In the premiere of “Hacks” Season 3, stand-up icon Deborah Vance, portrayed by Jean Smart, arrives in Montreal to receive the Comedy Special of the Year award at the esteemed Just for Laughs festival. This episode marked the opportunity for the Emmy-winning Max series to acknowledge the world’s most prominent comedy event, which over the years has served as a breeding ground and summer camp for talent, where deals were sealed and comics such as Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, and Quinta Brunson were uncovered.
However, the episode was broadcast at an inconvenient timing. Two months prior, in March 2024, Just for Laughs declared bankruptcy due to unpaid bills amounting to millions accumulated over time from hotels, venues, and production companies. This led to the closure of their global events and production division, casting doubt on the fate of the 43-year-old event, a prestigious comedy industry landmark.
Later in the same year, ComediHa!, led by Sylvain Parent-Bédard, took over Just for Laughs, merging the two brands. As its new president and CEO, Parent-Bédard presided over a slow comeback this year with modest events held in Sydney and Bermuda. With fresh ideas and a renewed emphasis on growth, Just for Laughs anticipates that Hollywood and other areas will flock back to Montreal en masse for the revitalized festival, which takes place from July 16-27. (The lineup remains undisclosed at this time.)
Businessman Parent-Bédard, predominantly French speaking with a radiant grin and a spiky hairstyle, started his first venture at the tender age of 17, crossing the Canadian border to purchase video games from American ports before reselling them in Quebec. In 1997, he made a splash in the comedy world when he leased a venue, invited comedian Stéphane Rousseau to perform, and contacted every businessman in the city, selling tickets individually over the phone.
He developed a deep affection for comedy. “I aspired to establish Just for Laughs in Quebec City, but the previous owner dismissed my idea, claiming it was unfeasible,” he recalls, referring to ComediHa!, which later grew into a complete production company under his leadership. “I am familiar with the intricacies of lighting the stage, adjusting the sound, and managing cables for cameras, as I have personally handled these tasks.” According to him, what distinguishes him from previous ownership of Just for Laughs is a genuine love for comedy and an acute sense of the current trends.
In a straightforward and conversational tone:
“Regarding the old owners, I hold them in high regard, but it’s clear that managing a creative company with a finance mindset isn’t effective,” Parent-Bédard explains. “When I first met the CEO of Just for Laughs in 2018, they had the contact information for every bank and sponsor, but not a single stand-up comedian or their representatives. On the other hand, they didn’t seem to know much about comedy.
Spencer Griffin, previously in charge of development and creative strategy at Just for Laughs, underscores that while the festival has traditionally centered around the unearthing of fresh talent, the latest leadership intends to take on a more proactive approach in supporting artists’ careers.
2021 sees collaborations between Just for Laughs, Rob McElhenney’s More Better Productions (focusing on writers), Will Arnett’s Electric Avenue (for short films and pilots), and YouTube comedy stars Smosh (social media creators program). Successful applicants will be offered development deals and extended mentorship.
As a film enthusiast, I’m all about collaboration. My aim is to bring upcoming artists into the spotlight at our festival and, even more importantly, help them thrive in the industry beyond it. Unlike the old guard who merely wished luck upon newcomers, we’re here to say, “Let’s embark on this journey together, and here’s how we can take those next steps.
Despite some doubts within the industry about the brand’s current status, only a year after filing for bankruptcy, I remain optimistic about Hollywood’s continued enthusiasm for Montreal. Even in this time when comedians are taking charge of distributing their specials and financing movies and TV shows independently, the representatives still view Just for Laughs as a crucial keyholder to many of the entertainment industry’s doors.
In my experience, numerous opportunities for career growth within this comedy industry seem to be vanishing. However, having the support and guidance of a well-regarded organization like Just for Laughs behind me is genuinely thrilling.
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2025-05-05 18:47