DREW CAREYS GREEN SCREEN SHOW, a live-action/animated improv comedy, got the greenlight along with five other new primetime TV series to air in fall 2004 on The WB, it was announced May 18 at the nets upfront presentation to advertisers in New York City. WB ceo Jordan Levin, and chairman, Garth Ancier, unveiled their 2004-2005 primetime schedule in front of 4,000 advertisers, affiliates and national media.
"This fall season, we celebrate our first decade by diversifying our unique portfolio of distinctive programming," said Levin. "From marquee dramas to sketch-comedy, animation to improv, variety to game shows, we have an eclectic, exciting mix of scripted and reality series with big-name comedy performers, award-winning actors and the young breakout stars that have become The WB's trademark. "
The concept calls for the cast to act out quirky ideas suggested by the audience in front of a greenscreen. Using different animation styles, Acme Filmworks will expand upon audience suggestions, inserting the actors into the skit in an animated version of the theme or environment pitched by the audience. Sometimes the actors are morphed and animated or later with vfx. The live-action and animation talents combine to create an actual improvised movie that brings to life the details going on in their vivid imaginations.
Carey, who created the show, is exec producing with Ron Diamond, the ceo of Acme Filmworks, which will provide the animation for the greenscreen effects. The show is a production of Production Group and Michigan J.
Carey envisioned using high-end animation all along for the series and wanted to use many different styles, he said. The animation is not determined before the live shoot with the actors. The idea is to do our regular improv show or concert tours; the animators can figure from there. Theres no reason to think about the animation ahead of time. Actually that will hurt you because youll be thinking about it too much while youre on stage.
As for working with animation, Carey said, I was amazed at all the detail work. I always knew it was. But just to see it right in front of my eyes I really have a whole new respect for people that go the distance.
Carey said the main challenge of the GREEN SCREEN show is to, keep it fun and fresh so people have something brand new they havent seen before and know the laughs will be great every week. Animation adds a fresh element; we can use different animators every show.
Its exciting, Diamond added. Were going to be tapping into the talents of animators from around the world, to explore lots of different 2D and 3D techniques with an eye toward keeping it really creative and a lot of fun.
The new show includes alum from Careys improv performances and THE DREW CAREY SHOW such as Colin Mochrie, Kathy Kinney, Brad Sherwood, Jeff Davis, Charles Esten, Jonathan Mangum, Greg Proops and Sean Masterson, with Ryan Stiles set to guest star in the pilot.
Acme Filmworks is a full-serve animation studio providing a wide array of animation styles from some of the top animation directors in the world. For more information, visit www.acmefilmworks.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
