Dave Attell | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade
On this episode of Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade, comedian Dave Attell opens up about his career trajectory, from his early days writing for Saturday Night Live to his later success with the travel show "Insomniac." He reflects on the key differences between writing for a show versus performing stand-up comedy. Attell also shares insights into the evolution of the stand-up comedy scene over the years, drawing comparisons with influential comedians like Robin Williams, Mitch Hedberg, and Bill Hicks.
Carvey and Spade get Attell's perspective on how stand-up comedy tours have grown into a lucrative profession. They discuss the ever-shifting comedy landscape and the unique opportunities modern comedians have to build careers on their own terms through touring, while reflecting on the enduring hallmarks of true comedic talent.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Apr 24, 2024 episode of the Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade
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1-Page Summary
Dave Attell's Longtime Success As a Standup Comedian
Attell's experiences on Saturday Night Live (SNL)
Writing for SNL vs performing standup
Attell, a writer on SNL, noted the difference from doing standup, as writing involved learning show business rather than comedy. According to Attell, giving up good material to write for others proved difficult.
Meeting famous comedians
At SNL, Attell met comedians he admired like David Spade and Norm MacDonald, who Attell recalls as "one of the best comics." He also worked with talents like Mike Myers and Adam Sandler.
Insomniac travel show
Attell's "Insomniac" show highlighted late-night jobs and activities. While crediting the hard work of his team, he acknowledges Anthony Bourdain's food travel show as the ultimate travel show due to its universal appeal.
Attell's reputation and Netflix special
Peers like Dana Carvey praise Attell as an incredible joke writer whose self-deprecating humor influences younger comedians. Attell's recent Netflix special "Hot Cross Buns" overcame technical issues through prolonged editing to connect with audiences, according to director Scott Gellig.
Changes in Standup Comedy Over Decades
Early standup days in San Francisco
Carvey reminisces about the vibrant San Francisco comedy scene where comedians like Robin Williams electrified audiences and pushed others to work harder. According to Carvey, unique voices like Williams fostered a competitive yet creative atmosphere.
Remembrance of Mitch Hedberg and Bill Hicks
Spade and Attell admire standups like Hedberg and Hicks. Attell recalls how Hicks's thoughtful, musical approach impacted alternative comedy, while Carvey commends Hicks's ability to challenge comedy's boundaries.
Income from standup tours now
Attell and Spade discuss how today's comedians can earn significantly through standup tours alone, unlike previous decades. Carvey notes some comedians mistakenly think they haven't succeeded until getting TV/movie roles, but touring allows them to control their fates now.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Attell's time on Saturday Night Live (SNL) involved working as a writer, where he had to learn about the show business aspect rather than focusing solely on comedy. This was different from his stand-up performances, where he could directly showcase his comedic material to audiences. Giving up his own material to write for others at SNL was a challenging aspect for Attell.
- Dave Attell's Netflix special "Hot Cross Buns" faced technical challenges during filming, which were resolved through extensive editing processes. The editing work was crucial in refining the material and ensuring it resonated well with the audience. Director Scott Gellig played a significant role in overseeing the editing process to enhance the special's impact. The final product successfully connected with viewers, showcasing Attell's comedic talent despite the initial technical hurdles.
- The vibrant San Francisco comedy scene in the past was a hotbed for emerging comedic talent, fostering a creative and competitive environment. Comedians like Robin Williams emerged from this scene, electrifying audiences with their unique voices and pushing others to excel in their craft. Williams, known for his improvisational skills and energetic performances, was a standout figure in this influential comedy community. His success and impact on the scene inspired and influenced many comedians who were part of or witnessed the vibrant San Francisco comedy scene during that era.
- Mitch Hedberg and Bill Hicks were influential figures in alternative comedy due to their unique styles and unconventional approaches to humor. Hedberg was known for his deadpan delivery and surreal one-liners, while Hicks was recognized for his social commentary and provocative material. Both comedians challenged traditional comedic norms, paving the way for a new wave of comedians who embraced non-traditional, thought-provoking comedy. Their impact on alternative comedy can still be seen today in the work of many contemporary comedians who continue to push boundaries and explore unconventional comedic avenues.
Counterarguments
- While Attell noted the difference between writing for SNL and performing standup, some might argue that both skills can complement each other, with writing for television potentially enriching a comedian's standup content.
- Although Attell credits Anthony Bourdain's show as the ultimate travel show, others might argue that "Insomniac" carved its own unique niche in the travel show genre, appealing to a different audience with its focus on nightlife.
- Peers praise Attell for his self-deprecating humor, but some critics might suggest that this style of comedy, while effective, can sometimes reinforce negative self-images or become repetitive if not balanced with other comedic approaches.
- The success of Attell's Netflix special "Hot Cross Buns" despite technical issues might be seen as a testament to the content's quality, but it could also be argued that not all specials can overcome such hurdles, and technical excellence is often crucial for a show's success.
- Carvey's reminiscence of the San Francisco comedy scene with Robin Williams might evoke nostalgia, but some might point out that every era has its own unique challenges and talents, and the current scene could be just as vibrant in different ways.
- The admiration for standups like Mitch Hedberg and Bill Hicks is widespread, but it's also possible to recognize that comedy is subjective, and not all audiences may connect with their styles or find their material as groundbreaking.
- The idea that income from standup tours now allows comedians to earn significantly and control their fates might overlook the fact that only a select few reach the level of success where touring alone is financially sustainable, and many comedians still rely on multiple income streams.
- While touring is highlighted as a way for comedians to control their fates, some might argue that diversifying into TV and movies can provide greater financial security and a wider platform to reach audiences.
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Dave Attell's Longtime Success As a Standup Comedian
Dave Attell’s history in comedy spans iconic roles as a writer and performer, including his work on "Saturday Night Live" and his unique travel show, leading up to his most recent success with a Netflix special.
Attell's experiences on Saturday Night Live
Writing for SNL vs performing standup comedy
Dave Attell, primarily a writer on SNL, contrasted this experience with performing standup, describing a greater focus on learning show business rather than comedy. He observed the influence and hierarchy within the show and how getting a sketch aired impacted one's standing. Although Attell was more inclined to be a standup comic, he took on writing at the advice of his agents and managers. Giving up good material to write for others proved difficult for him, as he was used to writing for his own voice.
Meeting comedians like David Spade and Norm MacDonald
During his time on SNL, Attell met comedians like David Spade, who he had admired even before joining the show, and Norm MacDonald, whom he recalls at Norm MacDonald's memorial as "one of the best comics." Attell also shared how Jon Stewart truly understood him, having been a character on Stewart’s earlier shows. Additionally, he encountered other talents like Mike Myers, Phil Hartman, and Adam Sandler, all of whom were kind to him. Attell empathizes with the challenges faced by new members like himself and Jay Mohr, sharing memories of intense work, such as sharing an office with Mohr during their tenure.
Insomniac travel show on Comedy Central
The show "Insomniac" focused on what happens after comedy shows, late at night. Attell aimed to feature late-night jobs and activities. He credits the hard work of those who helped create the show but acknowledges Anthony Bourdain's travel show about food as the ultimate travel show due to its universal appeal.
David Spade and Dana Carvey discuss Attell's reputation and influence among younger standup comedians
Dana Carvey extols Attell as an incredible joke writer and describes Attell as self-deprecating and humble. Attell’s reputation and influence evidently resonates with younger comedians, as acknowledged by his peers.
Attell's recent co ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Dave Attell's Longtime Success As a Standup Comedian
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Dave Attell's experiences on Saturday Night Live involved primarily working as a writer rather than a performer. He found the transition challenging due to the different focus required for writing for a show compared to performing stand-up comedy. Attell interacted with notable comedians like David Spade, Norm MacDonald, Jon Stewart, Mike Myers, Phil Hartman, and Adam Sandler during his time on SNL. He shared insights into the dynamics of the show, including the influence and hierarchy within the SNL environment.
- Dave Attell met comedians like David Spade and Norm MacDonald during his time on Saturday Night Live. Attell admired Spade even before joining the show, and he considered Norm MacDonald one of the best comics. These interactions provided Attell with opportunities to connect with established comedians and learn from their experiences in the industry.
- "Insomniac" was a travel show on Comedy Central hosted by Dave Attell. The show focused on exploring late-night activities and jobs in various cities after comedy shows. Attell aimed to showcase unique and offbeat experiences that happen during the late hours, providing a humorous and insightful look into nightlife culture. The show was known for its raw and unfiltered portrayal of late-night scenes, offering a different perspective on city life beyond typical tourist attractions.
- Dave Attell's reputation and influence among younger standup comedians, as discus ...
Counterarguments
- While Attell's experiences on SNL are highlighted, it could be argued that his time there was not as impactful as his stand-up career, given that he is primarily known for his stand-up comedy rather than his writing for SNL.
- The comparison of "Insomniac" to Anthony Bourdain's travel show might suggest that "Insomniac" had less universal appeal, but one could argue that "Insomniac" carved out its own niche audience and was influential in its own right.
- Dana Carvey's praise of Attell as an incredible joke writer and humble individual is subjective and could be seen differently by others in the comedy community or by audiences who may not resonate with Attell's style of humor.
- The success of "Hot Cross Buns" after technical problems and editing is mentioned, but it's possible that some viewers may have ...
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Changes in Standup Comedy Over the Decades
Dana Carvey and Dave Attell discuss the transformation of standup comedy from its early days in San Francisco, through the loss of iconic comedians like Mitch Hedberg and Bill Hicks, to the present where comedians can make a lucrative living from standup tours alone.
Early standup days in San Francisco with Dana Carvey, Michael Pritchard, and Robin Williams
Dana Carvey reminisces about his start in standup during college in 1977 and talks about the vibrant San Francisco comedy scene. Famous venues such as the original Punchline and Cobbs were the breeding grounds for comedians like Robin Williams. Carvey recalls the electrifying presence of Williams, who would perform extended sets, making him a difficult act to follow. Carvey also acknowledges other comedians like Bobcat Goldthwait and Paula Poundstone, who found their footing in San Francisco. Unique voices and the explosiveness of comedians like Williams pushed Carvey and his contemporaries to work harder on their acts, fostering a competitive yet creative atmosphere.
Remembrance of standups Mitch Hedberg and Bill Hicks
David Spade and Dave Attell touch upon their admiration for standup icons such as Mitch Hedberg and Bill Hicks. Attell recalls how Hicks’s death deeply affected him, demonstrating his strong connection to the comedy world rather than the television scene. He shares fond memories of meeting Hicks, who had an early impact on alternative comedy with his thoughtful and musical approach to standup. Attell also regrets missing Hicks's last performance, reflecting on the impression Hicks left on the comedy community. Dana Carvey commends Hicks's ability to remain funny while challenging the traditional boundaries of comedy. The lost talents of comedians like Hedberg and Hicks are remembered with respect and nostalgia, highlighting the shifts in the comedy landscape over the years.
Comedians making more money solely from standup tours now rather than movies/TV
Dave Attell and Dav ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Changes in Standup Comedy Over the Decades
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Alternative comedy is a style of comedy that intentionally breaks away from traditional mainstream comedic approaches. It often explores unconventional material and avoids typical joke structures with punchlines. This form of comedy emerged as a reaction against more conventional and predictable comedic styles. Alternative comedians aim to challenge norms, experiment with new ideas, and engage with audiences in unique and unexpected ways.
- Mitch Hedberg and Bill Hicks were influential stand-up comedians known for their unique styles and thought-provoking material. Hedberg was celebrated for his deadpan delivery and surreal one-liners, while Hicks was recognized for his sharp social commentary and fearless approach to taboo subjects. Both comedians left a lasting impact on the comedy world, inspiring future generations of stand-up performers with their innovative and boundary-pushing work. Hedberg and Hicks are remembered for their distinct voices and contributions to the evolution of stand-up comedy.
- The original Punchline and Cobbs venues in San Francisco were pivotal in shaping the standup comedy scene in the city, providing platforms for emerging comedians to hone their craft. These venues hosted legendary performances by comedians like Robin Williams, contributing to the vibrant comedy culture of San Francisco. The unique atmosphere and audiences at Punchline and Cobbs helped foster creativity and competition among comedians, pushing them to excel in their acts. The history and influence of these venues continue to resonate in the comedy world, showcasing their lasting impact on the standup comedy landscape.
- In recent years, some standup comedians have found that they can earn more money through touring and live performances than through traditional avenues like movies or TV shows. This shift is partly due to the rise of streaming platforms and the increased demand for live comedy experiences. Comedians like Nate Bargatze and Theo Von have demonstrated that a successful standup tour c ...
Counterarguments
- While Dana Carvey and others found success in San Francisco, it's important to note that other cities like New York and Los Angeles also had thriving comedy scenes that were influential in the development of standup comedy.
- The notion that Robin Williams' presence made him a difficult act to follow could be seen as subjective; some comedians might have found inspiration and motivation in following such a dynamic performer.
- The idea that the competitive atmosphere in San Francisco was uniquely beneficial could be challenged by the argument that a supportive and collaborative environment can also foster creativity and growth in comedians.
- The remembrance of Mitch Hedberg and Bill Hicks as standup icons is a perspective that may not be universally shared; some may argue that other comedians had an equal or greater impact on the craft.
- The assertion that comedians like Nate Bargatze and Theo Von can earn significantly from standup alone doesn't account for the role that social media and other digital platforms play in building a comedian's brand and audience, which can be crucial to their financial success.
- The claim that some comedians now make more money from standup tours than from movies or TV might overlook the fact that for many comedians, appearances in movies and TV can significantly boost their standup career by increasing their visibility and fan base.
- The idea that comedians have the power to control their own fate through live performances may not cons ...
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