Interview: Funny Girl of Vine Brittany Furlan Shares Her Comedic Secrets

This week in our series of interviews with professional Vine creators, we talk to Brittany Furlan about taking comedic risks, creating memorable characters, and just being yourself.

Less than a year ago, Brittany Furlan decided to play around with a popular new video app. Now, shes the third most popular Vine user on the web (with 2 million followers), has been featured on late night telelvision, and has even been hailed as "the next Tina Fey."

Tribeca: How did you come up with your two biggest taglines, "Puhhhfect" and "Goodwills where the partys at"? Did you ever think either one would become such a huge hit?

Brittany Furlan: Haha, I came up with "Puhhhfect" by just randomly saying it one day. I thought it sounded really funny and just kept doing it. I still say it all the time in that weird voice and creep out everyone around me. Its a staple saying for me; Ill probably be saying it on my death bed. "Puhhhhhfec....." *croaks*

I came up with the tagline "Goodwills Where the Partys At" by hanging out at Goodwill and realizing that it really IS where the partys at: People hang out there all day waiting for good things to come out on carts. They talk and laugh and have a good time. All that place needs is dimmer lights, better music, and a full bar and it could be its own club. "Club Goodwill"- Poppin Tags & Bottles since 2013.

Tribeca: Youve created a lot of characters since you joined Vine Natalie Nature, The Retired Beekeeper, True Gangsta. Whats your favorite one and how did you find inspiration for the character?

BF: Everyone always asks me which character is my favorite and to be completely honest, I dont really have a favorite character. I love all of my characters the same. Each character represents a different part of my personality...as scary as that is. Personally, I think everyone has a little beekeeper in them...somewhere.

I use comedy as a way of coping with some of the more difficult things.

Tribeca: Youve been featured on shows such as Chelsea Lately and Jimmy Kimmel. Would you say that Vine is a new way for actors/performers to get noticed?

BF: Yes, yes and yes. Vine is the perfect platform for people to showcase their abilities; whether it be music, stop motion animation, or comedy. Its the perfect amount of time to show people what youve got to offer without wasting too much of their time. It was so awesome to see my vines on Jimmy Kimmel and Chelsea Lately. Now I think my family finally understands that Im not a WebCam girl, haha.

Tribeca: Were you actively making videos before Vine?

BF: No, I wasnt actively making videos before Vine. I found YouTube to be too over-saturated with content and difficult for someone newer to break through on. I would do occasional sketch videos with friends and post them on there but that was about the extent of it. Vine is really what changed the game for me; its easy to use, quick, and the video quality is pretty impressive for an app. I think as our society develops we are becoming used to more instant gratification and Vine really delivers in that arena.

The looping factor adds 40% more comedy to any video.

Tribeca: What Viners/artists inspire you the most? Which collaborations with other Vine artists were your absolute favorites?

BF: My top favorite Viners are: Jordan Burt, KC James, Bo Burnham, Simon Rex, Jason Nash and Josh Peck. They pretty much make me laugh on a daily basis and have some of the most unique ideas out there. Ive collaborated with a few of them and really couldnt pick a favorite, they were all really fun.

Although, I must say, most of my inspiration just comes from what I am experiencing in my life. I use comedy as a way of coping with some of the more difficult things. When Im really stuck I can always bounce ideas back and forth with my boyfriend, Randal Kirk. Hes a director so he has this outlandish mind, and he helps me to see things from another perspective.

Tribeca: If you could change one thing about Vine, what would it be?

BF: I wouldnt change anything about Vine; I think Vine is just... fine. ;)

Tribeca: Have you or do you plan to film anything on Instagram Video, now that its an option?

BF: I shot a few Instagram videos but Im not as serious about doing comedy on there, as I am with Vine. I dont like the fact that Instagram video doesnt loop. The looping factor adds 40% more comedy to any video (in my opinion). I use Instagram Video for mostly experimental stuff, like, "How to shave your armpits". (I havent done that one yet but Im planning on it).



Tribeca: What is one piece of advice you'd give to beginner Viners?

BF: One piece of advice I would give to beginning Viners is: To just be yourself; if youre yourself and do what you love, success will follow. (Also, dont Vine your penis).

Julia Pugachevsky is Tribecas Vine Correspondent (among other things). Check out her round up of the Weeks Best Vines every Friday morning on TribecaFilm.com, and come back next Wednesday for another interview with an expert Vine user (and see last weeks, with Yves Das).

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