Salon: The Serious Side of the Funny Business Recap

Attended by Leading Entertainment Industry and Corporate Influencers

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Funny Ladies: Serious Business

March 16, 2015
Hosted by The District by Hannah An

By Mia Adler Ozair, MA, LPCC, NCC

Amidst the dialogue, laughter, and hilarity of the talented women on the Funny Ladies: Serious Business panel existed a deep and meaningful undertone. The most recent See Jane Salon for members featured a variety of industry leaders from comedians to execs conveying a general consensus: All that funny business is hard work, and this is especially true for women. The Institute Founder and Chair, Geena Davis, kicked off the evening by noting that women in comedic roles do not tend to be allowed personalities on shows. Panelists agreed that female leads tend to be very bland and one-dimensional. Ms. Davis challenged attendees to ask why this is and to listen carefully to the insights of the panelists who are living in the world of comedy and entertainment. What followed was both funny (the talent on the panel was inspiring)—and at the same time not so much (hearing of their challenges and up-hill efforts was thought provoking). The following are some key highlights and take-aways from the lively interaction of the panel.

• Women actors experience a high degree of challenge in not being type-cast. It is both rare and challenging for a female actor to undergo a transformation in roles through one’s career.
• Artists in general and comedians in specific are alchemists—they take the “crap” in life and transform it into something entertaining yet real. The heart of authentic comedy is taking the universal awkwardness in life and serving it up as a way to explore life’s challenges with light-heartedness and meaning.
• Almost all comedy is auto-biographical which is why women in particular need to find their comedic niche by simply being themselves in a transparent and authentic way.
• If, as a comedian, you are willing to be courageous in the art, you can touch the universal elements of the human experience and connect with the audience in a real way.
• Audiences need to continue to support new shows featuring women and minorities so that women and diversity do not become a fad that disappears.
• Sensitivity needs to be developed in terms of what messages shows are feeding our children in terms of the balance of men and women so that from a young age children can begin to expect equality both on and off the screen.
• A large part of the challenges identified exist in the writer’s room: not only are there not enough women in those rooms, but the ones who are there are not necessarily heard. An effort must be made to get more comfortable with diversity in the writer’s room so that meaningful change can take place both behind the scenes and in front of audiences.
• The panelists shared the sentiment that the “calvary” is not coming! Women must be strong and BE the change they wish to see in this industry—take risks, get out there, and be bold.

Hosted by The District by Hannah An, this event was a huge success that left attendees with smiles on their faces and hope for the future of women in comedy and entertainment.