Elizabeth Banks has announced the launch of WhoHaha, a new digital comedy platform she co-founded.
The actress’ feature directorial debut, “Pitch Perfect 2,” grossed over $287 million on a budget of $29 million. The aca-comedy helmer struck the right notes with audiences, and will now capitalize on the underserved market of female-comedy-lovers. WhoHaha is a female-driven enterprise.
The platform will give female creators the chance to distribute their content to a wider audience, and offer users a hub where they can be entertained by hilarious women.
Banks tweeted, “WhoHahaDotCom is finally here. #MakeYourOwnDamnSandwich AND eat it too! You know you want to: whohaha.com”
“Since the dawn of time men have shouldered the burden of comedy,” says the “Hunger Games” star in a video announcement. She continues, “After years of taking 90 percent of lead comedy roles and being forced to appear nightly on stand-up stages around the globe, we are here to relieve you of your obligations.” “Bow out, bitches,” Banks demands. “Here at WhoHaha, our motto is: If men can do it, they probably learned it from a woman. Funny women have been keeping this planet alive for centuries.”
The video includes shout-outs to comedy legends, such as Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett, as well as contemporary leading ladies in the comedy world, including “Saturday Night Live” alumni Tina Fey and Maya Rudolph.
In an interview with Women and Hollywood Banks emphasized the value of “challenging yourself to expand not just other people’s ideas of who you are, but your own idea of who you are. It’s got to come from within.” WhoHaha seems like a great platform for Banks’ fellow female creatives to do just that.
