Editor’s Note: “The Reel Black List” is our annual spotlight of brothers and sisters in the worlds of advertising, film, TV, music, radio and media who are making a difference through their contributions and creativity daily. For the next 29 days, you will be able to celebrate wonderful human beings, like copywriter, Steve Howze.
Steve’s journey in comedy and writing began in Richmond, Virginia, where he honed his skills as an improviser and stand-up comedian. His work on commercial parodies and topical segments for RVA Tonight w/ Beau Cribbs showcased his talent for humor and satire. Additionally, he contributed to the production of Just Saying with Steve Howze and participated in the 2014 TEDxRVA event through the Coalition Theater.
Upon moving to New York City, Steve continued to refine his craft, completing the Sketch Writing program at the renowned UCB Theater and participating in The Onion/Clickhole Satire Workshop at the 2017 Diverse As Fuck (DaF) Fest. He further showcased his comedic prowess by contributing to FlexxMag.com and becoming a writer/performer at Magnet Theater.
Steve’s diverse experiences also include serving as a judge for the Shorty Awards on two occasions and studying at AdHouse NYC. Currently, he serves as a copywriter at Forsman & Bodenfors NY, where he has lent his creative talents to brands like Therabody, Seagram’s 7, and Polestar. Steve’s multifaceted background and dedication to his craft highlight his passion for comedy and writing in various forms and settings.
Let’s meet Steve.
What’s your origin story?
From New England originally, I moved to Virginia after high school. Started out in Richmond performing improv, then added stand-up and sketch comedy. I decided to pursue the dream even more and moved to NYC in 2016. Comedy writing led me to copywriting.
How did you get into your industry?
In trying to find flexible, creative gigs that paid, I started with a couple copy/ad writing services that were aimed at comedians, Pitch & WriteLabel (f.k.a. ComedyWire) in 2017-18. I later took a sketch writing class at UCB NY and one of the people in it, David Perez (founder of The Perezidency), mentioned on Twitter he had clients looking for comedy writers.
I sent a packet and we built a relationship that led to a couple freelance jobs at Arnold Worldwide and VCCP NY, before my current position at Forsman & Bodenfors NY.
What did your parents think you would be?
I’d like to think my mom just believed I could be whatever I wanted to be. But also, luckily, I chose comedy in 3rd grade vs. NBA player, so my development wasn’t attending basketball camps and 6am workouts but more about listening to Richard Pryor and watching Def Comedy Jam tapes in middle school.
Who were your mentors?
Honestly, I don’t really think I’ve had mentorship. Plenty of people have inspired me in some way, but that kind of long-ish term guidance and sounding board hasn’t really been a part of my development.
Bravest thing you’ve done?
I don’t know. Moving to NYC? Continuing to function during a global pandemic? Quitting a door-to-door sales gig 2 weeks in because it wasn’t going to work with pursuing comedy, but also being in an unpaid training period (Legal?), so you just wind up essentially volunteering for a major communications company…? Bravery is sometimes stupidity with its head held high.
How do you handle failure?
Depends on how big, but honestly mostly just take solace in whatever efforts I made, and acknowledge something wasn’t in the cards this time around. I feel like very few things that you earnestly attempt, can provide no value. Even if it’s not the results you wanted to land.
What’s a product or service that you are dying to do a campaign for?
An album rollout campaign, similar to Jay-Z’s 4:44 or 21 Savage’s American Dream. It’s an interesting task to convey someone’s upcoming music and persona. And in what way does an artist generate momentum at their level? Like whoever decided to do the ‘fake press run’ press run for Drake and 21 Savage’s ‘Her Loss’ got it right, including the lawsuit from Vogue.
Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon is over-indexing on Black and Hispanic audiences. Why?
Haven’t seen it, so I dunno. Sounds close enough to Prince’s ‘Under The Cherry Moon’? Is Snyder over-indexing on Black and Hispanic audiences or has he been shoveled on the forgotten toys pile of white audiences, like Maroon 5?
Lunch, Happy Hour or Dinner
Lunch with Quincy Jones
Happy Hour with Jamie Foxx
Dinner with Tyler the Creator
You would give up your career to go on tour and perform with what singer/band?
JPEGMafia.
Colman Domingo is a national treasure. Yes or No?
Haven’t seen any of his work, but I strongly agree with the title of a certain Boris Gardiner track in these matters.
REELated: Read about others on The Reel Black List
Nosebleed seats for Beyoncé or front-row tickets for Taylor Swift?
Was in the nosebleeds for Lemonade, would do again.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Not a guilty pleasure but man, people are critical about enjoying oatmeal raisin cookies.
What’s brewing for your 2024?
Working on being better in life overall. Can’t say I know what’s next but at least that’s a good foundation for the next steps that present themselves.
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