Nick Swardson | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade
Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade welcomes comedian Nick Swardson in this episode. The three comedians share personal stories from their early days in stand-up, from mortifying bomb sets to enduring difficult crowds. They discuss the value of having a go-to crowd-winning bit — for Swardson, his cat vomit impression often rescued a struggling show after a risqué opener.
The episode also features humorous anecdotes like Swardson's high-altitude struggles and memorable moments on Adam Sandler films. The conversation turns to the creative process, touching on the freedom of improv versus scripted work and the pressure to constantly develop new relevant material. Whether reflecting on their comedic journeys or the challenges of maintaining a fresh act, the comedians provide an inside perspective on the comedy world.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jul 17, 2024 episode of the Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade
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1-Page Summary
The comedians' personal journeys and experiences in the comedy world
Nick Swardson and Dana Carvey share challenging early stand-up experiences like bombing and tough crowds, which Swardson says toughened his approach. Dana Carvey hints at performing unconventional gigs.
The comedians reflect on their early days
Swardson recalls a mortifying bomb at the Comedy Cellar before his Conan appearance, which other comics laughed at. Carvey nods to gigs like opening for bands.
The importance of a "sure-fire" bit
David Spade underscores the value of having a reliable, audience-winning bit. Swardson says his cat vomit impression often saved sets after explicit openers.
Memorable moments and anecdotes
Humorous incidents with other comedians
The comedians share lighthearted stories involving Adam Sandler films, like Carvey's "jinx" cameos and Swardson landing roles. Spade recalls Norm Macdonald humorously saying Spade wanted to bathe with him.
Altitude challenges
Swardson describes struggling on stage in Aspen due to altitude sickness after taking an edible, which media outlets covered.
The creative process and challenges
Improvisation freedom
The comedians reflect on the liberation of improv on shows like Reno 911 versus scripted work. Swardson would try outrageous lines to make castmates break.
Maintaining relevance
Spade and Swardson discuss moving beyond a signature bit to create a fresh full hour. The comedians acknowledge constantly working on new material is essential.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Nick Swardson's cat vomit impression is a comedic bit where he mimics the sound and actions of a cat vomiting. This unusual and somewhat gross impression became a signature part of his stand-up routine, often used to lighten the mood or recover from a rough start during his performances. It's a memorable and quirky element of his comedy that has resonated with audiences and fellow comedians.
- Altitude challenges in Aspen can affect individuals due to the high elevation of the city, which can lead to symptoms like altitude sickness. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, and fatigue, impacting physical performance. Adjusting to the altitude can be difficult, especially for those not acclimated to higher elevations. In the context of the text, Nick Swardson struggled on stage in Aspen due to altitude sickness after consuming an edible, which garnered media attention.
- "Reno 911" is a mockumentary-style comedy television series that aired from 2003 to 2009. The show featured a group of comedic actors playing inept police officers in Reno, Nevada, and much of the dialogue was improvised rather than scripted. This improvisational approach allowed the actors to create spontaneous and often absurd moments during filming, adding to the show's humor and unpredictability. The freedom of improv on "Reno 911" contributed to the show's unique comedic style and allowed the actors to showcase their quick wit and comedic talents in unscripted situations.
Counterarguments
- While tough crowds and bombing can indeed toughen a comedian's approach, some might argue that it can also discourage new talent and contribute to a negative atmosphere in the comedy scene.
- The notion of having a "sure-fire" bit might be seen as a crutch that prevents comedians from innovating or evolving their act.
- Sharing humorous incidents involving other comedians could be seen as relying on name-dropping or inside jokes that might not be as relatable or funny to the general audience.
- The story about struggling on stage due to altitude sickness after taking an edible could be criticized for potentially glamorizing drug use, even if it was not the intention.
- The emphasis on improvisation might overshadow the value and craft of well-written and rehearsed material, which some comedians might prefer.
- The challenge of maintaining relevance by constantly creating new material could be seen as an oversimplification of the complexities involved in a comedian's career, such as market trends, audience preferences, and personal growth.
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The comedians' personal journeys and experiences in the comedy world
Nick Swardson and Dana Carvey reflect on their early days in the world of stand-up comedy, sharing stories of battling tough crowds and developing their comedic voices, while David Spade underscores the importance of having a reliable bit or joke in a comedian's set.
The comedians reflect on their early days in stand-up comedy and the challenges they faced when starting out
Nick Swardson details his swift rise in comedy, including his early bombing experiences that helped toughen his approach to stand-up. At 19, he gained attention at the HBO Comedy Festival after only six months doing stand-up. This led to a performance at a venue in the Bay Area where Swardson bombed so badly that it led to a silent and awkward car ride back with his driver, who had previously excitedly compared him to Dana Carvey. Swardson's move to New York presented more challenges; he recalls brutal experiences, including being booed off stage, which his peers had warned would be a good place for cutting his teeth as a comedian.
In another instance, Swardson shares a particularly humbling experience bombing at the Comedy Cellar just before he was scheduled to perform on Conan O'Brien's show. The blow to his confidence was exacerbated by other comics laughing at his failure, which he took as another moment to toughen up.
Dana Carvey nods to similar experiences, confirming his acquaintance with John Fox, a booker who offered gigs up and down the coast. Carvey hints at the scarcity of ideal comedy venues by mentioning having to perform less conventional gigs, like opening for bands, a situation many comedians of his time had to navigate.
Nick Swardson shares his experience of bombing on stage in New York City when he was trying to "cut his teeth" as a young comedian, and how it helped toughen him up
As Swardson ventured into stand-up in New York City, the contrast to his initial success in Minnesota was stark with frequent on-stage failures, including an incident where bombing led to silence from a formerly chatty driver. The encouragement of comedians like Kneeland and Judy Gold led him to New York, where he faced the city's notorious crowds and bitter comedy scene, further fortifying his comedic resolve.
The comedians discuss the importance of finding a "sure-fire" bit or joke that can carry a set
David Spade and Nick Swardson discuss the pivotal role of having reliable material in the arsenal of a comedian. Spade discusses the grind of drawing in a tough audience and how a resonating bit can change an entire performance's trajectory.
Nick Swardson fou ...
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The comedians' personal journeys and experiences in the comedy world
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Nick Swardson, Dana Carvey, and David Spade are all well-known comedians in the entertainment industry. They have each made significant contributions to stand-up comedy, television, and film. Their experiences and insights shared in the text provide valuable perspectives on the challenges and strategies involved in navigating the world of comedy.
- "Bombing" in comedy means performing poorly on stage, failing to make the audience laugh. "Cutting teeth" is a term used to describe gaining experience and toughening up through challenging situations. A "bit" in comedy is a short comedic routine or joke that a comedian performs as part of their set.
- The Comedy Cellar is a renowned comedy club in New York City known for hosting top comedians and being a hotspot for both established and up-and-coming talent. The HBO Comedy Festival was an annual event that showcased various comedians and provided a platform for emerging talents to gain exposure and recognition in the comedy industry.
- The text discusses the early career challenges faced by comedians like Nick Swardson an ...
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Memorable moments and anecdotes from their careers
Nick Swardson, Dana Carvey, and David Spade share memorable, light-hearted incidents from their time in the entertainment industry, many involving fellow comedian Adam Sandler.
The comedians recall humorous incidents and interactions with fellow comedians during tours and events
Swardson reminisces about getting a call for a movie role in Hawaii alongside Jennifer Aniston in a half-German character, and Spade chips in about how a whisper of a potential role in a Sandler film usually solidifies into reality. Carvey recalls his cameos in Sandler movies that underperformed at the box office, jokingly referring to himself as a jinx. The veterans laugh about their misjudgments regarding the box office success of "Jack and Jill" and "That's My Boy." Additionally, they touch upon Swardson's participation in hits like "Just Go With It," "Click," and "Grown Ups 2," as Spade reminds him.
Carvey expresses admiration for Sandler's full commitment to his roles, as seen in "Jack and Jill," and Swardson discusses the cult favorite "Grandma's Boy," which he wrote, and its unexpected post-theatrical success.
Dana Carvey shares a story about Norm Macdonald's joking request for David Spade to join him in the bathtub
Spade recounts how Norm Macdonald invited him to chat in his bathtub after a show, an invitation he declined due to how it might look. The next day, Macdonald humorously claimed in a group chat that it was Spade who wanted to take a bath with him.
The comedians discuss the challenges of performing in high-altitude locations
Nick Swardson describes an incident where he struggled on stage due to the ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Memorable moments and anecdotes from their careers
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Nick Swardson, Dana Carvey, David Spade, and Adam Sandler are all well-known comedians and actors in the entertainment industry. They have worked together on various projects and have a long history of collaboration and friendship. Their careers are intertwined, with many shared experiences and anecdotes from their time in show business.
- These movies mentioned are part of the filmography of the comedians being discussed. "Just Go With It," "Click," and "Grown Ups 2" are popular comedy films that feature these comedians in various roles. "Grandma's Boy" is a cult favorite comedy film written by Nick Swardson, one of the comedians in the conversation.
- The comedians shared stories about their experiences in the entertainment industry, including memorable incidents involving Adam Sandler. They discussed roles in Sandler films, box office performances, and their interactions with other comedians like Norm Macdonald. Nick Swardson talked about struggling on stage at the Aspen Comedy Festival due to altitude sickness after consuming an edible, which garnered media attention. The comedians reflected on the challenges and humorous moments they encountered throughout their careers.
- The Aspen Comedy Festival is an annual event that showcases stand-up comedy performances and comedic talent. It is known for attracting both established and up-and-coming comedians to perform in front of industry professionals and comedy fans. The festival provides a platform for comedians to showcase their skills, network with peers, and gain exposure in the entertainment industry. The altitude of Aspen, Colorado, where the festival takes place, can pose challenges for perfor ...
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The creative process and challenges of being a comedian
David Spade, Nick Swardson, and Dana Carvey dive into the nuances of the comedic creative process, highlighting the delights of improvisation and the hurdles of maintaining innovation in their routines.
The comedians reflect on the importance of having creative freedom and the ability to ad-lib on stage
The comedians open up about their experiences with improvisational comedy and the liberation it offers compared to the confines of scripted performances.
The comedians discuss their experiences with improvisational comedy on shows like Reno 911, and the freedom it provides compared to scripted work
Spade and Swardson recall the freedom they savored while filming "Reno 911," a sharp contrast to the predictable nature of scripted work. They highlight the fact that missing a word can result in immediate correction on a typical set, whereas "Reno 911" established a very different dynamic. Dana Carvey echoes this sentiment, valuing environments where every take can be original and unrestricted, steering clear of the monotonous recitation of fixed lines.
Nick Swardson shares how he would try to get the other Reno 911 cast members to break character by saying the most outrageous things
Swardson shares anecdotes about how the largely ad-libbed nature of "Reno 911" allowed for spontaneous comedy. Reminiscing about the film adaptation, he mentions receiving a largely barebones 15-page script, more of an outline of locations than scripted dialogue. This open structure offered a unique take with each performance, far from the tediousness of a conventional shooting day. He recounts with delight his attempts to provoke laughter from his castmates by pushing the envelope and leveraging his character's absurdity.
The comedians discuss the challenges of maintaining relevance and creating new material
Amidst the joy that comes with improvisation, the comedians also shed light on the pressures they face to remain relevant and keep their material contemporary.
David Spade and Nick Swardson talk about the difficulties of transitioning ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The creative process and challenges of being a comedian
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The nuances of the comedic creative process encompass the intricate decisions and choices comedians make to craft their material, from joke structure to delivery style. It involves balancing spontaneity with structure, finding the right mix of preparation and improvisation. Comedians navigate the challenges of staying original and relevant while honing their unique comedic voice. The process often involves trial and error, constant refinement, and a deep understanding of audience dynamics.
- Improvisational comedy involves creating humor spontaneously without a script, relying on quick thinking and creativity in the moment. Scripted performances, on the other hand, involve following a predetermined script with specific lines and actions to be executed. Improv allows for more freedom, unpredictability, and unique interactions between performers, while scripted work follows a structured narrative or dialogue. The dynamic nature of improv can lead to unexpected and often hilarious outcomes, contrasting with the more controlled nature of scripted performances.
- Reno 911 is a mockumentary-style comedy television series that aired from 2003 to 2009. The show parodied law enforcement documentary shows and featured a cast of comedians improvising much of their dialogue. Known for its absurd humor and off-the-cuff performances, Reno 911 allowed actors like Nick Swardson to showcase their improvisational skills and create spontaneous comedic moments. The show's format provided a unique platform for comedic experimentation and unscripted humor, setting it apart from traditional scripted television shows.
- Transitioning from relying on a signature bit to developing new material in comedy involves moving away from using a well-known joke or routine that has become a staple in a comedian's act. This shift requires comedians to create fresh content and jokes to keep their performances engaging and relevant to audiences. Developing new material is essential for comedians to avoid bec ...
Counterarguments
- While creative freedom and ad-libbing are important, some comedians may argue that a well-crafted script can also lead to successful comedy and that structure can enhance timing and delivery.
- Improvisational comedy might offer freedom, but it also requires a high level of skill and quick thinking, which not all comedians may possess or prefer to utilize in their acts.
- The experiences on shows like "Reno 911" may not be universally applicable; some comedians might find that a more scripted environment helps them deliver their best performances.
- The process of creating new material and staying relevant is indeed challenging, but some comedians might find that revisiting and refining older material can also be a valid approach to comedy.
- The transition from signature bits to new material can be difficult, but there are comedians who have su ...
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