There's a brand new channel on the block: MIMOtv.
It's a video platform and community for the best British quirky, arresting and original home grown comedy. Video blogging and the weird world of self-broadcasting, has started a revolution in DIY comedy and now some of the most interesting talent is coming through these channels.
For women, this is good news because it means there is an alternative route to success other than the unforgiving stand-up circuit. Budding comics, actresses, writers and directors can get their shtick out there and win eyeballs without getting an agent first.
MIMOtv was set up by Imogen O'Rorke and Miranda Wilson, who between them have experience in digital marketing, copywriting, journalism, TV and theatre production, acting and script writing. Miranda Wilson's series of sketches, Penny Pincher, can also be seen on MIMOtv as, in her own words, she 'prefers to remain part poacher in her new role as gamekeeper.'
According to Imogen O’Rorke, "It started a few years back with an idea for a blogger-inspired sketch show which celebrated the weirdness of the web. This morphed into raising funding to build a platform which could be a spotlight for new comedy talent, mixing upcoming unknowns with established performers who wanted to test out new material."
Miranda Wilson adds, "With at least 50% of the material shown being written, performed or directed by women, the idea is that MIMOtv will give a fresh approach in an industry still dominated by male writers, directors and performers."
It seems they are something of a sister act to Funny Women, as Lynne Parker founder and chief executive of Funny Women said: "We've been working up to launching a Comedy Shorts Award for the last six months in recognition of the fact that short form film is a great entry point for comedy."
MIMOtv videos are free to view by the general public and equally anybody can submit a clip for consideration. We especially liked Fazia by Cecilia Fage and Hotdog by Croft and Pearce. Check it out here: www.mimotv.tv
