jordan-brady-directorSometimes I get to do some stuff that’s just way beyond cool.

Such is the case when I got to interview Jordan Brady, a hilarious comedian who transitioned into directing movies. Here’s a brief clip of Jordan in action when we was actively performing stand-up comedy—click here to watch the clip.

Jordan began his career as a stand-up comedian and traveled to over 500 cities in the United States during his eight-year stint as a professional comedian starting in the 1980′s. In 1990, he hosted MTV’ s Turn It Up With Jordan Brady, a daily show that won the Cable ACE Award.

He subsequently split his time among college tours, roles on assorted television series and stand-up comedy appearances on television.

Jordan has since transitioned from stand-up comedy into movie directing…

Jordan’s first film Dill Scallion was released in 1999 and remains his favorite.  He wrote and directed this movie and filled it with comedians like Dana Gould, Kathy Griffin, David Koechner (his first film), Hiram Kasten, Chip Chinery, Wayne Federman, Dave “Gruber” Allen, Ron Lester, and more. It was originally an idea for Jeff Foxworthy, but Jeff’s schedule and soaring fame made him unavailable.

His most recent films are Waking Up in Reno, American Girl and The Third Wheel. Jordan is now working on a documentary about stand-up comedy (WooHoo!)

Jordan does funny TV commercials as well – check out http://www.ubercontent.com/and click on Brady once you have entered the website. He tries to use comedians in his commercials whenever possible.

Here are the three Interview questions I asked Jordan about stand-up comedy:

Q: What are some of the most significant or exciting things you have done as a result of your stand-up comedy career?

Jordan: Specifically, doing stand-up on an MTV 1/2 Hour Comedy Hour (back in the first boom) got me an audition to Host a game show, which I landed. 

Then I got a gig Co-Hosting NBC’s “Name Your Adventure” – a kids’ show that exposed me to shark diving, space camp, and adventure in between. 

Because of my stand-up skills and new Hosting chops, I started directing segments on that show.  So stand-up comedy led to directing, via hosting.  Odd and most exciting.

Q: What advice would you give to those looking at jumping into the game of stand-up comedy?

Jordan:  Stage time. Anywhere, any crowd. Stay original and true to what YOU think is funny, even if it bombs.  Oh, and get more stage time.

Q: We have discussed that the next stand-up comedy boom is upon us. Why do you feel that way and how could a comedian make the most of this boom?

Jordan:  The next Boom is swelling.  With the internet (Funny or Die, YouTube, personal sites) and cable, we have so many outlets for creativity.  Every comic should use this to express their comic voice and to publicize their work. 

Never before has the comic had the tools to get their stuff out there.  Now, tools do not equal talent… but if it is funny… people will find it. 

Comedy Central and other networks are still using the tried and true stand-up to develop shows.  To cut through the clutter, a comic needs a strong point of view.  Not just anger, or irony either, a strong, original COMIC point of view.

I love comedy and stand-up comedy most.  Comics are smart and help us see the lunacy around us.

End of interview.

I want to personally thank Jordan for taking the time to share his insights—they are spot on! But wait, there’s more…comedian-ritch-shydner

Jordan has set me up to interview comedian/writer Ritch Shydner–one of my favorite comedians when I was looking to jump into stand-up comedy myself. So, stay tuned!!

Cheers,
Steve Roye
The Professor of Funny for Money

About the Author/Founder of The Stand-up Comedy Professional

Steve Roye is the author of the Killer Stand-up Comedy System and author of the content made available in the Comedy Pro Membership Program available on this site.

Over the past decade, Steve has established himself as a leading, globally recognized expert in the field of stand-up comedy material development, delivery and entertainment business strategies for comedy entertainers as well as speaking professionals.

For more information about Steve, please check out the About The Author section on this site.