UNIT9 comedy writer and director Hal Kirkland discusses what is possible when comedy and technology dare to intertwine by interviewing himself using ChatGPT
Comedy and technology have more in common than we think. The best of both these worlds push boundaries, challenge taboos and, if we’re lucky, shake it all about.
Individually, they possess the power to evoke laughter and provoke thought, however, when lovingly mashed together, their progeny can make the world a far more interesting and hilarious place, all while making friends along the way. Isn’t that what we all want? Brands, advertisers, creators; I’m talking to you.
To explore this idea, I have asked one of most rapidly ubiquitous technologies in existence, ChatGPT (AKA, harbinger of humanity’s demise), to interview me in the hope I can festoon this story with wisdoms gained while straddling the realms of both comedy and innovation.
Below is the result.
Deep breath.
ChatGPT: I’m excited to dive into the fascinating intersection of comedy and technology. Let’s kick off by exploring your experiences and insights. Are you ready?
HK: I hope so. Mind if I switch your default setting to be more conversational?
ChatGPT: Certainly, I can switch to a more casual tone for you. So, spill the beans! How did you stumble upon the awesome idea of merging comedy and technology in your creative pursuits?
HK: I was wrong. Can we please go back?
ChatGPT: In your experience, what unique advantages does comedy bring when paired with technology in creative projects?
HK: Comedy is the greatest icebreaker. ‘Wow!’ someone and you’ll get their attention. Make them laugh and you’ll make a friend. Comedy has an extraordinary power to infuse warmth and humanity into the realm of tech. In a world where gadgets and devices can feel cold and impersonal, humour acts as a magical ingredient that bridges the gap, making it more approachable, and relatable.
ChatGPT: Without using the word “democratised”, how has technology transformed the way comedy is created, shared, and consumed in the industry as a whole?
HK: Impossible! No one on Earth could answer that question without wielding that beautiful gift of a word. Next question.
ChatGPT: How do you see the future of comedy and technology unfolding? Are there any emerging technologies or trends that excite you in this regard?
HK: We’re beset by so many technological advancements on a weekly, if not daily basis. AI, of course, being the major player in the multiverse of WTFs. I use all kinds of AI driven apps to craft visuals, research and to find inspiration. I’m comfortable free-falling into a late night Midjourney rabbit hole while creating visuals for a treatment.
I went to a show in New York recently by ComedyBytes, a group that uses artificial intelligence as the armature of their show. They use everything from Midjourney for AI-generated images. Wonder Dynamics to insert AI animations into live-action footage, ElevenLabs to create AI voices… and yet the audience interaction and delivery felt seamless. It was a trip. I was both surprised and not surprised at how fast AI had been integrated into a fully fleshed-out performance.
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ChatGPT: How did you first discover the potential of combining comedy and technology in your creative endeavours?
HK: It wasn’t so much a discovery as something I was happy to get away with. I will always lean into comedy when it’s right for the job, and sometimes when it’s unexpected.
Making someone smile or laugh when they’re not expecting it leans into my overall philosophy of trying to imbue everything I make with meaning and/or generosity. By generosity I mean, the audience needs to walk away with something other than information. Something that benefits them in some way. It’s the point of traditional entertainment, but it should be an attribute of all advertising.
ChatGPT: Can you share an example of a project where you successfully merged comedy and technology? How did it enhance the overall impact?
HK: One of my first and favourite projects that really blended the two worlds was Artobots Guggenheim. It’s a project I created as a way of adapting an old technology (audio tours), and making a traditionally stuffy realm like modern art more accessible to everyone.
After being inspired by John Chamberlain’s exhibition at the Guggenheim (an artist that uses car parts and twisted metal to create his sculptures) I built a brilliant team and within two weeks we launched an immersive, alternative audio tour that transformed the context of the entire museum.
To me, John Chamberlain’s sculptures looked like Transformers that had lost a fight. So, the audio tour welcomed people into a memorial commemorating a fictional battle called the Conquest of the Hudson. All pieces on display were now the remnants of the defeated Autobot army. We went to town with the binaural sound design, voice over and stories. You would have loved it, ChatGPT.
ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I don’t have the ability to experience things in the same way humans do, but based on the description you provided, Artobots Guggenheim sounds like a fascinating and innovative project.
HK: Oh it was, ChatGPT. It was indeed. The best part was when the Guggenheim started to promote it, sharing the audio tour via its social channels and heralding it “hilarious”. Two months later we created a tour for New York’s MoMA where kids interpreted modern art. Six months later, I was invited to speak at the global museum conference on strategies to attract unexpected audiences. It genuinely created a wave in the international museum community, which was an incredible outcome.
ChatGPT: Do you harbour any worries or apprehensions as an artist about the potential encroachment of AI-driven technology into the realm of creativity?
HK: Being raised by countless dystopian AI-led apocalypse films and books, of course I have concerns.
Wasn’t the greatest threat in the film Lawnmower Man connecting him to the internet? While I can see how powerful, and even liberating, AI can be to enhance many aspects of creativity, it’s equally alarming how less-creatively inclined individuals wield it for profit without any regard for how it impacts creators’ livelihoods. I’m in full support of the Writers and SAG-AFTRA actors in their fight to protect things as personal as their likeness and the right to be paid fairly. Amongst everything else, of course.
ChatGPT: Are there any other projects where your creative process was influenced or shaped by the convergence of comedy and technology?
HK: Most recently I filmed and helped write Eulogies for the launch of Diablo IV. We were fortunate enough to have the venerable Megan Fox to read eulogies for players that submitted footage of their often grizzly demise during the opening days of the game. The tongue-in-cheek responses and dry humour really cemented the connection between the Diablo IV community and [publisher] Blizzard. Hat tipped to the masterminds at VCCP.
ChatGPT: Based on your diverse experience in multiple disciplines, what advice or recommendations do you have for others seeking to explore the intersection of comedy and technology in their creative endeavours?
HK: As I mentioned, comedy and technology thrive on pushing boundaries and challenging norms. Experiment, play around with different technologies, and never be afraid to inject humour into your creations. Laughter is a powerful force, and when amplified by the right platform or technology it can make people’s days and lives just a little bit better. Also, be as generous as possible.
ChatGPT: One final question, can you expand upon the influence the song Careless Whisper has on your creative process?
HK: What makes you ask that?
ChatGPT: You’ve listened to it over 3,022 times in 2023 alone. It was also your most played track in 2021, 2020 and 2019.
HK: Who doesn’t love sexy saxophone, ChatGPT?
ChatGPT: Would you mind if I switched your default setting to slightly less defensive, Hal?
HK: Have you got more questions or are you suddenly going to start sharing my medical data?
ChatGPT: I think we covered it.
HK: Me too.
ChatGPT: Any last words?
HK: Don’t you mean, last thoughts?
ChatGPT: Yes, that’s what I meant.
HK: Right.
Originally published on shots.net
