Richard Baker, who runs MBA Entertainment with Rick Messina, figures that it's too uncertain at this point how many jobs might be generated by the new channels: "What they're gonna be like two years from now is totally speculative. They can grow in any number of directions and could be a major bone for comedy talent."
But at the moment, the channels aren't right for his people: Client John Mulrooney was just renewed by the Fox Network as host of "Comic Strip Live." Tim Allen just got a Showtime special plus "interest" in developing a network sitcom. Steve White just did five features in the last year and a half.
"This is the level at which we like to see our guys operate," Baker said. "The cable channels would be good steady exposure for people who don't have a ready avenue available."
Circuit rider Sullivan-Irwin, who first stood up in Cincinnati nine years ago, has friends on both channels. He's auditioning on Comedy Channel later this month and he and a pal on HA! TV are working on a "recurring character" concept for him.
"The producers are looking at \o7 everybody\f7 ," he said.
Meantime, you figure that at least playing the Michigan clubs, a young comedian would be learning a lot.
"No," Sullivan-Irwin corrected, "I've had plenty of time to learn; now I'd like to cash in!" He laughed too easily.
