This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at McGill chapter.
Inessa Frantowski is funny. And, she’s Canadian. I spoke with Frantowski about her latest projects, her involvement in Avicii’s “I Could Be the One” music video (with over 75 million YouTube views, and counting) and how she turned her interest in making people laugh into a profession.
Reba Wilson for Her Campus McGill: Is it difficult to write humor given that opinions of what’s funny are so different?
Inessa Frantowski: Opinions are like butts. Everybody has one. You should just do what you think is funny. Easiest and most enjoyable way to work. If there is one thing being on YouTube has taught me, it’s that there are always going to be people that don’t like you. Like, some hate my guts, mon! *laughs* But sometimes, the ones who like you, love you, so who cares if some don’t? Be grateful.
RW: Do you recall the first time you realized you were funny?
IF: I think my sister made me dress up and do impressions for my parents. And I think I stole material from Joey of Full House. “Cut. It. Out!” really hit it big with my parents.
RW: How did you decide to pursue becoming a comedian?
IF: After theatre school I was waitressing at a pub, and a buddy came in and suggested I audition for The Second City Conservatory, so I did, and that changed everything.
RW: Do you watch any popular TV shows? Which ones do you find funny, if any?
IF: I love watching the game show Match Game on the Comedy Network! I got to be on it this season but I always watched it last season. Hilarious comedians and they get away with a lot on that show! I never heard the term “fupa” before that.
RW: Who are your comic inspirations?
IF: Chris Farley, Catherine O’Hara, The Kids in the Hall
RW: We saw you in the Avicii video “I Could Be the One”… How does it feel knowing the video has over 75 million views?
IF: It’s crazy because when I was a kid there was no Internet, so it was beyond my dreams that I would ever be able to connect with people so far away in the world. A beautiful experience all around.
RW: I’m sure many of our readers would be interested in the process of filming a music video. Can you walk us through it, please?
IF: Well, there’s a lot of stuff that happens before I’m involved. *Laughs* Deciding on the concept, planning the shots etc., I came in as an actor. Music videos are fun because you don’t have to worry about audio as much, so it can be a lot quicker, you can do a lot of fun stuff, since it’s all going to be edited together in quick cuts. In the Barbados part of the video, we were a small crew, and we rolled around together and shot loads of fun stuff. Plus, they let me improvise, which is the best, so I went nuts! *Laughs*
RW: Do you think your identity as a Canadian has an influence on your career in the entertainment industry?
IF: Totally. Canada is known for producing great comedians, and I have a lot of boring theories about that. But, we do have a unique sensibility and my experience in Toronto has included an amazing alternative comedy community. And The Kids in the Hall in general completely changed my life numerous times in numerous ways. Blew my mind wide open.
RW: What projects are you currently working on?
IF: I just finished shooting a new web series The Amazing Gayl Pile. I’ve worked with this crew before on a show called Cock’d Gunns. I’m really excited about it. We had a blast shooting it.
(Here is the teaser: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ4iWS0LG-U) But my long term goal remains the same: GET ON DANCING WITH THE STARS!
RW: Anything else you’d like to add?
IF: I’d always like to add that I hope people are kind to themselves today. And, I hope there’s some good lovin’ going on out there with your readers. I’m encouraging them to text their respective booty calls/lovers/long term partners and get a good smooch going this afternoon.
Photos retrieved from Inessa’s Facebook page (Photo in body of text is courtesy of Chantale Renee). You can also find her on Twitter: @ifrantowski, instagram: inessaannie or on her website: www.inessafrantowski.com.