as finding some audacious laughs in the most unexpected places.
His easy going charm has made him a favourite on
the UK and International circuit
and whether he is performing a set or compere, he has the skill to win over
even the toughest audiences.
He is a very skilled act, in demand at comedy
clubs, and his versatility has made him the choice as a tour
supportfor acts such as Russell
Kane, Stephen K Amos and Norman Lovett.
Susan Murray
Susan is a comedian, presenter and plane crash enthusiast. She is in the Huffington Post Top 100 Women Tweeters and is the Queen of Facebook (self-appointed). In 2018, she was the main tour support for Britain’s Got Talent finalist Daliso Chaponda, she writes for 8 Out Of 10 Cats, The Now Show, Newsjack and News Quiz and is the star of Radio 4 in Stephen K Amos’ Idiots Guide & Jeremy Hardy Talks To The Nation. The Guardian hails her as a comedian whose ‘ability to make quirky connections allows her to build a compelling believable and richly funny picture of 21st century womanhood. Anyone who loves the work of Sarah Millican and Kerry Godliman will find plenty to enjoy here’, whist Stewart Lee says ‘Susan Murray’s baffled everywoman persona cloaks a dry, intelligent wit.’
Tony Cowards
Tony is a highly regarded comedy writer and comedian. Described as ‘The best joke writer around’ by GQ magazine, he is a regular contributor to a number of programmes and publications. The bounty of gags on his Twitter feed alone have earned him over 21,000 avid followers. As a stand-up he’s sought-after both on the circuit and as corporate act.
Nik Coppin
A stand-up comic for more than 15 years, Nik has developed an international cult following. He has performed all over the world, in solo shows at the Edinburgh and Adelaide Fringe Festivals, New Zealand and Melbourne International Comedy Festivals, all over Australia and the inaugural Hollywood Fringe Festival in Los Angeles, all to critical acclaim. He has also made himself a worldwide circuit comedian having performed in many European countries such as Germany, Spain, Ireland, Hungary, France, Denmark and Norway. He has also toured Southeast Asia numerous times doing shows in Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong and The Philippines.
About Gasoline Productions
Gasoline Productions was started by Jamie Gosney and Sarah James when they were asked to produce Comfest, a comedy event on behalf of Backup – The Technical Entertainment Charity, at the National Theatre in 2018.
Jamie’s blood is in the entertainment industry. His father was an actor, his aunt is a very famous actress, his uncle is an Oscar and Tony Award winning film and theatre scenic designer. For over 40 years, Jamie has been involved in the technical side of the entertainment industry as a Front of House technician on West End shows and designing audio systems for theatres and entertainment venues. He has also been a stand-up comedian, is a drummer and has produced a number of musical and comedy events over the years.
Sarah owns and runs Gasoline Media, a public relations company that has worked in the entertainment technology industry for over two decades. She also turns her hand to producing alongside Jamie.
Contact us for more information on [email protected]