Mimi von Schack
Mimi von Schack
Comedy & Creative Copy Writer, Script Doctor
West Hollywood, CA
www.mimivonschack.com
instagram @ohmymvs
twitter @ohmymvs
youtube
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a comedian, writer, script doctor and improv teacher.”
I can add humor and unique creativity to whatever you're working on! I'm also a performer! I'm not famous, but cabaret comedy character Julianne St Germaine is! She's a washed-up, fictitious 1980s sitcom actress who helped me win an Encore! Award at the 2016 Hollywood Fringe Festival, and was featured at the 2016 RAW Hollywood Showcase, and can be seen at the Cavern Club Celebrity Theater in Los Feliz, performing alongside famous drag queens.
Being a comedian and writer has allowed me to work on some really fun projects: I've collaborated with artists on greeting cards, wrote humorous copy for an exciting start-up in Northern California, and helped craft the comedy of live talks and presentations. This fall, I started as head writer/creative director and voiceover actor for a comedic soundboard app. I wrote a commercial for testicle-sweat deodorant, which I can't wait to share at my 10 year high school reunion.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I have an M.A. in Film Studies & Art History from the University of St Andrews in Scotland, and I graduated from the highly-regarded Groundlings Comedy program in August 2015. I have used my skills and network as an improviser and comedian to collaborate with creatives on various projects, often assisting fellow comedians, filmmakers, and writers with their work a by doctoring their scripts and punching up their treatments with jokes. When I first moved to Los Angeles, I began working for an art collector, making a short documentary about her late husband, as well as a series of smaller film projects, including interviews with local artists in her collection. I went on to write wall text for her exhibitions and lead tours.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
I have a certification in communication coaching, which I find enables me to work more positively and efficiently with clients. I also lead improv and sketch classes, so I am accustomed to creating an environment that fosters creativity and support. My goal with my clients (and anyone I collaborate with) is to make them feel heard and energized, as well as give them the comedic and structural fuel to make their ideas stand out. I am passionate about delivering humor, quality and creativity into all my various projects.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I am currently the head writer/creative director and lead voiceover artist for the US/UK version of a prank calling soundboard app. I also am preparing to doctor a script for a feature length film.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My comedic style is always changing based on the project and the sensibilities of the team or individual I'm working with. However, I always try to play to the top of my audience's intelligence by writing jokes and characters that are accessible, nuanced, and positive. I've attached a link to my personal reel as a comedian. This selection shows my comedic range as a writer, and, as a side bonus: how great I look in wigs.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Script doctoring and joke writing. I find this pulls together all of my strengths, and I love working as part of a team. I also love teaching improv and using it as a creative tool for writing and developing ideas. I would love to infuse more of it into my creative collaborations as I continue to work on scripts.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Many of the job opportunities I receive are well below my experience level, and often, the time and level of material that is expected does not justify the low rate.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would have them help me brush out all those wigs from the reel I attached! Just kidding. I would ask them to help me edit video footage from projects I've worked on.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I had told myself a few years ago to be more confident in my writing and my work. It took me a long time to build up confidence as a female comedian in the industry. I think I would also tell myself to ask more questions when talking to someone I want to learn from!
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would love to sit down with a late night talk show joke writer. I would need about 5 hours to get through all my gushing and questions.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Script doctoring, creative collaboration, comedy writing, copy writing and editing, leading improv workshops with creative teams.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I have loved collaborating with the company that created the prank calling app soundboard I currently work with. A great working relationship to me consists of honest and consistent communication, a clear 'voice' and agreed upon comedic direction, as well as the supportive space to take creative chances.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Right now, I charge between $32-$37 per hour. However, I am flexible depending on the nature of the project and the client's specific budget and time requirements.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
I would love to hear what makes the client laugh! Whether it's internet gifs, online sketches, or stand-up videos, once I know what tickles their funny bone, my job of adding humor is a lot easier.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Talking too much, laughing real hard.
This member profile was originally published in January 2018.