My talk concerns what I have learned from making 151 short films with teenagers at risk. All of the films are made in one day and the very next day, they get their movie. Many of them are comedies and they cover issues like drug addiction, alienation and even a comedy about self-harm. It’s a dark sense of humour, but it’s what they want to do, no judgements. For a lot of the kids, it’s the first thing they’ve ever finished something. It seems strange to say that but in a world that is upside down, working in a short comedy seems to lift a lot of them from this malaise they’re in. You’re working in a team, you’ve got something to do, you’re moving around, you’re thinking and talking and best of all, it’s funny! 30 odd years ago, Australian comedy was delighted to announce the arrival of Andrew Goodone. His parents were worried he didn’t have an alternative career “in case things didn’t work out”. Completely ignoring their concerns, he dedicated himself to the dark arts of comedy. The comedy Gods have richly rewarded him with work all over the world, several film awards and the adoration of millions …. did I also mention he’s an outrageous liar? This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

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