Podcast Summary
A trip down memory lane with Damien Haas from So Random!: Damien Haas shared stories and scripts from his time on Disney Channel's So Random!, reminiscing about his connections to the show and the lasting friendships he formed during production.
Damien Haas, a guest on the SmoshMouth podcast, shared stories about his journey in the entertainment industry, particularly his time on the Disney Channel show "So Random!" Shane and Amanda, the hosts, were excited to have Damien on the show and reminisced about their own connections to the show. Damien brought along some old scripts from "So Random!" and shared inside jokes and memories from the production. He explained that he didn't gain recognition for his work on the show until he started working with Smosh. They discussed the origins of "So Random!" and how it came about during the time of other popular Disney Channel shows like "Sonny with a Chance" and "Wizards of Waverly Place." Damien shared how he felt unsure when he first started on the show and wasn't hired as a regular, but he quickly connected with his castmates and formed lasting friendships. Overall, the conversation was a fun and nostalgic look back at the making of "So Random!" and the impact it had on the careers of those involved.
Adapting to unexpected circumstances: When faced with unexpected changes, creators can innovate by altering a show's direction, resulting in a unique and successful product.
When faced with unexpected circumstances, such as a lack of a star for a Disney Channel show, creators can adapt and innovate by changing the show's direction. In this case, the Disney Channel show "Sonny with a Chance" went from a traditional sitcom to a sketch comedy show, similar to "30 Rock," after Demi Lovato left. This change was likely influenced by the fact that the show was already about the behind-the-scenes of a sketch show. The speaker, who had auditioned for the show multiple times, shared that the audition process involved improvising characters and impressions, which was more comfortable for them compared to memorizing a script. This unexpected turn of events led to the creation of a unique and successful show.
A young actor's first live performance: Despite nerves, seize the moment and give your best performance, even in intimidating situations.
The speaker, who was a guest star on a Disney Channel show when they were 19, had to perform live in front of an audience of 100 children for the first time. They were used to improv theater but had never done live on-camera work before. The experience was nerve-wracking, especially since they weren't a regular cast member and the audience was more excited to see the other actors. During their first live performance, they had to do an impression of Billy Mays, who had recently passed away. The speaker froze for a moment but then gathered themselves and gave an impressive performance. This experience taught them the importance of going all in and seizing the moment, even when it's intimidating. They were also surprised by the difference between live and filmed performances, as they had only done improv and filmed work up until that point.
Behind the scenes of a TV show: Long days, multiple script revisions, and financial struggles for guest stars: Guest stars on TV shows face long hours, numerous script revisions, and financial instability despite their appearances on popular shows
Working on a popular TV show as a guest star involved long and intense days with numerous script revisions, resulting in multiple sketches per episode. Shane, who shared his experience, recalled working on a show with 800 writers, where they would have 7 scripts to begin with, but only 5 or 6 would make it to the final episode. These long days, filled with rehearsals and filming, led to a stack of scripts reaching 6 feet tall in his dressing room. Despite the hard work and late hours, the pay was significantly less than that of series regulars, leading to financial struggles even after landing a "big break." Shane also mentioned the unique experience of having a different last name assigned to him and other guest stars to distinguish us from ourselves. This insight into the behind-the-scenes of a TV show reveals the dedication and teamwork required to bring entertaining content to viewers.
A sitcom-style sketch show with frequent rewrites and a mix of actors: The UCB Theatre's 'Garlic Garden' was a unique sketch show with a sitcom-style format, featuring constant rewrites and a cast of both sketch and sitcom actors. This collaborative process brought the cast closer together.
The UCB Theatre's sketch show, "Garlic Garden," was run like a sitcom with frequent rewrites and a cast made up of both sketch and sitcom actors. During the table read discussed, there were significant differences from the final product, including the character Vito's interactions with the family and the presence of a white dog eating off a character's plate. The cast, including Shane, found the original script to be funny and good, despite some unusual elements like Vito's behavior towards his own family. The process involved constant rewrites up to an hour before the show, reflecting the sitcom-style format. This experience brought the cast closer together as they adapted to the new dynamic.
Joining an established show as a new cast member: Despite anxiety and uncertainty, staying confident and learning from solidarity can lead to valuable industry experiences and important lessons.
Joining an established show as a new cast member can be a nerve-wracking experience, filled with uncertainty and fear of being replaced. The anxiety is heightened when the show is popular and the cast is already well-established. This was the case for a young actor who shared their experience of joining a sketch comedy show and the FOMO they felt when they weren't called back for every episode. They also discussed the overwhelming feeling of a "big break" and the pressure to perform at a high level to secure future work. Despite the anxiety and uncertainty, the actor learned the importance of staying confident and not letting fear dictate their decisions. They also acknowledged the power of solidarity and the potential benefits of unionizing to secure fair compensation and treatment. Overall, the experience was a valuable learning experience that taught the actor important lessons about the entertainment industry and the importance of staying confident and resilient in the face of uncertainty.
Children's show production and merchandising: Producers' focus on merchandising led to uncertainty for actors, but personal finance tools like Rocket Money can help individuals save and gain control over their finances.
During the production of children's shows, especially in the era following Hannah Montana, the entertainment industry focused heavily on merchandising and pushing a celebrity image. Shows like "So Random!" faced challenges due to their sketch format, making it difficult to merchandise. Producers often gave vague answers to actors about their employment status, not out of malice but due to legal restrictions and the ultimate decision-making power lying with executives. This uncertainty can be stressful for actors, leading them to question their career choices. A personal finance app like Rocket Money can help individuals save money by identifying and canceling unwanted subscriptions, providing a sense of control and organization in one's finances.
Disney's focus on merchandising as a revenue source leads to high-quality entertainment: Disney invests heavily in unique and impressive productions, prioritizing high-quality entertainment over commercials
Disney's lack of commercials during their programming is due to their focus on merchandising as a revenue source. This was evident in the production of their sketch comedy show, where expensive sets and special effects makeup were common. For instance, a pig mascot outfit cost $10,000 to rent, and Jack Sparrow's beak prosthetic required hours of application. The budget for these productions was substantial, but it allowed for unique and impressive results. Additionally, the experience of undergoing special effects makeup was a memorable one for the cast members, even if it was time-consuming and uncomfortable. Overall, Disney's commitment to providing high-quality entertainment, even if it meant significant financial investment, was a key aspect of their approach to producing content.
Filming a children's show: Fun during, exhausting after: Bringing unique characters to life in entertainment industry requires energy, dedication, and creativity, resulting in fun filming experiences but exhausting aftermath.
The entertainment industry can be both exciting and exhausting. Shane's experience filming a sketch for a children's show involved wearing special effects makeup for a missing kid scene and later, playing a wacky foreign exchange student named Olaf Glutella. The process was fun during filming but draining afterwards. Regarding Olaf, Shane was instructed to make the character's accent weird and different, leading to the creation of a unique and memorable character. This sketch was from a Disney Channel show in 2011, where Shane and Damien performed. Olaf's entrance in the classroom, complete with crazy flailing arms and legs and kicking the teacher, brought laughter from the students and audience alike. Despite the students being extras, their roles were essential in making the sketch successful. Overall, Shane's experience highlights the energy and dedication required to bring unique and entertaining characters to life in the entertainment industry.
A disruptive student, Olaf, played by Will Forte on SNL, causes chaos in a classroom: SNL sketch highlights the frustration and chaos teachers face when dealing with disrespectful students, showcasing Forte's comedic range and the writers' ability to craft engaging comedy.
The sketch featuring Olaf from "Saturday Night Live" showcases the challenges teachers face when dealing with disrespectful students who act out in class. Olaf, a character portrayed by Derek comedy member Will Forte, disrupts a lesson by throwing a beach ball at a teacher's head, spraying her with silly string, and even pulling the fire alarm. The sketch highlights the frustration and chaos that ensues when a student refuses to follow rules and respect authority. The humor lies in the absurdity of Olaf's actions and the teacher's attempts to maintain control. The sketch also showcases Forte's impressive comedic range and the writers' ability to craft a well-executed, entertaining sketch. The scene can be seen as a commentary on the behavior of the iPad generation and the challenges teachers face in managing Gen Z students. Despite the chaos, the sketch remains engaging and showcases the comedic talents of the cast.
Reflecting on early comedy days: Experimenting with characters, improvising, cherishing collaborative environment, and the thrill of bringing unique ideas to life are essential parts of comedy.
The speaker fondly remembers their experience as a young sketch comedian, where they had the freedom to experiment with different characters and improvise on stage. Despite the initial uncertainty and potential for failure, they cherished the collaborative environment and the excitement of performing in front of an audience. The speaker also highlights the importance of preparation and the thrill of bringing their unique ideas to life each week. Overall, this experience was a defining moment in their comedic career and a source of great joy and satisfaction.
Creating content under pressure and discomfort: Despite challenging conditions, Ian and Damien maintained a positive attitude and continued to create content, showcasing their dedication and creativity.
Creating content under tight deadlines and uncomfortable conditions can be a challenging and surreal experience. During their time at Smosh, Ian and Damien faced numerous difficult sketches, one of which involved Damien wearing a rigid robot suit for hours while filming a dance scene. The suit was so restrictive that Damien's circulation was cut off, and the scene required him to perform a synchronized dance to specific answers from a test. Despite the discomfort and long hours, they continued to work through it with a positive attitude. However, in one instance, Damien's performance was filmed without the special effects, leaving him feeling disappointed. Another memorable experience was when Ian and Damien pitched sketch ideas that were not officially credited to them due to budget constraints. These experiences highlight the dedication and creativity required in content creation, as well as the occasional unexpected challenges that come with the territory.
Exploring the transformative process of acting: Acting involves enduring discomfort for creative expression, from prosthetics to long performances. Dedication and creativity are key.
The experience of acting, even in a seemingly simple sketch, can be a lengthy and transformative process. The use of prosthetics, such as spirit gum for mustaches, can bring back nostalgic yet unpleasant memories. Despite the discomfort, the actor found joy in the process and appreciated the creativity it allowed. The sketch, which involved a staring contest with a mannequin, required endurance and patience, with the actor aging while the mannequin remained unchanged. The actor also shared their experience of wearing elf ears using spirit gum for Halloween, describing the distinct smell and feel. The conversation ended with a discussion about a potential sketch idea, "Anime Brothers," and the possibility of revisiting and expanding upon old concepts. Overall, the conversation highlighted the dedication and creativity required in the world of acting and performance.
Unexpected friendships formed in dressing rooms: Unexpected friendships can lead to creative ideas and innovation, even in seemingly mundane places like dressing rooms.
The best ideas and friendships often come from unexpected places, like a shared dressing room in the entertainment industry. This was the case for the speakers in this conversation, who formed a deep bond over shared jokes and goofy anime humor. They would spend hours in the dressing room, messing around and coming up with ideas that they would pitch to directors, often as a last resort. These jokes, which included trying to make each other laugh and spit out water, anime voices, and pranks, became the foundation of their friendship. The speakers found that they could connect on a level they had never experienced before, and it was in these moments that their creativity flourished. The dressing room, which some may have seen as an inconvenience, became a source of inspiration and connection.
The similarities between theater and role-playing games: Immersive experiences in theater and role-playing foster creativity, character development, and human connection. First impressions matter and should not limit our judgments.
The experiences of creating and performing in theater and engaging in role-playing games share similarities, such as immersion and character development. This was evident in the discussion about the "scary game" 5 nights at Freddy's, the girl prop in the theater, and the anime brothers' role-playing experience. The anime brothers' script, with its rapid dialogue and over-the-top anime style, showcases the creativity and dedication that goes into both theater and role-playing. The discussion also highlighted the impact of first impressions and the importance of not judging others based on limited interactions. Overall, the conversation underscores the power of immersive experiences and the human connection they can foster.
Anime-inspired rivalry between brothers: The intense competition and rivalry between brothers Zan and Tay, inspired by anime, leads to embarrassment and shame during a dodgeball game.
The dynamic between Zan and Tay in this scene reveals their deep-rooted rivalry and intense competition, reminiscent of anime characters. Despite being brothers, they are torn apart and become fierce enemies during a dodgeball game. Their actions lead to embarrassment and shame in front of their teacher. This scene showcases their anime-inspired personas, with Zan adopting a hyper-aggressive tone and Tay striking a crying pose. The names they ended up using, Scott and Elliot Kornbluth, were inspired by anime characters as well. The rumor of a potential other show and the need for costume fittings further highlights the influence of anime on their characters.
Incorporating pop culture elements in 'So Random!', a breakthrough for the team: The entertainment industry offers no guaranteed 'big break'. Continue putting in effort and seize opportunities.
The anime industry was still in its infancy during the creation of "So Random!," and the team behind the show attempted to make it more relatable to a wider audience by incorporating elements from popular culture, such as Disney and Harry Potter. A surprising guest appearance by the Jim Henson Company's Miss Piggy left a lasting impression on the voice actor who later went on to find success in the industry. This experience served as a catalyst for his career in voice acting, which began in earnest shortly after. Despite initial challenges, "So Random!" proved to be a breakthrough for the team, leading to friendships and new opportunities. However, the road to success was not without its ups and downs, and the voice actor learned that there is no guaranteed "big break" in the entertainment industry. Instead, one must continue to put in the effort and seize opportunities as they arise.
Navigating the unpredictable entertainment industry: Build relationships, seize opportunities, have a strong work ethic, and be adaptable to change
The entertainment industry can be unpredictable and challenging, even after achieving success. The speaker shared their experience of working in sketch comedy, where they had the opportunity to work with friends and make connections that led to new opportunities. However, they also acknowledged that the industry is competitive, and even after getting a "big break," one might not always end up in the desired role or career path. The speaker encouraged the importance of seizing opportunities and building relationships, as these can lead to unexpected yet valuable experiences. They also emphasized the importance of having a strong work ethic and being adaptable to change. The speaker's reflections offer a reminder that persistence and resilience are essential qualities for anyone pursuing a career in the arts or entertainment industry.
Borrowing ideas from unexpected sources: Credit sources of inspiration and ensure originality in creative work to maintain authenticity in storytelling
The creative process can sometimes involve borrowing ideas from unexpected sources. During a discussion, Damien revealed an instance where a line from a Tim and Eric sketch was used in a production without realizing its origin. Although it was an honest mistake, Damien felt uncomfortable about it and had to address the issue with the producers. Despite this incident, Damien appreciated the opportunity to be part of the special project and expressed gratitude for being invited. The conversation also highlighted the importance of acknowledging the sources of inspiration and ensuring originality in creative work. Overall, the conversation provided an insightful perspective on the creative process and the importance of authenticity in storytelling.
