AI and stand up comedy - BBC News
Comedian Anesti Danelis used AI to enhance his show for the Edinburgh Festival. One of the jokes generated by AI was: “Why did the politician bring a ladder to the debate? To make sure he could reach new heights with his promises!”
Although the AI-generated jokes may not always hit the mark for a live audience, there is a growing interest among comedians in leveraging technology for scriptwriting and idea generation. Anesti Danelis, for example, experimented with popular AI chatbot ChatGPT to create a show titled "Artificially Intelligent".
AI in Comedy
According to Anesti, the AI tool was particularly helpful in the brainstorming process. It provided him with fresh ideas and perspectives that he had not considered before. While about 20% of his show's content was generated by AI, the remaining 80% was a blend of human creativity and AI assistance.
Despite utilizing AI for writing portions of the script, Anesti's performance heavily relied on his delivery. Throughout the show, he seamlessly transitioned between keyboards and guitars to present songs and monologues, engaging the audience with interactive segments as well.
Audience Response
Feedback from audience members has been positive, with many acknowledging the creative use of AI in comedy. While some remain skeptical about AI's role in the creative process, others see its potential in aiding writers and performers to experiment with new comedic material.
As the comedy industry continues to evolve, the incorporation of AI in scriptwriting and performance highlights the intersection of technology and entertainment. While some comedians like Anesti Danelis have embraced AI as a valuable tool, others, such as James Roque, uphold the belief that authentic human connection remains at the core of compelling comedy.
The Future of Comedy
While the debate on AI's influence on comedy persists, comedians like Anesti Danelis emphasize the importance of preserving individual creativity and voice in the comedic process. As technology advances, the balance between AI assistance and human ingenuity will shape the future landscape of stand-up comedy.
With the comedy market experiencing significant growth, both in the US and the UK, the integration of AI in the creative process poses new opportunities and challenges for comedians striving to connect with audiences in innovative ways.
As the boundaries between AI and human creativity blur, the evolving dynamics of comedy production underscore the unique blend of artistry and technology shaping the comedy scene today.
