..it discredits them in a way. I have been noticing Stephen Fry and Paul Merton doing voice overs for some car insurance firm and thinking they don't need to really. Ricky Gervais takes the stance that is beneath him and I would agree. However his writing partner SM doesn't seem to mind.
Thoughts?
Beneath comedians? They're just people who tell jokes. And considering half the lame crap they're responsible for, adverts are often a step up.
I have always admired Tony Robinson's stance, that someone should get the work who needs the money more than he does.
Quote: Timbo @ October 14 2010, 7:49 PM BSTI have always admired Tony Robinson's stance, that someone should get the work who needs the money more than he does.
What's his position on old rich men who date ridiculously young women?
Quote: chipolata @ October 14 2010, 7:55 PM BSTWhat's his position on old rich men who date ridiculously young women?
missionary
Quote: buyon ferry @ October 14 2010, 7:25 PM BST..it discredits them in a way. I have been noticing Stephen Fry and Paul Merton doing voice overs for some car insurance firm and thinking they don't need to really. Ricky Gervais takes the stance that is beneath him and I would agree. However his writing partner SM doesn't seem to mind.
Thoughts?
No, I think 'good for you - fill yer boots!' If advertisers are willing to cough up mega bucks then what the hell?
Make hay whilst the sun shines.
It's no better or worse for a comedian to do ads than it is for any one else.
Having said that, I feel uncomfortable hearing Merton & Fry selling me insurance, and I think it's because it feels like a betrayal of trust. If you really like someone, you don't want them to turn up on your doorstep selling you crap.
Most comedians are like footballers in that they have short careers so why not do whatever work you want (pays the bills while writing etc and keps you in the public consciousness).
Not sure either Fry or Merton has any problem paying the bills. They must need the exposure.
I agree that comedians aren't different from anyone else doing an advert. Just though it would be more relevant for this site.
I don't think most comics are like footballers as footballers careers are shortend due to age and lack of fitness whereas comedians have no restrictions.
I always thought people who do adverts are dickheads for it for lack of a better word.
Quote: Timbo @ October 14 2010, 9:54 PM BSTNot sure either Fry or Merton has any problem paying the bills. They must need the exposure.
Quote: buyon ferry @ October 14 2010, 9:57 PM BSTI agree that comedians aren't different from anyone else doing an advert. Just though it would be more relevant for this site.
I don't think most comics are like footballers as footballers careers are shortend due to age and lack of fitness whereas comedians have no restrictions.
They have the restrictions of changes in the public's tastes.
Quote: Will Cam @ October 14 2010, 10:06 PM BST
They have the restrictions of changes in the public's tastes.
I don't agree but O.K.
Who cares? Unless it's selling something which goes against their personal morals, then I see no issue. I of course wouldn't expect someone who was openly against consumerism advertising trinkets.
The only person to annoy me by doing an advert is Iggy Pop. And that's probably as much to do with how awful the ads are.
Quote: chipolata @ October 14 2010, 10:17 PM BSTThe only person to annoy me by doing an advert is Iggy Pop. And that's probably as much to do with how awful the ads are.
I fully agree. If the advertising people told me they had made a lifelike puppet of me and that ugly foam f**ker was presented, I would put my shirt back on and go and have a good cry.