HOW I STARTED A CAREER IN SKIT-MAKING: Special Feature with JayOnAir

You have a smartphone, some data to burn, a hilarious idea, what else? You’re just a video away from being the next big name in skit-making.

But then, it’s not as easy as that.

And it’s not rocket science either! 

Skit-making is a whole business on its own, and as a career path, it requires all the resources and hard work possible.  Think of stand-up comedy as going from stage to screen– the techniques, the scripting, the cinematic difference, and the little time you have to get your audience’s attention on social media. But for Joseph Onaolapo (JayOnAir), he believes skit-making is an enjoyable and profitable craft for those who can gain mastery of it.

JayOnAir’s depiction of everyday Nigerians –women especially– is impeccable. The accuracy is cringe worthy and exciting at the same time. But behind the success of his skit-making are stories that you should hear if you want to build a career in skit-making.  

We recently interviewed JayOnAir to find out how he started his career in skit-making.

How did you start a career in skit-making?

I think 2020 was the year for me, to be honest. Everybody was bored, there was a lockdown, I was out of jobs at the time, everyone was doing TikTok, and I decided to jump on it. So, I started lip syncing videos on TikTok, and then on Instagram. I realized people liked them, and decided to start making my own content. So, it was almost like I stumbled on this because of boredom. 

Would you say being on the radio influenced your skit-making?

Not really. My radio personality and my content creation personality are two different entities. I’m a different person on radio, a journalist per excellence and serious on air. Just recently, my viewers started to listen to me on air and it might be difficult to believe that the voice belongs to the crazy person in those videos. So, I have two different personalities, and I would rather say my skits helped me on radio. 

Tell us a big misconception people have about skit-making

I think it’s the same with what people have about radio. They think we’re just having fun, putting on ring light and standing in front of the camera. But it’s a lot of work; from the conception of ideas to costuming (my content relies heavily on costuming), to getting the perfect scripts for different characters, it’s a whole lot of work. Yes, we enjoy it, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a lot of work. I think you should squeeze 2k into a content creator’s hand today, starting with me, Lol. 

When we meet next, remind me of the 2k

Bookmarked! Lol.

Any major challenges?

I think with every job comes a challenge. As digital creators, like I said, putting up an idea is hard. I do everything on my own; I conceptualize, write them down, and shoot. It’s one thing to have an idea, it’s another thing to be able to interpret in a way the audience will catch. But I try not to be too hard on myself, I try to enjoy every single video I make. It’s important for me to enjoy the process, so when the ideas aren’t coming, I just relax. Rest assured that people are rooting for me, I take a chill pill and just sit back. 

Plus, data and power can be challenging sometimes, and we just have to pray to God for good brands, and charge them more. 

How well do you make money from skit-making?

I think I’m at a place where gigs are beginning to come slowly. I’ve never been the one to push things, but the day someone paid me 100k to make a 30 second video was the day I knew it could work. And I’m getting a lot of offers now –I rejected an offer that could pay me millions. So, yes, skit-making definitely pays and can make for a sustainable living. I’m just pretty picky with the jobs that I take, and I know that eventually, it’s going to pay in more crazy ways than I can phantom. 

You rejected a job that could pay millions? I’m curious…

Lol! Yes I did! It was for a brand I didn’t believe in. They were willing to make me a brand ambassador for a lot of money, but my brand doesn’t mix well with theirs so I had to reject it. I have certain things I cannot do and that’s why it almost seems like it’s not paying well. But it does pay, and I charge a good amount for ads.

It’s great to see creators like you sharing stories that people can find themselves in. Is this a deliberate part of creating your content? And do you put so much of yourself (your personality, fears, experiences) into your works?

Yes! It’s deliberate, sharing myself and my experiences. I feel like that is the best way to connect. So there is definitely a bit of my life here and there and that vulnerability connects me with people. Super grateful for that. Everything I do is intentional, to be honest. 

Cool. What three things would you tell a young person looking to start a career in skit-making?

Well, one; do it because you want to do it, not because the next person is doing it or because you think that is the next big thing. Do it because there’s a creative side to you. 

Two: find your niche. You don’t want to be another Taoma, or Mr. Macaroni, or JayOnAir –I had to add myself. Lol. So, find yourself, your niche, create what connects you, and you will find your audience. There’s always an audience, but they need to be able to connect with you 

Three: brand yourself well so you can attract the kinds of brands that you like, not any kind of brand. And don’t expect to make money immediately, it takes time. Well, unless you want to do diabolical things. But if you want to remain relevant for a long time, you need to stay the course. Eventually, it will pay off. 

Speaking with JayOnAir on the art and business of skit-making was insightful and nudging –what’s the latest price of a ring light again? 

We are in a post-lockdown era, and there’s no pandemic to give you free time to explore. Yet, there’s never a better time to start. Remember, for every piece of content, there’s always an audience! 

Who’s ready to start a career in Skit-making?

Also Read: How to handle rejections as a creative professional