Alan Committie chats Comics' Choice Awards

You are involved with the direction of the awards this year; can you tell us what this role entails exactly?

Alan Committie: Essentially, to provide a vision for the overall tone and visual look of the evening and then to coordinate, facilitate and shape all the numerous elements that create such an evening. I will also be creating a cohesive feel for all the entertainment on the night, without distilling their particular comic madness and brilliance. Wow, when I put it like this, it actually sounds like quite a tough job. I might ask for more money!

Could you give us a little more info about the three new categories?

The Non-English Act Award category:

• Predominant language of performance is any language other than English
  
• This award acknowledges the act that has made the most impact as a non-English comedian by form of its quality of comedy and its contribution to the comedy industry
  
• Only comedians who are eligible for the Non-English category may vote in this category

Flying Solo category:

• This category is open to all English and Non-English acts that meet the following criteria:
  
• Tickets for the solo-show must have been sold through a reputable ticketing system i.e. The theatre's ticketing system, Computicket, Webtickets, Nutickets etc
  
• The show must have taken place at a reputable theatre/rented venue
  
• The show must have had a proper marketing plan with professional artwork made and distributed by way of outdoor advertising (such as street pole posters), print advertisements, promotional flyers etc

The Best Friend of Comedy Award Category:

• This award may be won by either a registered comedian or any non-registered person nominated by a minimum of five registered comics
  
• The entities eligible to win this award include, but are not limited to, any individual, media channel, company or registered comedian whose work is in the field of growing, supporting, promoting or otherwise championing South African comedy in a non-performance capacity

Once the comics have registered, how does the nominee-selection process happen and when will the nominees be announced?

The comedians will log in to the website, they will choose their favourite three comedians with a weighting for Gold (1st choice) Silver (2nd choice) and Bronze (3rd Choice) in each category. The system then has algorithms that tabulate the comedians with the most votes and most weighting, and the top five are then announced as the nominees at the Press Lunch, which takes place at Parkers Comedy Club, Montecasino on 1 July 2015.

Any exciting new local comics that you are keeping an eye on or are expecting to see come up as nominees at this year's awards?

I think there is some great talent to go to see at the Savanna Newcomer Showcase (taking place on 31 May at The Soweto Theatre) some really good acts coming into the industry.

Will you be giving a birthday present to Waldo?

It's a big celebration for Waldo, but what do you give a guy who has the gift of laughter? Maybe we will rip presents away from Waldo to remind him about the yang to his ying! Seriously, who doesn't like a tearful comic? Other than the tearful comic! As always with the Comics Choice Awards, anything can and might happen. Twice. And then inverted once - for added comic pleasure (I hope by now it is clear that we don't know yet if we are giving Waldo a present or not... )

It must get pretty interesting housing that many funny people in one venue; any crazy backstage stories you can share with us from previous years?

Far too many to mention, but comedy is a serious business, so there is a sense of professionalism back stage, and, of course, nerves - especially at such a prestigious event, but we'll take some pics this year of the backstage shenanigans so you can all see.

We hear there is going to be an epic after party this year. What can attendees expect?

A lot of celebration, a lot of dancing and a lot of socialising! It's the one night when the entire comedy industry gets together and celebrates in style, with a lot of celebrities and who's who, so it's always the party to be at every year! Also, it's the fifth birthday, so we're opening the VIP party to all members of the public who bought a ticket to the show - so they'll have the opportunity to rub shoulders with the funny people and who's who.

What are your thoughts on previous Comic of the Year winner Trevor Noah taking over The Daily Show and the current backlash he seems to be receiving?

I have huge respect for Trevor's ability to seize and use opportunities afforded him and combine that with his charm and comedy toolbox to trail blaze as he is doing. I get that certain comics might have a tinge of jealousy or envy, but really, there is enough work to go around and so many other opportunities to grab - so keep dreaming and working. And having a high-profile South African comedian on the global scene does no harm to those of use wanting to swim in international waters ...

I'm assuming The Daily Show and Trevor have plans as to how they will create a new feel and structure for that show, so why knock it before we know what that is?

What are the best and worst aspects of being a comedian?

Best: Walking into a space and making people laugh. Worst: Walking into a space to make people laugh. And they don't.

Quick-fire questions

What's the first thing that pops into your head when you hear the following words:

Jelly Babies: Why would you be envious of other toddlers at such a young age! Raising a 'jelly' baby who keeps fuming because he doesn't get what others get must be very frustrating. Also, who uses the abbreviation 'jelly' for the world jealous anyway? Other than a desperate comedian trying to be clever in an interview ...

Quiver: Quiver, shake, milk, cow, grass, stoned, rolling stone, Kate Moss, Model, T Ford , Mr T, McGyver, screwdriver, nail, cross, temper tantrum, babies, jelly! (See previous answer.)

It's dry: Well, well, well.

Nkandla: Will land you in hot water. Or, for want of a better phrase, a fire pool!

Voting opens for both comedians and the public tomorrow, 21 May.

Tickets on sale at Computicket.
Early-bird tickets are R250 for all seats until 1 July, thereafter all seats are R280. Ticket price includes access to the official Savanna Comics' Choice Awards after party.

The Savana Newcomer Showcase will take place on the 31 May at the Soweto Theatre.

Go to www.comicschoice.com to buy tickets, vote and for more information.