—The Sidewalks of San Francisco—
–Characters–Scenes–Themes–Pilot–
The whole world gets on a Hippie tour bus in San Francisco. From ‘bama fans to families from Afghanistan. Japanese Newlyweds to Grandma’s Bucket List. Rich. Poor. Young. Old. Left. Right. Every state in the Union and every Country in the World.
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– A Premise Unprecedented in Preposterous Possibility –
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Not quite a sitcom, but not exactly Saturday Night Live either. Think Laugh In with a plan. Take a small ‘sitcom family’ of regulars, support them with The Sidewalk Players, an SNL-like ensemble of up and coming actors and comedians. Then encourage cameos from politicians, actors, and athletes.
– Envision a sitcom on the set of a Cecil B DeMille movie –
Keep costs down, and logistics easy, by doing most shooting into, and out of, shadow box sets and out-of-the-bus shots, sidewalks in between, CG I running in the background.
To further keep costs down, keep hype up, and keep things fresh, The Sidewalk Players would be replaced with a new ensemble every season.That would make this a hot gig for up and coming actors and comedians.
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-The most interactive, audience-
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Each episode’s opening sequence has two viewer-submitted thirty second selfie ‘applications’ for guide jobs at Hippie Trippin’, playing on Owner’s cell phone. A third would be this week’s guest star, an “out-of-sight-for-a-while” former TV star, identity never revealed until the end credits.
As end credits roll, two more fan-submitted videos would run on Owner’s phone. This time couples and whole families dressed up and giving reviews of a Hippie Trippin’ tour they had previously taken. Good or Bad!
With a sidewalk just outside the Hippie bus, and bisecting most of the shadowbox sets halfway back, we will fill them with fan-submitted ‘walk-bys’, CGI’ed in, next to show characters, cameos, and the occasional CGI Alfred Hitchcock or Dirty Harry. Hundreds of fans per episode, just part of the show.
When The Sidewalk Players are turned over between seasons, fan voting will keep one around for the next year, (while the others go on to their own sitcoms or movie careers, no doubt!), But with the proper hoopla, sponsorship, and compensation, this could easily be hyped into a most coveted prize for any upcoming entertainer.
Additionally, the fans will vote on the weekly guest guides from Season One, the ‘incognito’ former TV stars, and one will become a regular cast member Season Two.
Cameos will dot every episode. …in line at the counter. …a sharp glance from over there …throwing a peace sign at a passing bus. …sauntering down the sidewalk. ..a smart remark from the back of the bus. …a character they always wanted to play? …with family? Maybe someday the real Obama Family will take a tour one week, then Trump and his golf buddies will be played by The Sidewalk Players the next. Maybe someday.
-The most interactive, audience-
What percentage of America will dress up like Hippie tour guides, and send in their thirty second selfie ‘interviews’ to Hippie Trippin’? How many couples and families will bond as they stage, script, and produce their thirty-second ‘reviews’? Who was your favorite Guest Guide last season? Which Sidewalk Player should be brought back next year? …which should get their own show? How many viewings of an episode will be necessary to catch every nuance, cameo, and fan-submitted gem CGI’ed into the background or strolling the sidewalks?
-The most interactive, audience-
Bob Smith
415-802-4361
Hey.There.Bob.Smith@gmail.com
—The Sidewalks of San Francisco—