Hire Now
Message Jesse
See how it works
Book Jesse with Paydesk
Make your booking securely through paydesk for these benefits:
1
Preferred Booking Channel
Jesse is more likely to commit to assignments booked through paydesk, as it is a trusted platform that validates the seriousness and legitimacy of each engagement.2
Insured Bookings for Peace of Mind
We provide basic insurance coverage with each booking on paydesk, giving both you and the media professional confidence and protection while they work for you.3
Effortless Online Payment
Paydesk offers a payment protection system to ensure payments are only finalized when you are satisfied with the job completion. Freelancers trusts our process that guarantees their efforts are rewarded upon successful delivery of servicesStill have questions?
Check FAQAbout Jesse
Jesse Appell is a bilingual Mandarin-English comedian and a cultural ambassador bridging cultures through comedy.
Live Reporting
Fact Checking
Portfolio
Chinese Film Series Review: Meng Zong Cries for Bamboo
Set in the Three Kingdoms period, 'Meng Zong Cries for Bamboo' is a film that explores themes of filial piety, public works, and the nascent Chinese LGBTQ movement. The film's artistic choices, such as the unreliable laws of physics, symbolize the political and physical challenges of the time. Meng Zong, the protagonist, displays foresight and selflessness, while his mother, Mama Meng, teaches the importance of respecting nature. The film subtly critiques the Chinese healthcare system, highlighting the lack of federal assistance for low-income families. Master Rong, a humorous and intriguing character, adds depth to the narrative.
A Jew, Chinese Person, and a Cameraman Walk Into a Comedy Club…
Chinese people have a fascination with Jews, often based on stereotypes that are positive in China but negative in the West. Despite limited direct interaction with Jewish people, Chinese perceptions are shaped by broad but shallow knowledge, leading to a form of 'pro-Semitism' that attributes wealth, intelligence, and media control to Jews.
Where Have the Chuanr Gone? Chinese Standup in the USA
Jesse Appell, an intercultural comedian, reflects on his recent tour performing Chinese-language comedy across 13 cities in Canada and the US, including rural Missouri and Ohio. He shares his experiences and jokes about Beijing street food, highlighting the reach of Chinese comedy beyond traditional borders.
Opinion | The Great LOL of China North America Tour!
Jesse Appell, an intercultural comedian, announces the Great LOL of China North America Tour, where he will perform Chinese-language comedy shows at universities across North America and give English-language talks about Xiangsheng and humor. He aims to bridge cultural gaps and share his experiences with both Chinese and Western audiences, hoping to foster understanding and laughter.
Me and Mitch: Translating Comedy
The author describes an experiment in translating and performing the absurdist comedy of Mitch Hedberg for a Chinese audience. Despite cultural differences and the challenge of adapting Hedberg's unique delivery, the performance was a success, with jokes about relatable topics receiving laughter and applause. The experience demonstrated that even unconventional comedic styles could be localized and appreciated across cultures, underscoring the importance of delivery in comedy.
Robin Williams and the Chinese comedic brotherhood
The passing of Robin Williams has resonated globally, affecting people across different cultures, including the English-speaking world and China. His work, particularly 'Aladdin', 'Dead Poet’s Society', and 'Crazy Ones', has been widely remembered and cherished. Comedy is seen as a universal brotherhood, with Chinese comedians acknowledging Williams' influence on their craft. The loss of a comedian like Williams is felt deeply, as it represents the loss of unique insights into comedy that cannot be easily replicated or documented. Jesse Appell, the creator of the blog 'The Great LOL of China', reflects on the cultural impact of Williams and the shared grief within the comedic community.
Killing 'em with gun jokes
The article explores the cultural perceptions and humor surrounding American gun culture from a Chinese perspective. It highlights the superficial understanding of America in China, often shaped by Hollywood and media, and contrasts it with the deeper issues of gun violence and mental health. Through anecdotes and comedy routines, the piece underscores the differences in how gun-related violence is perceived and joked about in both countries, while also pointing out the broader cultural misunderstandings that persist.
The challenge of localising Chinese comedy
Localizing comedy in China involves adapting performances to resonate with local audiences, a practice common among traditional Xiangsheng performers and stand-up comedians. Performers often modify their material to reflect local culture, food, and infrastructure, sometimes at the request of sponsors such as local TV stations or government offices. These adaptations can range from singing local opera with altered lyrics to changing jokes to include local food references, as seen in Wuhan with hot dry noodles instead of Beijing's lamb kebabs. The article highlights the importance of local relevance in comedy and the positive reception of localized content by audiences and officials.
Making history, one Chinese government official at a time
The author humorously recounts an experience of making a Chinese government official laugh during a standup performance at a U.S. Consulate event in Wuhan. The event, held on July 1st, was part of the Consulate’s July 4th celebrations and attended by high-level officials from the Hubei government. The narrative highlights the cultural exchange and the unique setting of the performance.
I’ll Be Brief: The Chinese Two Sentence Speech
The article humorously discusses the cultural phenomenon of the 'Two Sentence Speech' in Chinese events, which, contrary to its name, is never just two sentences long. The author, a performer of the traditional Chinese comedy style Xiangsheng, shares his experiences with these speeches, which are a staple at company parties and minor government ceremonies. He recounts an incident where a venerable actor, You Benchang, was invited to give a speech after a stand-up comedy show, which was well-received but felt culturally out of place. The author reflects on the cultural importance of respecting elders and wonders if future Chinese stand-up comedy will continue to incorporate these speeches.
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium
doloremque laudantium,
totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur?
doloremque laudantium,
totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur?
Want to see more portfolio samples?
Sign up to paydesk, it’s free!
Log In
Sign Up
×
Jesse's
confirmed information
✓
Financial institution
Verified Jul 2022
✓
Phone number
Verified Jul 2022
✓
Joined
Jul 2022