Comedian Louis C.K. Makes $1M, Gives Half to Staff, Charity
Louis C.K. saw $1 million in profits after his last comedy project, and has put half of the money toward his staff and charities.
The comedian sold his latest comedy special online, and then used network airtime to promote it. In only a few days, C.K. earned the lump sum.
The special, "Live at the Beacon Theater," has since stimulated ratings to his FX television series, "Louie."
In addition to the comedian's success, the public now regards him in a more popular light, according to The New York Times.
C.K. announced he was donating $280,000 to charities including the Fistula Foundation, an organization for battered women, Green Chimneys, which works with children and animals, the Pablove Foundation, an organization that helps children with cancer, Charity: Water, which oversees water drinkability, and lastly, Kiva, which offers people micro-loans.
Additionally, C.K. has paid his staff $250,000 in bonuses this holiday season.
The comedian sold the special for $5 directly off of his website, and requested buyers not to pirate it.
Over 220,000 people have bought the special so far. The new strategy, founded by the comedian, of cutting out TV networks could earn other entertainers just as much money, and could change the way movies are distributed.
In the past, C.K. has commented on other changes spurred by technology.
Last month, C.K. appeared on Conan O'Brien's television show acknowledging the changing times with the addition of technology. The comedian joked that people are so addicted to technology that they would not pay attention to Jesus if he was right in front of them.
He explained that people no longer pay attention to their surroundings, and are constantly using their phone to take pictures or video of whatever is going on around them.
Subsequently, the comedian addressed what impact technology is having on religion. Using his Twitter account, the C.K. attracted attention with his comparison.
"I am Christ and I…." C.K. wrote on the social media site as a hypothetical Jesus. He them impersonated a Twitter user, writing: "Oh my God - Jesus is right in front of me."
"Nobody takes in life unless it comes through this," C.K. added, pointing to his call phone while on Conan O'Brien. "Like whenever I see a televised event that's a huge deal like the Olympics opening ceremony or Times Square at midnight on New Year's Eve, there's seas on people all looking at it through their phone."
The comedian concluded, "I think if Jesus comes back and starts telling everyone everything, everybody's gonna just be Twittering."
