“Yeah, it doesn’t feel like [people who promote their own stuff] know what they’re doing, but that’s what talent looks like before anyone has paid for it to look easy.
barry’s economics
Barry Ferns was a comedian for 17 years.
Then he went bankrupt.
While squatting and living homeless he co-founded one of London’s most popular comedy scenes: Angel Comedy.
Alongside hosting the likes of Stewart Lee, James Acaster, Mae Martin and Eddie Izzard, Angel Comedy has supported countless brilliant undiscovered comedians who’ve tried to do something different.
this is barry. he changed his name by deed poll to lionel richie to promote his show because it was cheaper than the other options. he committed to the bit for 7 years
Barry is making something different
Last year he created the radical youtube channel Barry’s Economics.
His videos pull from a vast array of economic, behavioural science and neuroscience research papers uncovering
“the invisible systems that shape our lives: how poverty traps our psychology, why inequality persists, and why the current system works best when we blame ourselves instead of questioning it.”
His arguments are incredibly well researched and as a comedian, he has a particularly good vantage point into the entertainment industry.
Which makes Barry’s Economics a useful tool for actors.
“
“Anyone’s allowed to succeed. You’re just not allowed to be seen trying to succeed.”“
— Barry’s Economics
Cartographer
If we are able to chart a more accurate map of the industry, navigating it becomes easier, our steps forward – more concrete.
We are taught by those who no longer walk the terrain, they don’t see the changes that we’ve seen: Auditions drying up, agents shutting down, opportunities being controlled by fewer gatekeepers.
And daily we are told by those who live in castles that it’s about working harder than we already are.
We have not had an accurate map of the industry for years, if ever.
And we are the ones who are feeling uncertain, desperate, alone, anxious, talentless, insecure, futureless.
People like Barry are helping us see that this is by design.
Here is his most recent.
He gets at exactly what “talent” is. And what gatekeepers are really saying when they say they can spot “it”.
You Think You Lack Talent? Here’s The Proof You’re Wrong:
Don’t let it make you feel like you are the broken one.
You are not.
A x
p.s. happy september.
I’d love to hear how you’re doing. If you have any thoughts or questions or you just need to vent, im here for it. reply to this email. and I’ll get it. x
