Homer Posted March 2, 2007 Posted March 2, 2007 http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117960384.html?categoryid=1300&cs=1&p=0 Winner for most unusual piece of development this pilot season goes to ABC, which has turned a series of quirky Geico commercials into an actual half-hour comedy project. "Cavemen" will revolve around three pre-historic men who must battle prejudice as they attempt to live as normal thirtysomethings in modern Atlanta. Project, from ABC TV Studio, is penned by Joe Lawson, an advertising copywriter who was behind the "Caveman" ads -- as well as other Geico commercials (think the cockney-speaking Geico gecko, and the reality TV spoof "Tiny House"). Daniel Rappaport, Guymon Cassady, Will Speck and Josh Gordon are exec producers. Speck and Gordon, commercial directors who recently helmed the Will Farrell feature "Blades of Glory," are on board to also direct. The single-camera laffer pilot is based on the Geico ads that promote the insurance company's Web site as so user-friendly that even "a caveman could do it." The spots follow cavemen in modern settings, reacting with offense to the derogatory slogan. In one, a Geico spokesman apologizes and takes the Neanderthals out to dinner. Other blurbs include the sensitive, modern cavemen peeved at the offending slogan while encountering Geico ads in everyday life, including the airport. The caveman commercials were created through the Richmond, Va.-based Martin Agency. Jeff Daniel Phillips and Ben Weber play the cavemen in the Geico spots; no word if they'll make the transformation to the TV project. Few TV shows have come out of the commercial sphere; more frequently, TV characters live on in 30-second spots long after their shows are canceled (think "ALF"). But it's not without precedence: The 2002 CBS comedy "Baby Bob" revolved around a talking baby character that was first seen in a series of dot.com ads. After the Eye canceled "Baby Bob," the character returned to its commercial roots, spending time as a pitchman (pitchbaby?) for Quizno's Subs. Do no networks listen? Why not Tiny House? Especially if you are looking at GEICO ads for inspiration.
FlyingScooter Posted March 2, 2007 Posted March 2, 2007 Wow, I guess I've yet another cold day in hell. Sorry, but i don't see this working....
Ryan King Posted March 3, 2007 Posted March 3, 2007 "Stupid Idea, Needs to Be Rethought" - George Carlin
steel Posted March 3, 2007 Posted March 3, 2007 Those are almost certainly the most annoying commercials on television today. Honestly, no one thought the original was funny. Now I want to throw a brick at the TV whenever one comes on. This will never work.
phazan Posted March 3, 2007 Posted March 3, 2007 ^I know a lot of people who love those commertials. I myself think they are funny. Whether a TV show about them would be funny or not...well that's a different story. I just can't see how someone could make a show about cavemen?
USRoadTripper Posted March 3, 2007 Posted March 3, 2007 I'll take "TV shows I'd never watch" for $1000, Alex. -Julie
BarryH Posted March 3, 2007 Posted March 3, 2007 What's worse: this TV show or making movies based on SNL sketches?
FlyingScooter Posted March 3, 2007 Posted March 3, 2007 ^Yeah, that'd be some list of movie titles, too. lol
Homer Posted March 3, 2007 Author Posted March 3, 2007 What's worse: this TV show or making movies based on SNL sketches? Wayne's World wasn't THAT bad?
Masked_Maverick Posted March 3, 2007 Posted March 3, 2007 Geicko Caveman commercials. Funny. TV show based on said commericals. Not so much
crazyrider06 Posted March 3, 2007 Posted March 3, 2007 That is so stupid, the commercials were funny at first and now they are just old.
jamesdillaman Posted March 3, 2007 Posted March 3, 2007 They better use Royksopp in the show, that's all I'm saying, because that MAKES the airport ad. -James Dillaman
Luxo Posted March 3, 2007 Posted March 3, 2007 The only Geico commercial I enjoyed was the one with Speed Racer. "The bridge is out!"
onewheeled999 Posted March 5, 2007 Posted March 5, 2007 I'm agreeing with Homer, they should have gone with the Tiny House. =]
CK Media Posted March 5, 2007 Posted March 5, 2007 I say miniseries. But the whole thing kinda has passed its prime. Maybe after the 2nd one when it was fresher. But I don't watch TV anyway. Anime Suki FTW!
Masked_Maverick Posted March 5, 2007 Posted March 5, 2007 But still this has got to be better than the Andy Milonakis show.
BarryH Posted March 5, 2007 Posted March 5, 2007 I bet if the show is cancelled, there will be a DVD set of the show called "GEICO Caveman: The Complete Series." It will probably have 6 episodes and some special features.
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