Our Story
Hey guys! Remember those classic old time radio shows from the 1930s?
Wait, you don't? Well, let's help you remember!
OLD TIME RADIO is a series of 5-7 minute episodes involving the
behind-the-scenes antics of old time radio, which had hit its peak in the 1930s.
What's particularly unique about our series is that in addition to video episodes, each episode will also contain 1 to 2 full audio podcasts of the Dana McGee Program (the radio shows that we hear and see glimpses of in the videos). These help further enrich the characters and story for the benefit of the audience and fully explore the medium in all forms.
THE STORY & CHARACTERS:
DANA MCGEE
Once a successful vaudeville comedian and radio star, now resting on his fading fame and focused on becoming an entertainment bigshot, even though his show is a low-rated program on a low-rated network. He's funny but a little slow, doesn't handle trouble well at all, and is the meal ticket of everyone else on the show.
JACQUELINE "JACKIE" MCGEE
Smart, forceful, and a successful comedian and writer in her own right, though she gets limited credit for it. Had to marry Dana so their old vaudeville comedy team wouldn't scandalize the public. She does whatever it takes to prevent the radio show from falling apart.
MERV BLANKENSHIP
A man of a thousand voices and a thousand poorly controlled impulses, Merv is a whiz behind the microphone but totally lost in real life, a puddle of a man. Dana sees him as a troubled friend, and Jackie fears his wild card qualities and lack of self-control, which often get them into trouble.
HOWARD HAYLEY
The owner of the "Dana McGee Program" and its network, and a man who's turned ownership of radio into a massive personal fortune. He's a mercurial billionaire, always keeping the cast of the radio show on their toes, never trustworthy when the chips are down.
SOME OF THE EPISODES:
-Jackie has to take care of the scripts AND burying the dead bodies (geez, Merv!), and she starts demanding some actual credit for it.
-Guess Who's Coming To Taping! Jackie juggles Dana and Merv's racism to keep their big (and African-American) guest star from walking out and save the show's ratings.
-Jackie doesn't know what's worse: the first-ever scientific study that says the show's tobacco company sponsor may be killing its customers, or Merv's pot farm that could get discovered at any minute.
-The Great Depression finally works its way to the entertainment industry. Can The Dana McGee Program hop boxcars and wander Dust Bowl America without falling apart?
-Heck, get yourself written into one! You're funny, charismatic and got a face for radio!
The Impact
Look, we know money is
tight for everyone right now.
But the fact that you've read this far shows you have an interest in
creative content.
By funding this campaign you are literally aligning your values with your actions by showing that you value original voices, and helping us get out there to
the mainstream. You are effectively telling Hollywood and the world that
you want something new instead of the same old risk-free ideas.
What We Need & What You Get:
Even though we're set in the 1930s, we can't treat people on our
crew like it was back then. So that means we at least need some things to get us off the ground:
Camera and Lights - $400
Editing equipment/Space - $400
Sound equipment & person - $400
Props - $250
Costumes - $250
Sets/Locations (aka bribes to homeowners) - $250
Web storage/Hosting/Development - $200
Makeup -$250
Food - $250
DVD Copies/Paper/Printing - $100
Tapes - $100
Fees (indiegogo takes 5%) - $150
If we have anything left over we'll pay our loveable hard working actors.
We prefer you use a credit card instead of paypal as they eat a ton of
fees otherwise. Not to mention you can get cash back for it too!
Also if you donate at or above certain thresholds, we'll give you producing credits, the choice of a cameo (or a photo on the show if you can't make it out to LA), a story that incorporates you or your name, or a personalized song sung by the cast.
Other Ways You Can Help
The best way to help is to spread the word! (Well actually that's the second best way behind giving money, but it's close)
If you cannot give money, we encourage you to donate things that
will save us money like costumes, antique props that can be featured in the
show, makeup kits, camera tapes, set dressing and so forth. Or even just moral support!
Also, gift certificates for food, water, tapes and office
supplies are welcome.
Plus for those of you who live in the Burbank or Los Angeles
area, we can always use help with crew. While there will be little to no pay there's food and credit in it for you.
Thanks and please open those wallets!