Montreal acts vie for TV deal

At least one comic is guaranteed to land a TV deal at the Just For Laughs festival.

Cable network Spike TV is to hold a talent contest on Saturday, with the winner receiving a talent development contract.

Scouts will chose ten performers during the festival to perform a seven-minute set in front of a panel of judges comprising network executives and comic Dom Irrera, pictured.

The Spike The Mike contest will be filmed, but it’s not sure if the actual event will ever be broadcast.

Although the channel is aimed at young males, they say female comics will be considered, too.... even though the contest is being promoted with the slogan: 'Which comic is man enough to be on Spike TV?"

The festival is already considered a prime hunting ground for TV executives to spot new comic talent, with many deals struck on the back of showcase performances.

Published: 20 Jul 2004