Behind the Smiles: "The Pressures of being Young and Famous: Part II - Adnan Azim"

"I think really clever comedies are incredibly difficult to produce. You have to be inspired over and over again, and sometimes thats really hard. I consider myself really lucky, because I know that with Ross, we can bounce ideas off each other and somehow we get to this really refined moment of pure genius. The difference is that we're on exactly the same wavelength, which others just don't get, you know, but at the same time we have complimentary characterstics. Its one of the best examples of how the total is greater than the sum of its parts."
Adnan Azim, speaking at a press conference in Madrid, February 2005

As the more methodical and quietly analytical half of the Ross and Adnan power duo, Azim has led a less exposed private life, although it is fair to say that like Chinn, he has had his fair share of demons.

Born and raised in the tough slums of Kidderminster with his mother and younger brother Ashfaq, Adnan learnt his tricks of the comedy trade through the television. The amazing thing about this is that these programs consisted of "The A-team" and "MacGyver": shows which were way beyond the years of a young seven year-old. Through the likes of B.A. and co. he learnt the simple art of in-discreet and incredibly cheesy one liners which would come back to haunt him in older years...

"Honestly, those guys changed the way I thought forever. Never will I look at a paperclip the same way again, and though I don't own any heavy gold chains, i like to think i wear them on the inside..."
Adnan Azim, August 2004

Not only did Azim show the capability to be the entertainer we knew he'd be today...He had aspirations of working in the community as a Doctor in order to help the less fortunate. Though some questioned his motives, it was also obvious to see that his family were trying to escape the mean streets of Kidderminster. It was a very unstable environment and Adnan had to grow up fast to protect his younger and more easily influenced brother from guns, drugs and prostitution. He had to get out of that seedy underworld; and fast.

At the age of 11, Azim was scouted and won a place at the KES production studios as an amateur comedian. This was a remarkable feat as not only was KES a highly regarded studio, but he was also the first from Kidderminster to ever manage to succeed in securing a place out of the numerous applicants. At KES, he was able to learn the fine arts of comedic timing, slap stick, irony and sarcasm. He quickly learned, however, that slapstick was not his calling as his efforts in "Under 12 Rugby C team" were woefully criticised, a production which will hopefully never resurface as critics were quoted in saying they'd "never seen a tackle as awful as that ever in their lives...". Devastating words for anyone at such a tender age, but Azim learned to perservere.

By 14, Azim began to slowly emmerge in a self-made group with other young comedians in his age group at the time. Jack Reynolds, Karan Patel and Azim himself formed a comedic trio looking extensilvely into the "Terry" stories and dabbled in "Sketches": a show in the similar vein of Jim Davis' "Garfield". The "Terry" stories gained moderate popularity but Azim was beginning to feel the pressures of under-achievement.

"I have fond memories of those times, those guys were good fun, but "Terry" was really their brainchild and quite honestly I didn't enjoy it quite as much as they did. I just never felt we were hitting that right note. It was an incredibly frustrating time for me."
Adnan Azim, May 2004

Azim slowly went into a spiral of anxieties and mild depression. He was able to keep the public Azim trademark smile, but inside, lay a broken man. Ratings started to decrease as news of Azim's depression started to breakout. Reynolds and Patel desperately tried their best to pull Azim back into the ranks but it was too late. He was late for work, threw tantrums in make-up and once or twice was called in by the studios for words. Reynolds and Patel decided to cut Azim from the group and formed a duo act...One which ended in cancellation later that year.

"The show didn't have that much depth really and we all knew that it would end quickly. I don't think its got anything to do with me leaving. Reynolds is a talent and has been incredibly successful with his new performance art group "The Safety Word" and I've been able to work with him several times at "Dynamo Garage", which has been awesome. Patel, hasn't really done much more than cameos, but he's been working in and around various projects, and I'm sure he'll make a huge comeback."
Adnan Azim, June 2005

With his bags packed, Adnan scoured looking for inspiration from other artists. It was on that fateful day in 2001 he met his now partner-in-crime Ross Chinn through mutual stand-up yob comic Vikas Mehta. Ross and Adnan slowly began to find roots of their different comical backgrounds as Ross was a more slapstick and impressions man playing on that now infamous american accent. Two different guys from two different backgrounds. The duo slowly started their careers as backups to Mehta on his sell-out shows: Ross emerged first as a potential star playing second fiddle to Mehta's then new show "Gaurav and Johnny". Azim, in the production team learnt the ways of a potentially new wave of comedy genre.

By 2003, Mehta's show was forced to finish as contracts included a clause which forced Metha to end the show at age 17. Roster changes were made at KES productions and by the grace of God, Ross and Adnan landed on the same roster. There, the two were really able to spark ideas. This was their chance. Adnan, finally understanding the new theories of analytical comedy, was ready for a new show. Though it started out as a joke one night, The Ross and Adnan show was in the pipelines. And the rest as you can say is history.

But by 2004, the show had to end due to Ross' breakdown spiral and Adnan, yet again, had to return behind the scenes.

"It's not the same behind the scenes, for sure, but there's a lot to learn. I think my experience there really gave the Show some depth. In the second season both Ross and I take a step back, and its because we have that experience that we're better able to manipulate our intentions."
Adnan Azim, November 2005

Adnan led and is leading a quiet life, he has currently achieved a major step in his aspirations as a Doctor and participates at regular Ultimate Frisbee tournaments with the London based comedian known as "Ed". Not quite the glamorous world of showbiz, Azim seems to enjoy the quieter life.

It wasn't until one fateful evening on the 25th of November 2005, Adnan extended the comedy branch back to Ross to return for the second season of "The Ross and Adnan Show".

Although, living in two different cities, Adnan has never complained about the strains of the comedic partnership of Ross and Adnan. If there is one word to sum up this Young Rising Star: 'Perseverence'.

With the hardest times of his life seemingly behind him, we can only hope that he continues to produce quality like that of The Ross and Adnan Show. With a seemingly never ending well of genius between the two stars, the future of comedy looks bright.

Behind The Smiles: " The Pressures of being Young and Famous: Part I - Ross Chinn "

The Ross and Adnan Show fast became one the most talked about topics in the entertainment world. Few could believe the way in which these two young stars could influence the industry in such a huge way. Having recently been on hiatus as a team, fans of the original season will be glad to hear that the second season of The Ross and Adnan Show is returning soon. In the build up to the return of this much beloved cult classic we look at the humble beginnings of the show creators. The first of this two-part article looks at Ross Chinn.

"In this whirlwind of awards and nominations that we've recieved, thank you Jason, I think what brings us back down to earth is just the admiration and awe of better and greater comical writers like Mitch Hurwitz..."(who presented the award, along with Jason Bateman, to the duo that evening). "You're what we aspire to become, so i guess thats what keeps us focused on making each episode as funny and as entertaining as it can be."
Ross Chinn, speaking at the Komedy Awards Show, 29th October 2005.

Ross might be sitting on top of the world right now, with the Ross and Adnan Show, an instantly huge success, and the second season critically acclaimed; He also boasts two other individual spin off shows, "The Mumbles of the Mumbly Panda" and "The Inner Mumbles of the Mumbly Panda" which have proved equally popular. Having been rocketed into stardom, we look back and find it wasn’t always that easy for this effortlessly cool young man.

Amidst the success of the first season of The Ross and Adnan Show and his individual projects, Ross was struggling to find his feet within the industry: a speciality to pursue. With so many options available to him, due to reputation alone, it was a career as a Media Director, referred to affectionately in the industry as a Medic, which Ross chose to pursue.

"It was like this unachievable mountain...it was my Everest."
Ross Chinn, April 2005

Though things were promising at first, Ross soon found it a struggle. Creative differences betwee co-workers and himself meant that Ross was unable to express his own ideas. As a seasoned professional Ross had a wealth of experience but was still considered an amateur in terms of his role as a Media Director. The subsequent conflict was well known, but few details were ever confirmed. It appeared many resented him for his success at such a young age. Nevertheless Ross persevered, with courage and determination.

It was during this time, the hiatus, that his best friend, co creator of the show, Adnan Azim, left for London. Though the team was on hiatus, the stars maintain that they still had a good relation.

"People fuss about that fact that we went our separate ways. It's not like we had a disagreement; we were still in touch and thinking of ideas. We needed that time apart to be able to reach those creative peaks again, so that this new season wouldn't be substandard."
Adnan Azim, July 2005

Already finding it difficult to integrate into his new role, Ross had lost one of his closest allies in the industry. Though the creative duo kept in touch, few will argue that it was the same. At the same time, Ross was hitting a rough patch with his long time girlfriend Davina. The two had shied away from cameras ever since Ross was put under the limelight. As a notoriously cute couple, their relationship seemed steady. Perhaps due to the stresses of his work and the dizzying heights he found in cult status, the relationship was strained. In September 2005, the two separated ways.

"Davina and I weren't meant to be I guess...We are still close friends and I do talk to her occasionally...But uhh...no regrets man, she is definetly one awesome lady. She'll go far."
Ross Chinn, November 2005.

Ross was now effectively on his own, during this stressful time. The demons of his work and that of his broken relationship were beginning to show. Ross was struggling and seemed to disappear into the background.

The industry was fortunate not to lose this talent. Ross found a new career in animation. It was a subject that had always interested him, and he soon found that his amateur experience was easily transitioned into the professional studio. It was an environment similar to that he had created on the set of the Ross and Adnan Show. Unlike before, Ross was free to express himself in what turned out to be a very liberating career change for him. With quickly building momentum, Ross is progressing through the ranks within the department.

Though Ross appears quiet and without a care in the world, this is an intelligent young man. With a glorious trophy cabinet already, where else might this creative genious take us. We can only wait and look forward in anticipation. Until then we're more than content with the new season of Ross and Adnan Show.

"For those who doubted me, I am back. You critics have only made me stronger. I hope you become unemployed real fast real soon...thank you!"
Ross Chinn, 2nd November 2005.

The next part of this article looks at Ross' partner in crime, Adnan Azim in Behind the Smiles: "The Pressures of being Young and Famous: Part II - Adnan Azim "

"New Leading Man" by Maximilian Iftekharul

"They are waiting for you..." : A press conference held in Madrid to reveal the new co-lead actor Jack Johnson (centre) with Azim (left) and Chinn (right), February 2005

Having returned to work on the second season, the creators of the Ross and Adnan Show were immediately faced with a huge problem: Soon after the end of the first season Samman Ziaie left The Ross and Adnan Show for work in London. Rumours had spread that there was a conflict between the creators of the show and one of its main characters.

“There was never any conflict; I dunno where that rumour came from. We had a really good working relationship, and off the show he was really inspiring for both of us. We never wanted to lose Samman, the person or the character; he was a natural on the Show. Really, there’ll never be anyone like him. We were on hiatus for a long time, we couldn’t expect him to come rushing back, he wanted to move on and there were offers flying in for him from all over the place. So of course he took them and seriously, fair play to him. We wish him all the luck in the future.”
Adnan Azim

So left without one of its highly energetic and hilarity-prone main character, the creators searched for a new leading man.

“The first thing we realised was that we couldn’t have someone just replace Samman, we needed to create a whole new role, maybe give the show a different direction. We wanted to keep the feel of the first season, but at the same time keep it fresh.’
Ross Chinn

A bold move to be sure, not many would change what appeared to be a winning formula, but the Ross and Adnan Show had never followed convention. The creators searched long and hard for a new leading man and their prayers were soon answered. Due to a reshuffle in the KES infrastructure, Jack Johnson was allowed to shine, and proved to be exactly what the creators were looking for. As a hugely talented artist, he had been a peripheral member of the show in the first season, though he never really looked like anything more. But due to a major outburst from the show director and subsequent breakdown of the show “Geography!”, a show looking at jocks and how they tackle seemingly simple tasks, Johnson soon became a free agent. Brad Spencer was able to finalise contract details with the KES commissions board and soon was able to make the transfer of Johnson with two more up and coming stars: Rob Hill and Nick Chase. Sadly, Hill and Chase never shone in “The Ross and Adnan Show” though their subtle contributions as supports for Johnson are integral to that character.

“I’ll be honest, we were getting kind of worried, we couldn’t find anyone that was just right for the role. I mean we weren’t totally sure what the role was! When Jack surprised us, we couldn’t believe we had our star all along, that we just overlooked him!”
Ross Chinn

Indeed, his role in the first season, though small, allowed fans to transition into the new season, with a new but not totally unfamiliar face. Having been given a different direction in the same setting it seemed quite appropriate that the show ‘zoomed in’ onto one person.

The show takes a darker direction, using a lot more black humour than before. The main character is the epitome of this new concept. As a sex crazed teenager, some might think that this is a rather stereotypically boring character. The revelation that the rest of the characters think he is gay is no more original. You might even confuse this character with his previous role in 'Geography!'.

“We felt that a lot of our fans were confused as to who we would want to focus on…But because of our hiatus and the emergence of something so untapped…Adnan and I decided to step out of the spot light and let our co-stars do some of their magic.”
Ross Chinn

And how right he was. The Ross and Adnan Show having always been character based, gives the character much more substance. Jack gives a lot of evidence to suggest he has homosexual desires but he also gives evidence to suggest otherwise. More than that, he takes all the ‘insults' and the like, even plays on them, confusing the viewer. Though its easy to laugh at this new character, much of the humour comes from the balancing of evidence that you have to do when you watch the show.

“With Jack, you're sure that he’s gay, that he needs to step out the closet, but you’re always looking for that one piece of conclusive evidence.”
Adnan Azim

Fans will get a chance to explore the highs and lows of absolute chaos and hilarity with new boy Jack. Being such a hit with the show and his stars, Johnson was soon able to finalise a one-year contract deal with Art VI productions. Cue the fun.

Behind the Smiles: "Introduction to the Second Season"

The 1st Season of "The Ross and Adnan Show" was started over at Angelfire in the late 2003... (http://www.angelfire.com/zine2/therossandadnanshow/) It started out as a joke between two best friends, a way to pen down comical history through their eyes...their beautiful eyes.

Word of mouth and little self-promotion created that 'entertainment buzz' around the water cooler and both stars were projected into a new world of entertainment. But although reaching the pinnacle heights of cult status and the brink of commericiality, the show was unfortunately put on 'hiatus' due to "creative differences" between the stars and between their producers.

"We just felt that we needed some time apart to re-fill our tanks y'know...It's a bummer we are on hiatus but someday I hope we can return"
Ross Chinn, March 2004.

"I didn't know it would turn this way...but I guess this is how the cookie crumbles. I wish Ross all the best of luck in his future ventures."
Adnan Azim, April 2004.

So, Ross created the hugely popular spinoff "The Mumbles of the Mumbly Panda" and more recently "The Inner Mumbles of the Mumbly Panda" whilst Adnan worked behind the scenes at various posts at the Art Society and taking up and retaining the position of 'Mr. 298', arguably his most important and pressurised role to date in his life.

By November 2005, Ross and Adnan teamed up again and fought long and hard with the producers to regain the highs of "The Ross and Adnan Show" with a new season. Packed with new comic moments and timeless classics we can never forget and stories that should be told to future generations on 'how to be funny'.
And here it is...

Welcome to the 2nd season of "The Ross and Adnan Show"