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The Alternative Media Workshop: Comedy & Reality TV is a two-day workshop presented by famed Hollywood television director Morris Abraham focusing on two aspects of television production: comedy and “reality” television. The Workshop is targeted at individuals planning careers or currently working in the film and television industries. The Workshop features film and video clips as well lively discussion and interviews with industry professionals. Through an exchange of knowledge and experiences including “behind the scenes” anecdotes, participants gain a unique “insider’s” perspective.

The first session focuses on comedy and its approaches and sensibilities. Abraham discusses how to execute and maximize the most laughter from a given piece of material. There is an exploration the “dos and don’ts” of staging, shooting and editing. Existing works, from standup to sketch to ensemble comedy, are dissected. With a diverse panel of comedy professionals from Hollywood and New York, there is an exploration of all aspects of the “industry” including a discussion of “retro” comedy and those philosophies. All “comedy media” delivery systems from “kinescopes” of the past to present-day broadband sites will be contrasted and examined.

In the second session, “reality” television and its various formats will be addressed—from “American Idol” to “Project Runway,” “Deal or No Deal” to “The Tonight Show,” and “Monday Night Football” to “24 Hour News.” It’s all “reality” or “non-scripted” television. The seminar uses clips and discussions along with guest interviews with panels consisting of TV Executives, Producers and Agents. Special attention is devoted to “the Agent,” a key player in the process. It’s rare that an idea sees the light of day on it’s own conceptual merit. It’s usually all about the “deal” or “package” that the agent has put together that makes it happen. Discussion will span from the early MTV days through to today’s YouTube and MySpace websites. Can show content suit these various new media platforms? People now expect their entertainment experiences to work on all types of “delivery systems.”