Schamerican Schmourrorist* is a guerilla-style sketch comedy program wherein I hit the streets of iconic US cities to explore topical elements of global politics and popular culture. This series follows on from the popular independent web series International Tourrorist, available on YouTube.
WATCH THE WHOLE FIRST SERIES: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPL-botn1J2BoqNEPnjKcTYvxIk6cQ4_v
Production will commence on August 1st and entails 5 unique shoots in different locations over a 50 day period. To clarify, all transport and accommodation is already paid for – this is not a plea to fund my holiday!
*Not actual title
BUDGET
Small footprint camera equipment $1500
Art Department / Props $1000
Sound equipment $250
Wardrobe $250
Original music $250
Graphics $250
Video / Stills licences $500
TOTAL: $4000
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES
Marketing / PR $500
Location catering $250
Location fees $250
Dedicated camera operator for each shoot $2500
Contingency $1000
Legal fees: Yikes…
My challenge in creating Schamerican Schmourrorist is to present ordinary people with extraordinary and often confronting scenarios in order to elicit honest, hilarious and often poignant responses. My aim is to encourage audiences to consider a theme or issue in a new light, by observing the genuine, unmediated reactions of people whom I happen to encounter on the streets of their city.
Of course, we all know that gratuitous stunt and prank shows themselves are nothing new. The key distinction with Schamerican Schmourrorist is that rather than setting out to laugh at the expense of unsuspecting members of the public, we endeavour to ultimately highlight our own social mores, politics and prejudices through careful set ups and their subsequent ludicrous interactions.
Whilst the context of this program is essentially global and each scenario explores subjects that will be unique to a particular city, each sketch is carefully considered to reflect issues relevant and identifiable to a broad Australian audience. This is a prank show with layers, think; Louis Theroux embarks on a whirlwind budget holiday with the boys from ‘Jackass’.
The key to the program’s overall tone is the sheer enthusiasm, engagement and fascination I clearly draw from each unique and personal interaction. Of utmost importance is that this remains consistently warm and fun, regardless of the potentially confronting nature of each topic. At moments when I may be totally out of my depth, it will be my offbeat humour and charm that maintains a vibrant and flowing dialogue.
… Or, of course, everything goes absolutely pear-shaped and our cameras are there to capture all of the madness!