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Damon Wayans Launching Comedy Website

Star hopes to use WayOutTV.com to 'nurture' new comics

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 7, 2008 4:13 PM CST

(Newser) – Actor/comedian Damon Wayans is launching a new comedy video website, WayOutTV.com, which will feature videos from amateur comedians “overseen” by Wayans, the Los Angeles Times reports. The "My Wife and Kids" star is hoping to turn the site into an informal production studio to guide young talent into creating content that’s good enough to shop to Hollywood.

Of course, he’ll be competing with other comedy sites—and YouTube—for advertising. No comedy site has so far been a financial success, but such sites generally don’t have a known celebrity so thoroughly involved with content. Wayans' backers have faith: "Damon is used to these skit formats; his strength is in putting out content quickly," said one venture capitalist involved in the site.

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Wayans is spotted at a Los Angeles Lakers game in this undated file photo. The comedian of "In Living Color" and "My Wife and Kids" fame plans to launch a website this month called WayOutTV.com, featuring... (Getty Images)

Comedian Damon Wayans is hoping his "WayOutTV" venture will attract a niche audience from the broader YouTube masses. (Getty Images)

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Damon Wayans Launching Comedy Website