Frank Nicotero
Frank Nicotero is known for his “Man On The Street” segments on TBS, and his Yahoo! show “Prime Time in No Time.” He’s now releasing a new comedy album called That Street Smarts Guy. TheCelebrityCafe.com’s Lautel Okhio spoke with Frank about his new album, and what it’s like to be a popular comic today.
TheCelebrityCafe.com: What's it like being a comic today with all the different media out there?
Frank Nicotero: I started comedy 20 years ago and we had to make promo packets. I spent so much time at Kinkos making flyers, and now with the click of a button you can let people know where your shows are.
TCC: Your web series "Prime Time in No Time" has just surpassed 400 million views. What's that like to know that so many people are interested in your stuff?
FN: We're fast approaching half a billion. I got into this show thinking it'd be something that lasted 2.5 months, and now we're approaching our 6,665th show. People used to say, "Hey, I love your show" meaning Street Smarts, but now they're like "I love your Yahoo! Show." I was on the elevator with this old guy and when we got down to his floor he was like, "Hey, I love your Yahoo! Show."
TCC: You've got a new comedy album out, That Street Smarts Guy.
FN: It was pretty cool. I recorded it at the beginning of the year, and I wanted to put it out as a CD, available on iTunes, Amazon, Naptster, etc. People Facebook me and tell me their favorite stuff. It's one of the coolest things I've ever done. People can just download it and put it in their iPod and everything. All the new media is making it easier for people to become fans
TCC: So how does an ordinary guy who wants to do comedy get to where you are? How'd you do it?
FN: Everyone thinks that guys are overnight success. Get on stage as much as possible. You could get on stage like every night back in Pittsburgh. Every time you get on stage, you're facing a different crowd and you learn from it. Get on stage as much as possible, that's my advice to everyone. Especially in L.A. you can get a lot of experience and exposure. Just get on stage and be funny.