The 13 competition categories: Comedy
We bring you the 13 categories featured in this year’s competition along with a precise definition, example videos and an interview with a prominent expert in the field.
1. Category: Comedy
Definition:
Non-scripted and scripted comedy shows excluding sitcoms, to include sketch, panel, improvisation, comedy specials and stand-up routines.
Comedy has been an important part of the Rose d’Or Festival since the very beginning in 1961. Between 1961 and 1992 the Rose d’Or Festival awarded three different prizes: the Golden Rose, the Silver Rose and the Bronze Rose. From 1993 when categories were first introduced to the competition to today, Comedy has been an integral part of the Rose d’Or Competition. The first Golden Rose-winning comedies were CBS's Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall (Golden Rose 1963) and CST's Silence, Silence, Silence! (Silver Rose 1963).
The Comedy Interview with Shane Allen
Shane Allen was born in Belfast. Shane has worked as producer, writer and director both at Talkback Thames and the BBC on shows including Brass Eye Special, Ali G, Shooting Stars and The 11 O’Clock Show. In October 2009 Shane was appointed head of comedy at Channel 4.
1. Can you give us an example of a typical Comedy programme?
An archetypical comedy in the UK would revolve around a socially inept protagonist, often a vulnerable soul, trying to achieve something in life or love and failing spectacularly with humiliating consequences.
Why? British sense of humour is broad and varied from sharp satire to broad farce but the tale of the lovable underdog seems to connect with the British psyche.
2. Is there a Comedy programme you would have loved to have created? If so why?
SHOOTING STARS. It’s two comedy gods at the height of their powers. Unpredictable and brutal about celebrity in really charming ways.
3. What is the future for Comedy?
Comedy is going in every direction, there's a rich mix of styles, voices, genres and settings. Like with music, the eclecticism and expansion of new comic voices becomes more varied as there are more people to spread influence.
4. Do you see emerging markets and sub-genres?
Market wise there are increased opportunities to connect with audiences due to the accessibility and democratising influence of the internet. Programmes can find audiences all over the world; the UK show Peep Show has an international fan base. The untapped market would be the Far East and the rise of China as a potential consumer of comedy but obviously lots of cultural factors at play there.
Sub-genre wise the increased splintering of channels will lead to more niche tastes and tribes getting catered for.
5. Which television show are you hooked on right now?
I think Eastbound and Down is just about comedy perfection. Danny McBride cracks me up.
Comedy example video: Facejacker is the follow-up to prank phone call show Fonejacker. It finds comedian Kayvan Novak taking his characters to the streets up close and personal.
FaceJacker
