Creating Laughter: Interns’ ‘The Office’ Parody Project with Skillman Video Group

The Skillman Video Group interns, Jason and Chloe, were given total control for their original video projects.

This responsibility meant they had to handle all aspects of the project, including scripting, shot lists, and call sheets.

They also managed the production schedule, prioritizing efficiency by shooting scenes that were convenient to film consecutively, rather than in chronological order.

Their meticulous planning and teamwork allowed them to complete nearly all filming, except one scene, for both videos in one day.

Planning and Preparation

The intern videos were designed as culmination projects for the summer internship. The videos required a high level of creativity and strong collaboration between the interns.

Christina Skillman, the CEO, wanted the videos to be original and to subtly promote the video production company, or at least do so in a unique way. Given Jason’s background and involvement with the Boston comedy scene, the strategy naturally leaned toward humor.

The Power of Humor in Marketing

Humor is a powerful tool for YouTube marketing and engaging with the Boston YouTube scene because it increases the likelihood of a video being shared.

While people may hesitate to share a video on a serious topic, a funny video is more likely to be spread across social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

This approach enhances social media marketing potential through likes, shares, and retweets.

Inspiration from “The Office”

The Office parody video drew inspiration from the popular TV show. During the writing stage, the interns decided to base their character on Dwight, one of their favorite characters.

The plot revolves around an overzealous corporate employee, Jason, who is determined to showcase his video production potential to his boss, Nicolette.

Despite Jason’s efforts, Nicolette has already hired SVG for the job.

While Jason’s cinematic dreams are thwarted, Nicolette secures valuable video marketing consultancy from Christina.

Detailed Production Planning

It’s easy to get swept up in the workflow of a shoot, so Jason and Chloe meticulously planned the production schedule down to the wire.

Every detail was accounted for, from equipment transitions to lunch breaks, to maximize the number of scenes shot in a day.

Storyboarding played a crucial role in this process, dictating the number of camera angles and setups for each scene, significantly impacting the schedule.

On-Set Challenges and Adaptations

During the shoot, Jason and Chloe faced the challenge of deciding whether to set up for an extra angle in a scene.

They were reminded by Christina that they were at risk of falling behind schedule, leading them to move on to the next scene instead.

This decision-making process was crucial to staying on track and ensuring that the day’s goals were met.

Final Thoughts on the Project

The project was a great learning experience for the interns, showcasing the importance of planning, adaptability, and teamwork in video production.

The combination of humor, efficient scheduling, and creative problem-solving contributed to a successful shoot and a fun, engaging final product.