This trailer for a new TV show offers several valuable radio and advertising lessons.
Lesson #1
When you parody something — whether in a radio commercial or as a bit in your show — make it as real as possible.
I refer to this as “Reality + 10%.”
Once you’ve determined your comedic angle, don’t yuck it up; write and produce it as though it were completely real. If your concept is funny, the “+10%” will bring home the laughs.
Lesson #2
Take a stand.
Do you have any doubt regarding this advertiser’s opinion of the drek that pollutes our television airwaves?
They don’t say, “If the ‘reality show’ trend isn’t your cup of tea, we might have an alternative for you.”
Instead they say, “The state of (commercial) TV” is embarrassing. They draw a line in the sand (pun not intended, but acknowledged) and invite you to step across it.
Give A Specific Call To Action.
You don’t see this on the YouTube video. But underneath the video on the Channel 13 website it says:
“Had Enough of Bad Television? Give $13 to Thirteen to Support Quality Programming.”
They don’t say “Support public television.”
They don’t say, “Please help Channel 13 continue to provide quality programming.”
They say, “Give $13 to Thirteen to Support Quality Programming.”
Somebody at WNET knows what they heck they’re doing.
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Exactly why docuparodies such as Best in Show and A Mighty Wind are such favorites. Portrayed fully committed to, honestly, with not a “wink” to the camera. “Ea- A- -oe’s”