Andrew Barnsley: What is comedy? Producer of Schitt's Creek on what he looks for
Description
#wolfpack #4 Top 70 California Business Podcasts
Andrew Barnsley is an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Executive Producer based in Toronto and Los Angeles. A six-time Canadian Screen Award winner, he has produced acclaimed series such as Schitt’s Creek, Son of a Critch, JANN, and Kids in the Hall. With a career spanning comedy, documentary, and drama, Andrew has played a key role in shaping Canadian television. He is also the President of Toronto Film School and an active member of industry organizations, including the Producers Guild of America. He holds degrees from Ryerson University, York University, and St. Thomas University.
- https://www.torontofilmschool.ca/
- https://project10.ca/
- @rabarnsley
Connect with your host Kaia all Alexander:
Produced by Stuart W. Volkow P.G.A.
Get career training and a free ebook “How to Pitch Anything in 1 Min.” at www.EntertainmentBusinessLeague.com
- 0:09 Welcome to Hollywood Wolfpack
- 10:10 Building Momentum in Your Career
- 21:37 The Importance of Vulnerability
- 25:19 Genuine Connections in the Industry
- 36:15 Evolution of Comedy in Television
- 40:31 The Heart of Comedy Pitches
Summary
In this episode of Hollywood Wolfpack, Kaia converses with Andrew Barnsley, an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning executive producer renowned for his influential work in television, particularly with shows like Schitt's Creek, Son of a Critch, and Kids in the Hall. Andrew brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the conversation, offering valuable insights into the landscape of comedy and storytelling within the entertainment industry. His journey began in a small town in Alberta, Canada, and evolved into a significant career that spans multiple genres including drama, documentary, and comedy.
Kaia goes deep into Andrew’s early inspirations and how his entrepreneurial spirit and love for comedy shaped his path in the entertainment business. He candidly shares how he found himself drawn to television production without a clear roadmap, navigating through various challenges with a mindset focused on creating opportunities. Andrew reflects on key moments in his career that led to breakthrough successes, emphasizing the importance of resilience in an industry filled with rejection and competition. His perspective reveals how embracing discomfort and learning from failures can catalyze growth and evolution within one’s career.
Andrew discusses the intricacies of developing successful comedy that transcends cultural boundaries, shedding light on the evolution of comedic storytelling over the past few decades. He points out that today’s successful comedies often rely less on traditional joke formulas and more on character-driven narratives that resonate on a universal level. This shift is exemplified in shows like Schitt's Creek, which reached a global audience and fostered conversations about important social topics through humor.
We also explore the significance of mentorship in Andrew's life, as he discusses the relationships he has cultivated throughout his career. He stresses the value of building genuine connections rather than engaging in conventional networking, offering advice to aspiring professionals on how to find their own "wolf packs" in the industry. This focus on community and collaboration highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive peers and mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement.
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