If you were wondering how in the heck New Faces would matter in Montreal once ICM bought a stake in Just For Laughs, here’s a new one for you: Even the comedians who don’t get New Faces this year might get TV credits!
Amazon announced today it’s filming a six-episode docuseries in collaboration with Montreal’s Just For Laughs festival, focusing on the aspiring comedians auditioning in New York City and Los Angeles hoping for an invite to JFL this July.
The series will document not only the onstage auditions and callbacks, but also profile several of the comedians in their lives on and offstage, “providing unprecedented access to the highs, lows, frustrations and successes that these aspiring comedians face as they juggle day jobs, relationships and hecklers in the quest for their biggest break.”
“The Montreal Just for Laughs Festival New Faces showcase is well known for introducing the next generation of comedy talent to the world,” said Heather Schuster, Head of Unscripted, Amazon Originals. “We are excited to collaborate with the Festival to bring Prime members an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the burgeoning careers of some future stars, which will be both very funny and very poignant.”
“The Montreal Just For Laughs Festival is synonymous with discovering the brightest rising comedians. For a comedian to get invited to showcase in can be life changing” adds Howie Mandel, comedian, producer and Just For Laughs partner.
Jimmy Fox (United Shades of America) will executive produce under his Main Event Media banner in conjunction with All3Media America. Neil Berkeley (Gilbert, Harmontown), Star Price (Penn & Teller: Bullshit!, Active Shooter: America Under Fire), Bruce Hills (Funny As Hell, Hilarity for Charity, Craig Ferguson: Tickle Fight), Just For Laughs Media and Main Event Media will also executive produce.