Funny or Die Comedy Attracts Millions of Viewers, Katie Couric Looks In

According to internet media:The Funny or Die videos are part of a website that was created by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, and has seduced millions of viewers with their hilarious videos which feature celebrities galore.  The concept started with a video called “The Landlord”, which featured a tough as nails toddler and the two men who started Funny or Die, with the toddler trying to collect the rent from Will Ferrell.  The video went viral, and became an instant sensation with over 75 million views thus far.Funny or Die launched back in 2007 with five employees, and has now grown to 63 employees, and is led by Mike Farah, who is president of production, as well as Jake Szymanski who is the director.

Katie Couric interviewed the two illustrious leaders, which can be watched via YouTube Video Here.   When asked to name a favorite by Couric, Farah was unable to pick one, claiming there were just too many that equaled a phenomenal experience for him to be able to select just one.   Szymanski backed up Farah’s answer by stating that they get to work with so many great people, that it would be impossible to pick just one, naming Charlie Sheen, Dylan McDermott, Jewel, and more.

The team tries to incorporate a great deal of variety into the videos, ranging from risque to downright silly.  While it is clear that the Funny or Die employees have a lot of fun, several of them indicated that at Funny or Die, comedy is serious business.

The interview went on to reveal that the group really became involved due to the nature of the project, and would have remained involved even if it was only their close friends watching the videos rather than the millions of viewers they have attracted.

The site gets around 33 millions views each month, with celebrities starring in the videos for free, and advertisers paying for their shot at being a part of a viral video.  It is only recently that Funny or Die has actually become profitable.    They are signed up with HBO for a feature film, and TBS purchased the “Undercover Karaoke” for a potential reality series.

You can read the entire interview at CBSnews.com, and watch all the incredibly hilarious videos at FunnyorDie.com.
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