With all the enthusiasm surrounding social media and how it has revamped the path to success for upcoming comedians, rolling out wanted to catch up comic veteran Pierre Edwards for a few encouraging words and insight regarding how he feels the games is changing.
Is there anything other than comedy you would rather do?
I would like to be the President of the Light Skin coalition, Terrence Howard would be my VP, Steph Curry would be my secretary of state (Golden) , Blake Griffin could be my secretary of interior, The Rock could be my secretary of defense, and Cam Newton (he’s light enough) would be my attorney general. That’s a good question. Many times people have no idea the other talents entertainers have outside of their craft. I use to do all forms of carpentry i.e.: floors, cabinets, install carpet, tile floors, landscaping. So own a remodel house flipping company.
Does being a famed comedian prevent you from doing something you really like? I
It sure does, I can’t go to the public clinic like I used to.
Which is tougher, acting or being a stand-up comic?
It’s tough getting acting jobs, that’s why I make my own movies, but “our” people can be tough on comics if they aren’t really funny, we have no patience for you to get your act together.
Where do you see yourself in comparison to the competition?
I’m competing with every comic that’s making money. It’s friendly to me because really no other comic can stop what’s meant for you. When I grab the mic I can compete with any comic joke for joke, now what separates me from many other comics, I actually come up and film content for TV and film because I write, produce, direct and star in my own projects. So I actually see myself in my own lane at the end of the day.
Do you believe that the social media comedians can stand a chance against the traditional stand up comedians? Why?
Man being funny in a controlled environment ie: in front of your camera is way different than standing in front of a room of strangers. There is no do-overs, another take, etc. But if they are willing to put the time in and construct a real stand up routine I think some of these dudes may have a chance to make some noise on the circuit. I wish them luck, no hate here.
Who influences you in the industry?
My influencers are people like Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley and Kevin Hart, comics who have built empires having their hands in many different aspects of the entertainment business. But Emmanuel Hudson and DC Young Fly are putting in some serious work and given comedians like me a new way to look at this comedy game and how to get the attention for the different things I’m working on outside of the traditional ways.
What projects are you working on now? How can your fans stay connected with you?
Trying to stay from being homeless, hustling daily, I just wrapped up filming a Horror/Comedy trilogy called SLICE (1, 2 and 3). The first film is to be released in April, and the most outrageous edgy web series on YouTube called DATINGPIERRE (it’s about me dating different types of females in Atlanta). I’ve been asked by Russell Simmons personally to join his All Def Digital platform. There’s no more begging to be seen. Now the downside to this is there is so much content out there that it’s harder to be discovered. So many times you see outrageous get notice instead of pure talent. You can follow my craziness on Comicpierre @Instagram ComedianPierre @twitter, Comic Pierre @Facebook.
