Now in its sixth year, the Comedy Shorts Award is going from strength to strength with this year’s sponsor comedy streaming site NextUp. Our winner Ada Player has won an exclusive produced content deal with NextUp, £1000 cash, a Tatty Devine necklace and support from Funny Women industry partners and community. While Ada couldn’t be at the Awards Grand Final in person, through the magic of technology we were pleased she could join us via Zoom to accept her Award. We caught up with Ada to talk about winning, her comedy short and the importance of collaborating.
Funny Women: How does it feel to win the Comedy Shorts Award?
Ada Player: There are a lot of emotions flying around! It was so exciting and surprising, I did not expect to win, and I’m overwhelmed and honoured to have been in the final with the talented Jo and Zara. I’m a bit gutted to have not been there in person, it looked like an amazing event with a lot of lovely ladies. I also felt a bit shocked to see how big and shiny my floaty face was on the screen. But I should probably be less worried and be grateful that my face was there at all. Nobody probably noticed how HUGE it was.
FW: Tell us about your comedy short Johnny & Tommy.
AP: Johnny & Tommy is about life in a seaside town, and one girl’s string of love affairs. She is the femme fatale of Teignmouth. We made it with Tashi (also playing Tommy) who had just had a baby! If you listen carefully maybe you can hear her gurgling behind the camera.
FW: Can you share a little about your creative process?
AP: Improvising and collaborating! I make most of my films with my brilliant creative partner, Bron. Unfortunately, he’s not a woman, but he is very good. All of the films we’ve made have been inspired by locations we visited because we didn’t have the budget to make spaceships.
FW: What would you say to someone considering entering next year’s Comedy Shorts Award?
AP: DO IT! It’s so amazing to be able to see so many funny women. And the community is so supportive. And it’s free!
FW: And lastly, who are your favourite funny women?
AP: So many! Bridget Christie, Emma Sidi and Lucy Pearman are some of my favourites. Also, my friend Sara Segovia is hilarious. She and some friends have started a clown company called Pointy Finger and I’m SO excited to see what they make next.
Watch Ada Player’s Award-winning comedy short here!
