NBC Launches “Comedy Playground Initiative” To Help With Their Comedy Lineup Michael Lee, April 9, 2014 After a string – a very long string to be exact – of failing sitcoms, NBC is looking for some new talent to revive their one great staple, and they are looking to you to create it. The crowd sourcing initiative is being called the NBC Comedy Playground Initiative is a national campaign designed to give aspiring comedy writers in the U.S. the chance to bring their concepts from pitch to air. Hit the jump to learn more.THR reports that NBC has recruited an all-star comedic line up of on screen and behind the camera talent. Stars like Aziz Ansari, Jason Bateman, Robert Carlock, Sean Hayes, Mindy Kaling, Jason Katims, Josh Lieb, Eva Longoria, Adam McKay, Seth Meyers, Todd Milliner, Will Packer, Amy Poehler, Craig Robinson, Maya Rudolph, Mike Schur, Adam Scott and Mike Shoemaker will all help with selecting the two potential comedy pitches that could potentially become pilots.Beginning May 1, applicants need to do is go online, download and fill out the application, then submit two videos of each: one video of yourself and your previous work (5 – 10 minutes), and the other is a verbal pitch of the new comedy which may or may not become a hit (2 – 5 minutes).There will be 10 finalists, which will receive funding to produce pilots from NBC, chosen from the NBC Executive Board with the aforementioned comedy panel selecting two winners who will have their pitches turned into series orders which will be broadcast on NBC.“We are taking a bold, alternative approach in what we hope will uncover original comedy minds who are looking for a way to get into the television business,” said NBC Entertainment Jennifer Salke. “We love that an incredible A-list roster of producers, writers and performers have jumped in to help us find that untapped talent.” She added, “There are hilarious people making videos and programming on the Internet all day and night and it’s time to bring those people into network television.”Salke also emphasized the importance of the idea that they were not looking for funny videos but potential series concepts. Contests Viral Marketing Adam McKayAdam ScottAmy PoehlerAziz AnsariComedy Playground InitiativeCraig RobinsonEva LongoriaJason BatemanJason KatimsJosh LiebMaya RudolphMike SchurMike ShoemakerMindy KalingNBCUniversalRobert CarlockSean HayesSeth MeyersTodd MillinerWill Packer
“Jackass” Guys Spoof “Inception” For Critics’ Choice Movie Awards January 13, 2011Johnny Knoxville and the rest of the Jackass gang are making parody videos for all the Best Picture nominees at this year’s Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, which airs tomorrow night on VH1. First up is their spoof of Inception, which I have to say falls flat for me. Let us… Read More
Confused by the 2012 Viral? Sony Creates an Official Guide October 23, 2009Once again Unfiction pulls through with another update for the 2012 viral campaign. The campaign has taken a big turn in past few months. With several new websites, storylines, characters, and activities, it can be tough to keep up and make sense of it all. The marketing team for the… Read More
2012 Viral: iPhone App and the IHC on Charlie Frost August 6, 2009August 6, 2009Looks like The Institute for Human Continuity has heard of Mr. Charlie Frost. Frost posted on his blog a video from a woman asking what separates the IHC from “the crazy guy on the corner”? Dr. Soren replies with a very thorough and diplomatic answer. Seems simple enough, but this… Read More