Meet: Max Zavidow
NYC-Based Comedian, Content-Creator, Writer, and Performer.
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Join us as we chat about Max’s first memories with comedy, internet culture, the creative process, and more.
Before we start, for those who don’t know you, share with us what you do and where you’re based!
My name is Max Zavidow, aka formerteenheartthrob, and I’m a comedian, content-creator, writer, performer - I think the best way to sum it up is that I am a silly person. I’m based in New York, although I grew up in northern New Jersey and went to university in Los Angeles at the University of Southern California.
What were your first memories of comedy? Is there anyone in particular that stands out that you think was the catalyst for where you are now?
My first memories of comedy that made me want to be a comedian were watching Daniel Tosh’s Tosh.0 with my mom, watching Will Ferrel and Seth Rogen movies with my cousin Brian, and seeing stand-up comedy from Jo Koy and Aziz Ansari. I first became obsessed with making people laugh when I was in 7th grade, honestly, because it was the best way I knew to get attention. I would write letters to Comedy Central telling them why they should give me, a 12-year-old, my own sketch show. After 8th grade, my mom sent me to a stand-up comedy day camp. When I think about the people that have influenced my comedy and desire to be a comedian the most, I cite Gary Gulman (the uncontested GOAT), Mike Birbiglia, Sarah Silverman, and Daniel Sloss.
A lot of performers have their own alter ego of sorts that allows them to lean into their content. Do you?
I don’t think I necessarily use an alter ego for my videos - at most, I’m playing a heightened version of myself. That was definitely the case when I first started making videos, because they were much more centered on myself. Now, my videos are more about story-telling, and while the stories themselves may be absurd and outlandish, I’m not necessarily using an alter ego to bring the story to life.
You wear this incredibly blinged-out NEW YORK hat in almost every single video. Can you share more with us? What’s the story there?
For sure! The New York hat is a staple of my videos. I hope when people see the hat/me, they know they are in for a ride. I got the hat with my two friends, Jack Reichert and Ryan Arrison. At the time, we were pitching a show idea together - it was the first time any of us had pitched anything. The day before the pitch, we bumped into a comedian, Ari Shaffir. We thought he might have some advice for first-time pitchers, so we asked him what we should do in the meeting so it went well. Ari gave us this advice - “it doesn’t matter much what the idea is; if you make them laugh, they’ll want to work with you.” And so, Jack, Ryan, and I decided to show up to the meeting in matching suits and the most ridiculous hats we could find. We went on the hunt for a Yankee fitted flat-brim, but when we walked into the store in Little Italy, we saw the hats and knew immediately we could never find an uglier head piece, so we purchased them. The second we showed up to the meeting, the people on the other end lost it and couldn’t stop laughing - we really looked like morons. Later that day, after the successful pitch, the three of us went to make videos, kept the hats on, and the videos went viral. We decided we wanted to keep wearing the hats and I haven’t taken it off since.
You produce a lot of great content on a very consistent basis. What does the planning process look like when it comes to mapping out your content for the week?
I generally try to produce 1-2 videos a week. I used to put out 4-6, but they were much smaller productions so they were easier to crank out. Since I shifted my content to what it is now, (high production, large casts, lots of props, elaborate stories, multiple locations), my process per video will look like this. The production cycle is roughly 5 days. On Day 1, I write the video, on Day 2, I finish writing, order props and organize the cast, on Day 3, I get last minute props, on Day 4, I film and on Day 5, I edit the video. Then I’ll post them. Ideally, I can get out 5/6 videos like this a month. I aim for 3 million likes and 15 million views a month on Tiktok. Sometimes, it’s way over, sometimes it’s way under but that’s generally what I see on average.
Separately from the actual planning process, what does the creative process look like for you?
The creative process involves a lot of time sitting in libraries/outside just thinking and watching videos. Once I have a single thought I want to build around, I let my imagination run wild. Once I have a thought that makes me audibly laugh out loud, I know I’m getting closer.
How do you navigate creative blocks when you encounter them? Do you have any collaborators that you bounce ideas off of?
When I have creative blocks, I take a break and go live my life. That’s the best way to get around the blocks - go have fun and see your friends. Sometimes running helps me get around an empty mind. Also, when I have an idea I feel pretty good about, I like to bring it to Andrew Greene. He’s a fantastic creator in his own right and really understands what I want to make - he sees my vision and helps me craft the story. If I want someone to sense-check my story structurally, or help me punch up an ending, Jack Reichert is the man for the job. He really understands how to put a bow on a story and give the viewer a sense of peace at the end of a video.
How has internet culture inspired your work?
More ways than I can count! A lot of what I do at present is satire of man on the street, so without all the content people create and put online, there wouldn’t be much for me to satirize.
On the more positively inspired side, I find a ton of inspiration from creators like Jericho Mencke, Grant Beans, and Dego Boop. They make videos where at the end of them, you’re left in disbelief that not only did someone have an idea so outlandish, but they actually went and created it. I feel a sense of shock and wonder when I watch their videos that I hope people feel when watching mine. The twists and turns they incorporate really keep me on my toes and push me to be a better creator myself. I’m also always inspired by Jack Reichert - he is someone who pushes me to focus on hard-hitting punchlines that stop you cold in your tracks and are so funny you have no choice but to laugh.
What’s something that you get out of the internet when it comes to your work that you just don’t get with traditional stand-up?
The biggest thing is the ability to reach thousands, even millions, more people than I could if I was simply on stage, especially at this level of my career.
How important is follower feedback to you?
Feedback, generally speaking, is super important to me, but I don’t generally look towards my comment section for it.
When I need feedback, I go to people I trust and admire. Like I mentioned earlier, I often go to Andrew Greene, Jack Reichert, and Momo when I need feedback on a script, and once a piece is filmed and edited, I like to take it to 368 studio for a final once-over. 368 is a creative studio downtown where creators go to work - they aren’t necessarily comedians themselves, but they all have such a good eye for content.
My favorite people to show videos to are Gabriel Desanti and Rhea Prendergast - they are always honest with me and give great constructive feedback.
For anyone looking to get into the comedy space, what advice would you share with them?
Just do it!!!!
Everyone you admire, all your favorite comedians, at one point in time had never been to an open mic or posted a video. Sign up for a mic! Make a video! You’ll be surprised what the world has in store for you when you are honest about what you care about and are proactive in seeking it out.
Before we let you *almost* go, where can we find more of you?!
On all my socials! You can find me at formerteenheartthrob on Tiktok, Instagram and Youtube.
Let’s Get Deep
What’s your theme song?
Night In or Night Out?
Night out! Love to get dinner with my friends or hit a movie. End up staying in a good amount to write, which I love too, but I’ll always make time for a meal with friends.
When do you feel the most you?
When I’m being silly! Whether it’s performing standup, writing a video or making a sketch, if I’m being silly, I’m happy.
Call or Text?
Call me ;)
When was the last time you cried?
Watching a creator-made 30-for-30 about Klay Thompson’s career and comeback.
When’s the last time you laughed?
Hanging out with my roommates Jack and James - they make me laugh HARD
Current favorite follow on social media?
Degoboop - I can’t say it enough! This man has NEXT
Lastly, what’s one thing you would tell your 16-year-old self?
You can spend your life doing whatever you want - make sure it’s fun!! (And at the very least keeps a roof over your head)
Find more of Max here:
TikTok: @formerteenheartthrob
Instagram: @formerteenheartthrob
YouTube: @formerteenheartthrob70
Listen to Max’s Playlist: Here
