Meet Megan Hunter | Editor, Producer, Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Hunter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
In theory, I have taken a considerable risk before. After graduating high school, I moved from my small Pennsylvania town to Los Angeles to attend film school in 2019. Though I came with empty pockets and an empty industry contact list, it honestly didn’t feel like much of a risk because I still felt protected by the refuge of school. The institution of education was something I deeply understood and even excelled in. I had blindly relied on its linear structure to achieve my goals for the past 15 years. How could this be any different?

Dropping out of college during my junior year (to begin working in stand-up comedy, of all things), however, felt like the ultimate risk. While, yes, my college experience was absolutely affected by COVID-19, I also felt this strange gut feeling that I no longer belonged there. Leaving was a betrayal to the very foundation of my identity and self-worth. After all, getting a bachelor’s degree wasn’t only presented to me as an expectation, but also a prerequisite to success. Having to truly start from square one and dig out who I actually was outside of my academic career was isolating, exhausting, and humbling beyond belief, but I couldn’t be happier that I did it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always been extremely drawn to stand-up and sketch comedy. My ADHD-infused goldfish brain is obsessed with comedy’s unforgiving nature that requires itself to provide constant waves of stimulation to keep the audience’s attention. Against my parents’ wishes, I was often found watching some sort of “raunchy comedy” special (their words, not mine) or Oh, Hello on Broadway for the umpteenth time (despite only understanding 50% of the jokes) most days after school.

I have a certain love for the off-camera aspects of digital storytelling as well, beginning with my directorial (editorial, and everything-in-between-torial) debut of 3 documentary shorts in high school. I then went on to work on numerous film sets as a production assistant, and later produced TV pilot Al & Joshua with my friends in college. Each project not only tested my ability to replace a full night’s sleep with 2 cans of Red Bull, but also taught me how to think on my feet, accept criticism, and be a leader.

Fast forward to September 2022, I’m currently finishing up my second year as the Social Media Manager and Video Editor at Don’t Tell Comedy – a national, independent stand-up comedy event and production company. The opportunity to combine my passions into one big, beautiful stew is something I’m truly grateful for. The osmosis-like education I’ve already received in the art of comedy is unparalleled…and I’m just getting started. The best part? Despite the company’s immense growth over the past two years, Don’t Tell Comedy remains a community full of humble, passionate risk-takers and I’m psyched to be along for the ride!

As of now, I’m looking forward to editing my 350th stand-up comedy video, writing, producing a horror short with my college roommate Hailey McCoy, and continuing to take classes at The Groundlings School!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For breakfast/coffee, I would absolutely recommend checking out Undergrind, Barclays Coffee and Tea, or C&M Cafe. As for lunch/dinner, I’m a big fan of El Indio Mexicano Restaurant, Leo’s Superfood Vegan Cafe, Ugo, and Monty’s Good Burger!

After reading this article, I’m pretty sure you’re required by law to check out a Don’t Tell Comedy show? I also want to shout out my other favorite comedy venues, Dynasty Typewriter and The Elysian!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am so grateful to have such a fantastic support system in my life! I would love to thank…

Mom, Dad, and Caroline for always encouraging me to be myself, their consistent love and mentorship, and for always screaming when the Oscars finally came on (just as loud as I was).

My forever friends Alyssa Landolfi and Erica Anderson who, despite being 3,000 miles away, have never left my side.

My coworkers at Don’t Tell Comedy (especially Kyle Kazanjian-Amory and Brett Kushner) who took a chance on me and have allowed me to be a part of something truly special.

And Andrew Max Levy and Kayla McKeon for making me feel confident on and off camera during my first *real* photoshoot!

Website: https://www.meganehunter.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganhuntr/