Amanda Alvich put some darlings under sedation

Amanda Alvich is a New York Emmy winner and a two-time Daytime Emmy-nominated comedy writer, filmmaker, producer, and video editor who resides in Brooklyn, New York. She received her Master’s in Directing at the School of Visual Arts in 2017, where she directed her first short film, “OUT.”

Amanda has worked at BuzzFeed as a producer for their Facebook Watch show “Did You See This?” and as the lead video editor for their Twitter show “The Buzz.” Previously she’s worked at NBCUniversal, where she produced and edited various shows, including “George To The Rescue,” “Talk Stoop,” and “Open House with Sara Gore.” She was a finalist for the 2018 Coca-Cola Regal Films competition where she wrote, directed, and edited a 30-second spot that was screened across Regal Cinemas nationwide.

Currently, Amanda works at Paramount as a video producer and editor.

In her free time, Amanda enjoys taking naps, yelling at the pigeon who has been building a nest outside her window, and performing stand-up. Amanda has performed at the New York Comedy Festival, was a semi-finalist in the New York Queer Comedy Festival and currently produces/hosts her own show, Top 5 Comedy.

Did you have an un-sexy starter job? 

I’ve certainly had my share of un-sexy starter jobs, but I truly believe it should be mandatory for everyone to work some sort of customer service job at least once in their lifetime (retail, food service, etc). I don’t think I’d be the same person I am today if I didn’t witness a customer shit in a fitting room. Twice.

What were you like as a teen?

On Christmas Day in 2001, I received a special gift from my parents that forever changed my life: a Sony Digital Zoom Hi8 Camcorder. My tiny pre-teen 12-year-old brain instantly exploded with ideas. Over the next few days, I forced my younger brother and our elderly, toothless Yorkshire Terrier to star in my directorial debut, “Agent 008”–a comedy spy thriller featuring my parents in a deep state of regret over their choice in a Christmas present.

What began as a childhood hobby (riddled with questionable child labor practices and OSHA violations) quickly became a serious passion for filmmaking and comedy. I began to find my own comedic voice and realized how much I enjoyed making people laugh. This continued throughout high school, where I made several short films and was an anchor for the daily morning announcements. I am extremely grateful to both my loving family and my high school TV Studio teacher Mr. Brogan, who encouraged me to be goofy and express myself through these outlets.

What transcendent advice would you croak at a young comedian?

It’s corny, but JUST DO IT, BITCH! Don’t overthink, just do!

When you were coming up in comedy, what helped you stick with it?

Knowing that I could make people laugh was all I needed. There’s something about being up on a stage alone, sharing your deepest most personal stories in the hope that the audience “gets it,” and then having them laugh and enjoy what you’re saying. That is all I need to keep me going.

How has being funny helped you in your offstage life?

Being funny has certainly helped me become more confident as a person. It has also helped me face parts of myself that I might have otherwise deemed too difficult or painful. Comedy is my coping mechanism, and before doing stand-up I would practice my sets on my therapist (without them knowing).

What is your go-to show or movie?

30 Rock and Broad City never let me down. Also, The Heat with Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy always makes me LOL.

What specific things can a young comic/comedian do to shape their voice? 

Embrace your trauma, quirks, and differences. What makes you unique is what makes your comedy unique.

Was there one person who inspired you to go into comedy?

Growing up, Tina Fey was my inspiration to pursue both writing and comedy. I loved watching her on SNL and was completely obsessed with “Mean Girls.” A special shout-out to the “Scary Movie” series (mainly because of the hilarious Anna Faris and Regina Hall), “That’s So Raven” (the true PEAK of Disney comedy), and MADtv’s “Stewart” sketch.

Have you ever found it hard to “kill your darling?”

“Kill” is a strong word… how about we say that I put some of those darlings under a very heavy sedative?

Do you have a writing routine? 

My daily routine consists of writing one hour a day, with no excuses (except if it’s, like, a really good excuse).

Even if it’s just staring at a screen, having writer’s block, and not actually typing anything, I must sit and dedicate time.

I find that it’s a lot easier for me to write jokes for stand-up rather than writing screenplays, so I typically have to revert to this Jordan Peele quote to feel better about myself:

“When I’m writing the first draft, I’m constantly reminding myself that I’m simply shoveling sand into a box so that later I can build castles.“ – Jordan Peele

What single word always cracks you up?

BOOFING.