Louis CK releases stand-up special direct

American comedian Louis CK is bypassing traditional media to release his next stand-up special directly over the internet.

The video of his hour-long show, to be recorded at the Beacon Theater in New York next Thursday, will be sold to fans for just $5 (£3.15).

It means bypassing broadcasters such as Comedy Central or HBO, which usually commission such shows, as well as the DVD labels that market them.

The comic told talk show host Conan O’Brien last night that he only wanted to make enough money to cover the cost of production.

His move follows the trend started by Ricky Gervais of releasing podcasts direct to fans and cutting out the media middle men, and is in keeping with CKs insistence upon doing things his own way. On his self-titled TV series on America’s FX network, he not only stars, but writes, directs, produces and edits every episode.

The new special, recorded as part of the New York comedy festival, will be available from December 10.

Published: 4 Nov 2011