Improv inks deal for dot-comedy
Site to bow Jan. 22, highlight comic bits
The Improv site, debuting Jan. 22 at noon, will highlight two- to four- minute bits from more than 100 comics. The first set features Greg Behrendt, Heath Hyche, Britt Swenson, Craig Robinson and Darren Carter.
Television has proven largely unhealthy to the comedy club scene. But "rather than spoil a viewer with an hour set from a comic," Improv talent coordinator and co-franchisee Robert Hartman believes the short bits "will entice Net viewers to come out and see more from an upcoming comic in a club atmosphere."
Ironically, Improv founder Budd Friedman has a radio talkshow on Comedy Central's Internet competitor, ComedyWorld.com.
Technically, there's no conflict of interest. While Friedman still owns the Improv name, he franchised his clubs and Internet rights to the Improv name to Popeye's Chicken proprietor Al Copeland two years ago.
Friedman's Comedy World radio show "Budd Friedman: Conversations With Friends" tapes at his Improv venue on Melrose. On the show, Friedman hosts in-depth discussions with established and upcoming comics.
Behrendt, known for his male-oriented material, also has a radio show on ComedyWorld.com, "The Manversation."
There are Improv venues in 10 U.S. cities and London.
