Earlier this year you we learned that Jon Stewart wasn’t retiring. He was actually very busy. His next project found him landing at HBO where he signed a 4-year production deal.
But don’t expect to see Stewart’s face on the screen anytime soon.
In an interview this summer, Stewart said that he’s done doing television.
More specifically he meant that he was done appearing on television on a regular show. Being on TV 22 minutes a night, 5 nights a week is grueling. Stewart did it for 17 years, it’s easy to see how he could burn out.
But now he will be producing animated shorts that he hopes will hit the HBO screens by September.
HBO’s programming chief Casey Bloys said at the TCA’s that it will be an animated parody of a cable news network. These animated shorts “allows (Stewart) to comment on events in real time,” Bloys said.
Stewart is also slated to voice some characters.
Rumor has it it’s going to be “Onion-like.” Not sure what that means. But it might mean that the show is going to present exaggerated fake news in response to real news that’s happening in real time.
Jon Stewart led a revolution that changed the face of TV comedy. As a comedy writer, it would be wise to follow Stewart and keep up with what’s happening.
How Can You Prepare for This as a Writer?
Once again, the landscape for writers is continuing to expand, presenting more opportunities than ever before in history.
So How can you prepare for this as a writer?
I would suggest working your short-form current events jokes on a daily basis. Work your joke writing like you would work out at the gym. Set a schedule. Instead of arms and back day, why don’t you make it current events one and two-liner (monologue-style) jokes. Instead of ‘leg day’ why don’t you make that Seth Meyers ‘Weekend Update’ style day. Instead of cardio why not set that day to work short sketch.
Find out what’s on TV now. What’s hot. What gets people going and copy it in your practice so that you can be prepared for any opportunity.
Better yet, get your writing packets together, get them out there on a regular basis and make your own opportunity.
Because remember, “luck” is simply opportunity meets preparedness.
Keep your eyes open and your ears to the ground. Or better yet just keep your eyes on the internet.
Go get ’em!
