Sam Campbell, the Australian comedian who finished runner-up on Amazon Prime's Last One Laughing, has responded to fans who called him a psychopath for not laughing during the show. The 34-year-old, who was beaten by David Mitchell in the finale, joked that the result was a stitch-up because Mitchell is a big star from Peep Show.
Joking About the Loss
Campbell quipped that Mitchell had a much bigger dressing room with a private hot tub, while he was in a broom closet and got sick. He seamlessly switches between self-mocking and absurd bits, making it hard to tell when he is serious. When asked if he would return to the show to reclaim his title, he joked, 'I would. Not because I’m a fan of that show, but because I’m a fan of Amazon and Jeff’s a mate.'
New Channel 4 Show: Make That Movie
Campbell stars in and wrote the new Channel 4 comedy Make That Movie, where he plays an artsy but cack-handed director. The show follows a team of film enthusiasts turning public ideas into movies. Campbell says he plays a version of himself 'ratcheted up by about 30 per cent' but hopes he is not that malevolent.
Writing Process
The writing process involved filling in a collective comic strip with director Joe Pelling, known for Don’t Hug Me, I’m Scared. Pelling said they procrastinated by drawing, while Campbell admitted he sulked when ideas were rejected. Campbell’s catchphrase was 'No, no, no, no, no. Not funny enough, not good enough, not beautiful enough.'
Guest Stars and Improvisation
TV viewers who discovered Campbell through Taskmaster will see many show alums as guest stars. Campbell joked they were 'just looking for the next paycheck.' On-set improvisation was encouraged, but much ended up on the cutting room floor. Campbell vetoed a deleted scene compilation, saying, 'If that’s the best, I’d hate to see the rest.'
State of TV Comedy
Campbell initially hesitated to form big opinions but then said Make That Movie will be the tide-turner on doomsdaying about TV comedy. He admitted, 'It’s really hard making a show. It’s better to watch a show. There’s a big, serious threat of it being turd of the year.' However, having watched the show, this reporter doubts it will be.
Make That Movie launches on Channel 4 on May 28.
