David Fynn interview
Saturday 19th November 2011
An interview with David Fynn, comedy actor and director...
You once described The Sitcom Mission as 'career changing'. How has it helped your career as an actor and director?
Firstly, taking part in the competition puts you on people's radar, who may have never seen you perform before. I was lucky enough to be in the Grand Final for both 2009 (Sitcom Trials) and 2010 (Sitcom Mission, with Thunderer - pictured). Both finals were attended by heads of comedy from numerous TV channels and production companies, as well as writers, directors and other actors.
It was also a massive help in terms of experience. I took part in a number of different entries for the competition. It is rare as an actor to get to work on so many comedy scripts in such a short space of time in such a positive environment. Since then I am more relaxed and more confident when presented with scripts for auditions.
Having been involved in live sitcom, are you tempted to write one of your own?
I have been tempted and have written a couple of things since the competition. I am in the process of writing a pilot for a sitcom at the moment that has a little interest so far. Although it's in the very early stages so I'm not getting too excited just yet. Writing is definitely something I hope to pursue throughout my career though.
Tell us about your character in Pete Versus Life...
My character in Pete Versus Life is a loveable, cuddly Zimbabwean by the name of Manfred (pictured). He is Pete's housemate and shares in some of Pete's mishaps and adventures. He's a sensitive soul so is always there with a comforting shoulder rub for Pete when things go tits-up!
You're appearing in Charlie Brooker's new satirical drama Black Mirror. What's your character like in that? Are you tending to play a particular 'type'?
My character in Black Mirror isn't really like anything I've played before. I usually get the bubbly best mate (aka the fat guy!) who is full of beans and up for a laugh. My character in this is slightly different. He's more downtrodden and is a lonely soul. Although we've not shot it yet so I'm not going to make too many premature decisions on character!
Do you think an actor needs to have any special attributes to do comedy (apart from 'be funny')?
I don't think any particular attributes are necessary when doing comedy. It's so difficult to pin one down and say: "that makes them funny". Obviously good timing is important. Some people have amazing natural timing; but I also believe to a certain extent with experience timing can be improved.
I think the most important thing is not to play for laughs. If the writing is good, as long as the actor plays the truth of the situation, then it'll work. (Sounds wanky, but its true!).
What's the worst thing that has happened to you whilst filming a sitcom?
The worst thing? I've been very lucky in that nothing awful has happened so far. Quite recently though we were doing a scene in Pete Versus Life and another actor was throwing in some ad-libs that were just obscenely funny. I completely lost it and spent the next half an hour trying not to ruin takes by laughing. It gets to the point sometimes where everyone else has stopped laughing and you still can't control it. But I suppose that's not terrible though eh? Laughing too much!
What's the biggest mistake you've made and how has it helped you in the long run?
I once did some character stand-up where the character was offensive just for the sake of it. There was no real substance to it. The jokes were lazy and underwritten and I guess I was hoping the crudeness of the act would be funny enough to pull it off. Not the case! I completely died on stage and not a single person laughed. Although offensive gags can sometimes be funny, I feel there should be an interesting reason behind it; some plot or substance at least!