In this video contest, you could become the next Dave Hill, get voted into the Final Showdown live at the Laugh Factory and win your chance to become a famous stand-up comedian. Just use your digital camcorder to record your best minute of stand-up comedy, whether you’re in front of a large crowd or entertaining the goldfish in your aquarium. The judges will select five semi-finalists and then fans will vote for finalists among those. The two contestants that get the most votes will be flown to Los Angeles to face off live at the Laugh Factory and one will be chosen the grand prize winner.

Make sure you integrate Butterfinger into your routine in a unique way because that’s one of the judging criteria. You also need to display stage presence/professionalism, comedic timing/delivery, originality and laugh factor. They also say: “Entries must not include unsuitable content or depict or incorporate: unsafe behavior or situations; obscenity; disparagement of any product or person; or other offensive conduct or material, or otherwise include inappropriate content as determined by Sponsor.”

Three contestants will win 365 Butterfinger coupons, each good for a FREE 2.1 oz candy bar. Two finalists will win a trip for 2 to Los Angeles and hotel accommodations, in order to participate in the Final Showdown. The grand prize winner will receive a prize package that includes:

• PR support for the Comedy Showdown event
• One 5-7 minute spot at the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal
• Air travel and hotel accomodations for two to comedy festivals in Montreal
• Twelve hours of services from each of a comedian and a comedy manager to help navigate winner through the business of professional standup comedy.

All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET 10/1/08 and make sure you read the complete contest rules before you submit your video. In my opinion, this is a very exciting opportunity for those that are trying to break into the comedy field and I am very glad that Butterfinger is encouraging new talent in such a unique manner. Heck, just the fact that they’re giving away all those Butterfingers makes me want to put on a pair of rainbow suspenders and grab a bottle of seltzer.