By: Maria Williams
Cultures around the world often have different ways of communicating humor. This is a common observation in translated films where inside jokes or cultural references fall flat for international audiences. Kit Redding, founder of Iconic Pictures International, believes that a genre of global comedy is possible.
Iconic Pictures International leverages a universal language of comedy. The team has proudly begun work on the first film, which it hopes will appeal to a global sense of humor.
Redding hopes investors can support the company’s mission to spread laughter across borders since Iconic Pictures International is an investor-driven startup. Major movies in the comedy genre have demonstrated significant domestic success in recent years. On average, major comedy films have earned around 8.45 times their gross revenue, but only 27.75% of that revenue originates from international markets. This data shows the potential for global resonance in comedy films.
A New Kind of Comedy
Dance Police, a buddy-cop action-comedy film, will utilize a “trademark formula for appealing to all types of cultural humor,” according to Iconic Pictures International. If anyone can invent such a formula, it’s Kit Redding, who has lived in eleven different countries. Redding also has a background in comedy to understand global humor. According to CBS News, he studied film at NYU and improv comedy at The Magnet Theater, one of New York City’s well-known improv schools. His comedy stylings have also been featured on Comedy Central and NBC.
However, this global comedy formula doesn’t come from Redding’s own experiences. IPI takes notes from Redding’s life and carefully analyzes international audience data to give IPI “a unique understanding of what makes a global comedy moviegoer tick.”
“We’ve created a trademark universal language and formula for global comedy,” says Redding.
A Filmmaking Startup to Invest In
This won’t be Redding’s first startup, but it will be his first film company. His previous startup operated in the mental health space, and Redding does see some connection here. He believes in the healing power of humor. “Not everyone can afford therapy, but everyone can afford a ticket to see a comedy movie.”
Despite the focus on comedy, Redding is taking the business side of IPI very seriously, emphasizing that the company is profit-focused. To prove it, he’s built a solid team to back this up.
IPI’s marketing strategist has led social media campaigns for Taylor Swift, Rhianna, Paramount Pictures, MTV, and many more. The company’s Screenplay Analyst has worked on scripts like Anchorman, Zoolander, and Wedding Crashers, and its Chief Strategy Officer has completed numerous IPOs and acquisitions. Altogether, it’s a team with more than 25 years of experience with film and Fortune 500 companies.
The Keys to Global Comedy Success
“None of our films target any one domestic audience,” says Redding of the company’s plans, particularly their first movie, the buddy-cop action-comedy Dance Police. He sees a few factors necessary to make this film and future global comedy movies succeed.
Global film & TV revenue for comedy was $43 billion in 2023, compared to horror at $26 billion. Comedy’s market share is also trending upward from 6.1% in 2019 to 15.1% in 2023.
“Actors’ performances are key to making comedies more globally appealing,” he says. “Additionally, whereas other companies’ departments often work in silos, IPI’s screenwriters and special effects departments work synergistically with the actors to create a global language.”
This global language that Redding wants to tap into is the real, unique value behind the Iconic Pictures International startup. The techniques and strategies that they plan to use are meant to unlock a new, globally successful genre, creating value across brands. The company’s plans include films, stand-up comedy, social media videos, and TV appearances. It’s a big plan, but startups often thrive on big ideas. Redding sees a path to commercial success in this impactful new kind of comedy.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
