LAW & ORDER star Anthony Anderson: Brings the Funny!
Anthony Anderson, Talani and Royale Watkins
Recently, I did a photo shoot with the star of LAW & ORDER (NBC) – Anthony Anderson. I’ll share the why details in a later post. By chance you’re not a fan of TV, his big screen resume includes Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed”, “Kangaroo Jack”, “Hustle and Flow” and “Me, Myself and Irene” to name a few.
Behind the scenes, I have been fascinated that the star of the soon to be longest running TV series of All-Time was embarking on an independent grassroots Internet series. Why not simply collect his weekly monopoly money and be content? I soon discovered Anthony Anderson is unique. Due to the rapid evolution of the Internet, major Hollywood studios are scrambling to design Internet specific entertainment. Keeping his ear to the pavement Anthony Anderson and his partner Royale Watkins created MIXTAPE COMEDY - defined by fans as the Def Jam Comedy of the Internet. I had the pleasure of being the guest of Anthony’s at the NYC recording. The show was comprised of a who’s who of comedians, but none shined brighter then a surprise impromptu performance by funnyman Tracy Morgan of 30 ROCK (NBC).
What makes MIXTAPE COMEDY ingenious is the incorporation of social networking sites such as Facebook. The phenomenal part is 75% of the audience was directly from Facebook. Hardcore members come from all over the country, as far away as Canada to show support. During segments of the show, FB loyalist are recognized and honored on stage. The personal touch has proven to be a highly effective marketing tool. The cost of these same results, utilizing offline marketing traditionally, would equate to enormous sums of start up capital.
Obviously, Anthony isn’t hurting for money, fame or work. So I asked the simple question WHY? Without hesitation he stated “Did you see what Obama accomplished utilizing the Internet? Whether in politics, business or entertainment, social media is the model for the future” (Read Exclusive: Barack 2.0) . Needless to say his primary focus is LAW & ORDER, but he consistently thinks outside the box. Anthony Anderson’s body of work supports his creative method of madness, by navigating the acting disciplines of comedy and drama or between TV and motion pictures.
On deeper observation, I noticed in Anthony some of the common denominators of ALL highly successful individuals:
1. Not controlled or limited by fear – a major dream destroyer is FEAR. We all are affected by this emotion to some degree. However, the art is not to cause self inflicting wounds but to use “The fear of failing” to succeed.
2. Money is not the stimulant but a by-product – The fastest path to failure is to be lead by greed. Passion should always be the main ingredient, as grandma would say when asked why her food was so delicious, “Always cook with some love.” However, passion alone is not the formula but it is a valuable contribution.
3. Positive, Productive and Proactive – Learn to work as hard and diligently for yourself as you would for a boss. Wake up on time. Complete tasks on time. You owe yourself more respect than you owe a day job. To your boss, you are replaceable. To yourself, you are PRICELESS.
The show is still in production but you can watch a hilarious promo on the MIXTAPE COMEDY website. Recording of episodes are in NYC and seats are available to the public. I strongly encourage anyone in need of some laugh medicine to attend a taping, as Anthony Anderson’s MIXTAPE COMEDY is poised to be groundbreaking.
I included a few behind the scene photos.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Exclusive pictures of Anthony on stage
Co-Creator and original Def Jam alum Royale Watkins
Hardcore Facebook loyalist Dollar Bill came from Canada to show
Another Facebook member acknowledged on stage
Royale and yours truly
Massive respect to you and the Mixtape crew.
Your great write up, will be a helpful tool in shopping the show up here in Canada.
This is a family thang and for me has little to do with who’s the name, it’s all about the game and the teamwork.
Everyone feels they are part of something larger.
While it is a great and entertaining night, well worth the 24 hours of travel time for me, it is the potential that goes far beyond and deeper than just a show.
Great picture of me too, it looks like I am packing a little extra, but I wasn’t THAT excited to be on stage!
Great piece!
Talani,
I see you still have big things popin.
Keep up the great work.
Hardroll
Great work…Respect..please dont stop the super cool stuff you are doing..
Yo, you continue to amaze me, Soul-jah! This blog has pushed the illusionary parameterz one can travel toward success. You are a true testament to that!
It’s crazy Anthony is on that tip—correction, it’s NOT crazy. For those intuned with the vybration, one can see the opportunities the web offerz.
It’s not a coin-kee-dink, I wrote a piece regarding that. If I may, I’d humbly add this contribution: http://daghettotymz.com/current/blackmedia/blackmedia.html
Bless!
Where r the sistahs who showed luv?
Otherwise – Good piece!
Good to see you making moves, hope all is well.
Best
Irvin
I’m a fan of Anthony Anderson’s movies. He adds a lot and has a good career ahead of him. Thanks for sharing.
Good stuff on the new piece, you are definitely doing your thing. I am proud to be your uncle, hahahaha.
Love Anthony Anderson! He’s hired a lot but not talked about enough.
I am loving the Tao of Talani. This is allowing me to learn more each DAY. I know Anthony and Royale and love what they are doing this is a great piece. It is also giving me inspiration for my own project
Good Stuff, see you climbing….Keep positive and working hard. Anthony Anderson is a very funny and great actor.
Talani,
That was a great read! Thanks so much for sharing! I love that pic of you three. Haahahaha!
My dude is making some waves. The site is hot BTW.
Great piece! I look forward to tuning in to your site.
Big Uncles is proud of his favorite nephew!
THATS WASSUP! ITS GOOD TO SEE YOUR DOING YOUR THING. BIG FAN OF ANTHONY AND ROYALE, BEEN FUNNY FOR A LONG TIME KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK … (ANOTHER PRODUCT OF HOOTERVILLE)
Good to see good people doing good things!
Talani,
The best thing you ever did was quit your 9 to 5 and embrace your true passion. Words can’t express the lump I have in my chest for what your doing brother. It only makes me wonder where you would be today if you had embarked on this path with me 14 years ago when I left the cold streets of NJ for the hidden oasis of LA. Keep up the excellent work brother!! I’m watch’n ya fo’ real now!!!
Your brother,
Eric G.
Great job TOB! Keep it up & God Bless!
Another great piece. Love the pics, and it’s funny I have been following the Mixtape tour on FB too. Now we need to get them on the Raw Food too.lol
Talani, the suave and debonair one..
Keep doing your thing, Bro..
Got a knack for this!!
I’m loving the Tao of Talani. I met Anthony Anderson last year at the Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige tour in NYC. He’s a great actor that doesn’t get the props that he deserves.
Anthony and Royale have created a movement with this Mixtape Comedy and the vlogs on facebook too. I started my vlog on face book because of Royale(the Daily Grind with Mike Reynolds) Shameless plug…lol, and I thought that the Mixtape was going to be a one time thing but the response was just unbelivable so hey keep it going. I drive up from DC every third sunday of the month to see the show beacuse of 3 things:
1) I Belive in what they are doing with this,starting this from the internet with REAL people
2)It’s like family Now…everybody I’ve met from this I have never met a day of my life in person..but when we get together for the mix tape it’s like we have known each other for a long time and it’s all love.
3)Royale and Anthony are Real cool guys and they make everybody a part of this as you see in your pics.
So for that I will continue to support these guys and this movement…as Royale says…TEAMWORK.
Talani . . . Lookin good brutha . . . the Tao of Talani . . . LOL!! You are definitely a force not to be played with. Keep up the good work!! And stay blessed!!
Luv,
Ann W.
Great piece of writting , entertaining yet still packed w/ gems of wisdom. I’m going to have to use that saying .. “money is not a stimulant, its a by-product”.
Talani,
I am very proud of you and admire your drive. Behind every successful person they are driven. For, many years you have talked about your goals and how the corporate world wasn’t for you and that you needed to break away and become your own boss. I believe you are on to something big here and i wish you all the best. In college i knew you were wise, even though i won’t discuss the answers we swapped. And far as the mix tape, I am a big fan of Anthony Anderson, he is hilarious as well as Royale Watkins. Great Work!!! Great pics!!! Great topics!!! GREAT BLOG!!! GOOD THINGS COME TO GREAT PEOPLE!!!
Live Well,
Sharone
Talani,
I know how much you hated working in Corporate America. I was happy when you stepped out on your dream. I knew you could do it. Now, we all can see how much you love what you are doing. I’m proud of you * Super Star * Nice work.
Keep working hard, it will come. Never stop believing in yourself.
I live in Atlanta now (I’m a “proper” Bostonian) and I would like to see the show come to Atlanta. Maybe one day…. These guys have fun on Facebook and I am glad to see their success. Add Royale Watkins and Anthony Anderson as friends on Facebook. Follow them on Twitter. Keep up the good work, guys!
TaaG,
LOOKING SMOOTH… KEEP NETWORKING!
T,
As usual, you didn’t let readers down. What did it for me this time was the line, ” You owe yourself more respect, than you owe a day job.” …’Nuff said. I’ll remember that while completing this second CD for the King.
P.S. you killin’ ‘em wit dat shirt in the photo.
Blessings,
~ 360 (C.Smith)
I am an Anthony Anderson fan. I’m very pleased with his success, and Comedy is his Natural gift.
I like the page also…I build websites.
You know I’m one of your biggest cheerleaders right! I read the post the day you sent me the message on it and have been driving others to it since. I realized didn’t leave you any love. Here’s the LOVE!
I din’t know about mixtape comedy, thank you for enlightening me.
Love this piece. Its great to see people step outside when one doesn’t have to. Also, helps one to look inward on what you can accomplish if you really want it.
Awesome piece!!!!
Talani,
That’s a very interesting read. Keep on doing what you’re doing. You are great.
Talani,
This is soooo you. Man, I’m proud of you. “See I knew I chitchatted with you for a good reason”, you have a good head on your shoulders and this is definitely your calling. Continue to embark on these God given talents and take the world by storm.
Peace and Blessings,
Sharon.
Mixtape Comedy is the bomb and a blessing. In these tough financial times, these brothas are making it so affordable to get out and have a great time. I can’t wait to get back to NY to go again.
Sheila
The Ghetto Cooking Show
http://www.thewots.info/tgcs
dream it create it
T Good -
Good read. And I’m fealing the blog too. I see that big things are going to pop. Keep it up. Let’s get up my man.
Nitty
Global Urban Music LLC
http://www.Myspace.com/dicedollar
http://www.emusicblast.com/dicedollar