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BEHIND THE SCENES ON DIGITISER THE SHOW: EPISODE 3

26/11/2018

24 Comments

 
I get to every Sunday and think "Well, that episode was a nightmare to edit - at least the next one won't be". And then it is.

Ep 3 was indeed a nightmare of an edit, and the final final version - still warts and all - wasn't uploaded until a few hours before the ep went live (allowing just enough time for YouTube to process it). Before that happened, some of you over on Twitter may have noticed that Paul Gannon and I found ourselves in the midst of a wee brouhaha.

Earlier in the week, Paul had come up with a plan to drum up a bit of extra interest in the episode by pretending we'd had some sort of big falling out. He was going to announce his resignation following the episode, with a special video, I was going to respond - then we'd carry on the charade throughout this week, before kissing and making up, and him rejoining the series just in time for next week's episode. I thought it was genius.

We're both big fans of Gregg Turkington and Tim Heidecker's On Cinema At The Cinema, and they offer a similar sort of meta narrative, which spills out of the show and into the real world. And it's great - it kind of extends the show beyond the boundaries of a just-once-a-week thing.

Unfortunately... it appears we may have been too subtle, and as fun as it was for us to do... well, we won't be doing it again.

I mean, I thought my over-the-top Trump-style tweets were a pretty clear indication that this was all a big joke. And that saying Paul Gannon "nearly dies" in the episode was obviously OTT clickbait hyperbole. Not to mention the fact that the series was filmed six months ago, and if Paul had nearly died, or harboured some issue with what we'd done, he'd have quit long before now. Besides, if we'd really had a falling out I wouldn't have been part of CheapShow Live etc. etc.

Certainly - as grown men - we wouldn't have aired our dirty laundry on social media. I mean... give us some credit.
ABOUT FACE
However, slightly more people than either of us had expected  took our "spat" at face value. It spiralled quite astonishingly out of control - with several people genuinely furious at us.

To be honest, I don't really know what a lot of them were even angry about. Perhaps they felt foolish for believing it, and thought we'd pranked them? I dunno, but a lot of the venting which came our way soon ceased to be about anything Paul or I had done; people are just angry, and we were available to be shouted at.

All I can say is that Paul and I didn't think anybody for a second would believe that we'd genuinely had a falling out, or that I was really bullying him, but we live in weird times, where irony is a lost language, and the absence of a winking emoticon can start a war.

The stupid thing is, Paul and I are as liberal as they come, yet I think it's very important that we, as creators of things, try to block this stuff out. It's really, really important that creative people have the space to be able to try different things, and sometimes fall flat on their faces. I had to sort of give a bit of a speech to the team after the first day's filming to this effect. You can't do comedy unless you take risks... that is, unless you want to be Michael McIntyre. 

It's how it works in script meetings and writer's rooms I've been a part of; you need to be able to go down cul-de-sacs, or to extreme places, in order to find the gold. We can't afford to water down what we do, or we end up with a bland, homogenised, culture, where everything is the same flavour: "plain".

Digitiser is inclusive and welcoming, and bonkers, and it isn't remotely the sort of show which goes out of its way to offend people - and yet, no matter what, it seems that some people are just looking for reasons to be offended and angry. Some of the tweets I received yesterday - literally likening me to Trump, and accusing us both of inciting violence - were just... I mean... you know... wow... They were another level. Honestly, I was head-in-my-hands shocked.

I mean, I get it to a point; irony and subtlety doesn't always land with everyone, for a myriad of reasons. We all have a different capacity for it. One of my kids is autistic, and I know that I sometimes need to watch how I phrase things. 

COILED SPRINGWATCH
At the same time, it seems like a lot of people these days are simply coiled up, ready to strike, at any hint of perceived offence - and that deafens their capacity to take a step back and ask themselves what's really going on. That's the world we're living in, and it's making it very difficult to speak openly, or have a reasoned debate, about anything - because on social media so many people have a hair-trigger outrage response. Even saying this is probably going to piss some people off.

I guess there's so much drama out there that we can no longer tell which drama is tongue-in-cheek. I find it exhausting having to tiptoe around.

Unfortunately for them and us, it's not possible to remain creative if you take the offence of others to heart, or start worrying too much what other people will think. It's absolute anathema to creativity. Too often, if somebody is offended or angry - it's actually about them.

Paul and I intended no offence, but we ran head-first into other people's "stuff". Rescuing them by changing what we do, or treading on eggshells, making allowances for their baggage, isn't going to help anyone, and it won't make for a better show. 


In this instance, because we have chosen to listen, it has killed what would've been a fun, and funny, way of promoting Digitiser, and building upon it. And that's a big shame, and a lot of people who got it will now miss out. And, for us, it's also a lesson learned. As making this show has been from day 1.

Anyway, let's crack on.
​
Beware: SPOILERS (watch Ep 3 before reading on). 
KOWALSKI
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This was my two-fingers to everyone who doesn't like the "zany, try-hard" humour in Digitiser; putting a shameless lump of nonsense right at the start. I figure that, by episode 3, if you're not onboard then we may as well give up trying to convince you. And so we get Kowalski - the most Mr Biffo's Found Footage-y thing we've featured in Digitiser The Show thus far. 

Ryan "Cousin Dan" Livermore from Barshens is playing The Chief. But who's that under the mask...?
INTRO
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Once again, there were a few minor technical issues with this episode, mostly in this segment. What's causing the problems is beyond me, frankly, because the eps seem fine on my laptop. However, once they're uploaded... that's when the imperfections are highlighted. I'll try and fix it this week, but - probably as it should be - my focus will be on getting the content and comedy right first.

I'm torn over what to do whenever we do a second series - whether to try to continue doing the editing myself, or get an external editor in. I mean, it has been a punishingly absurd amount of work to edit a six-part, multi camera, show like this. However much work you think it is, multiply that by a factor of 10. Handing it over to another editor might help, but... I fear losing the essence of what makes it Digitiser-y; it was through being able to experiment in a hands-on way that I worked out what the show is. 

It would've been possible to produce a flawless, tight, professional version of Digitiser The Show, but that isn't what I wanted. That's what everybody else does. I realised that leaving in the flaws, the fluffs, the chaos, is what made it feel like Digitiser. 
QUIZ-ME-DO
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I believe that this sequence was shot on day 1, which rather undermines the legend that day 1 was an unmitigated disaster.

​Can I also just give my jacket a shout-out; it's a replica of one that Jimi Hendrix used to wear. Personally, I think I wear it better. 
SHOW & TELL
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Nostalgia Nerd came to the studio for one day, and ended up staying more or less the entire week. He even brought some of his own stuff along for this Show & Tell segment. He was, as entirely expected, great value.

Something I need to mention here is that I'm getting a lot of requests from people who want to appear on a second series of the show, or be involved behind the scenes. Now... there's no real delicate way of putting this, but... I don't get it. Y'know, I don't contact the people who make my favourite shows and ask if I can be on them. It's great that you like Digi and want to join in, but, well, that's not really how things work is it?

I dunno if it's because I'm too "available" and approachable, or because we nailed that "gang having fun" vibe, but it's not something we can just say yes to. In part, that's because so many people are asking to be involved, and in part because the guests we invited (and will continue to invite) are established YouTubers or personalities who can hopefully bring some of their sizeable audience with them. It puts me in a really difficult position of not wanting to cause offence, but... I can't simply say yes to everyone. 

Also, I don't remember which comedian said it, but - and no cuss intended here - when you pick a volunteer from the audience, it's usually advisable not to pick the one with their hand in the air going "Me! Me! Me!".

​That said, if we do a second series... we will try to find a way to involve more of you. No promises there, though. And, of course, there's still the live show coming...
NANA FOOM
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So... Nana Foom is a song written by someone I used to be friends with back when I was 10, and has been put to music by the sublime Chris Jerden-Cooke. I witnessed my friend sing this song to his grandmother (THE Nana Foom), who promptly chased the "disgusting boy" out of the house, trying to slap him. 

It was one of the funniest things I ever saw, and I have never forgotten it.

I meant to give him a credit on the ep, but forgot. I still see him around from time to time, though I've not spoken to him in 30-odd years. Maybe I will have to let him know...
MARIO vs ZELDA
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For the record... yes, we did mention that Gannon shares a name with the antagonist of the Zelda series, but it got cut for time and pacing reasons. Once the series is done, I'll start sharing some of the deleted moments with backers and the rest of you. 

For instance, there was a whole other round in Crane Grabber for Real, featuring the comedian Imran Yusuf (who's in next week's ep). It was very funny, but - again - due to pacing, it had to be taken out. 

​You've got to kill your babies...
THROUGH OUR FLAPS
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Gannon is mortified at twice getting Steve McNeil's name wrong, but - as I've said before - I could've taken it out and you'd be none the wiser. That, for me, isn't as much fun as a show that's a little more rough around the edges. I want something that feels pleasantly tactile, with a few nicks and dents in it. Most shows edit out those moments. Leaving in those awkward moments is what works better for us.
CRANE GRABBER FOR REAL
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And here we have it; the highlight of the series thus far. Everything that went wrong in this is entirely real. Nothing is staged. It was a glorious, escalating, series of near-catastrophes, and we were all reeling once it was over. 

For me, this - though it came right at the end of the shoot - is the essence of the show. We're all involved, it's a ridiculous idea in the first instance - which only gets more ridiculous the more it goes on - and I don't think it's like anything else you'll have ever seen.

Suffice to say, if and when we do a series 2, we'll all have Crane Grabber For Real at the front of our minds. Not that it'll ever lose site of the other elements; I think having a relatively more sedate pace earlier on allows our big endings to stand out, and gives us something to build towards.

Also, massive kudos to Larry. One of the greatest joys during filming was learning the strengths of my co-hosts. Larry, in particular, is just a natural clown - he's a far, far more talented physical comedian than I ever would've given him credit for.

Except, he's not pretending...

So, to next week's episode; Imran Yusuf playing Killer Instinct, Ashens showing off the Grandstand Light Games, and a Rampage For Real climax that - just like this week - I guarantee you will never forget... 

Or be able to un-see.

​Just you wait.
24 Comments
Larry Bundy Jr link
26/11/2018 10:01:03 am

By total coincidence, I played the clown version of Tango Man in the late '90s adverts. But I've always loved slapstick, used to freak out the teachers and fall over looking like I had seriously injured myself.

But what I always said to Biffo at the end of this shoot, I came on the show as a "gaming expert", and left it as Steve-O form Jackass :D

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Kris Carter link
26/11/2018 10:25:35 am

The confidence the show has built is fantastic to see - and the hard work that;s gone into this is insane!

It was obvious to see you and Gannon's spat was a silly little marketing thing - I'm surprised people got so damn riled. I was enjoying it...

It's been great to see Gannon be so game for a laugh in all of this actually. They guy will suffer for comedy!

Also great to see Octav1us have more of a role in this episode, with Jenny having more of a role last week too it feels like all the presenters are rounded out now. Everyone is so good!

But that final sequence... that was just inspired lunacy. And total kudos for putting a tiny camera on the crane! That topped it.

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Treacle
26/11/2018 10:48:10 am

I think this was the most perfect realisation of classic Digitiser. It does that brilliant Found Footage thing of almost demanding multiple viewings to appreciate everything that's going on. From opening with Kowalski to the the finale that just kept giving it was joyous. Everyone involved deserves massive praise.

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Paul
26/11/2018 11:13:21 am

A great episode. It was definitely a good one.

I recognised Kowalski - you used to do videos where your neighbour popped round for things. That’s the same (or very similar) face, isn’t it?

The spat between you and Gannon. I got it. I could see what was going on. I even joined in with some daft comments. However, after a tiring day (blame the start of Christmas shopping here), I did start to feel a bit uncomfortable about it. The comments and replies from others started to make me wonder if I had mis-read it all. Was this some genuine falling out? It *could* have been (especially as Gannon was playing it “straight”) - was humour being used as a shield by someone who was feeling defensive about his work?

Clearly, I was wrong (phew), but boy, does this show how people can be triggered. You have to be so careful with this kind of thing. Kind of glad you pulled the plug at that point, but also rather sad that the narrative was never finished. I think if I had continued to be concerned that evening, I’d have fired off a message privately to find out what was actually going on.

Anyway, let’s look forward to episode 4!

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Spiney O’Sullivan
26/11/2018 11:54:27 am

The fake Twitter feud is a pretty funny concept, though I can see how Gannon’s fans might have got the wrong end of the stick if they read his parts first and didn’t look too hard at Biffo’s tweets, as a lot of them are subtle enough to come off as believably hurt. But then, reading Biffo’s corresponding posts really should have made it clear that the whole thing was absurd. The use of Trump-style phrasing like “FAKE ALLERGY” and the poll about what kind of liar Gannon is (which I got a laugh out of) should really be kind of clear giveaways, or at least odd enough to give that bit of disbelief that eventually leads to figuring it out.

Unfortunately this kind of thing is hard to do as a lot of people are just bad at getting jokes on the internet hat aren’t “memes”, particularly when the people posting them are usually fairly earnest (well, that and some people love a bit of a crusade). OnCinema are especially good at it because they’ve made being those awful idiots a long-term commitment rather than a one-off prank. From what I’ve seen, those guys never seem to drop the act, even when being interviewed by other shows for non-OnCinema purposes, and Tim just doesn’t seem to care if people think he’s a monster.

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Chris
26/11/2018 06:32:27 pm

They are not awful idiots. If the Delgado's would just let Tim do his thing then On Cinema would be going from strength to strength. Greg is fine at providing movie expertise but he is, and always will be, a number 2.

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Chomboss Wankuss
27/11/2018 01:25:56 pm

Excuse me! Its GREGG with 3 Gs. And that show would be nothing without a GENUINE film buff and the boss of the VFA.

Biscuits
26/11/2018 01:39:18 pm

This week's ep was brilliant, great pacing and weird gags. Loved it!

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Robin
26/11/2018 04:02:19 pm

OK, I have to ask: why DID Paul have a battery pack stuffed down his nether regions? I assume this was leading toward some payoff which never happened due to the proceedings spiralling into chaos, but I'm curious to know what that would have been...

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Mr Biffo
26/11/2018 06:39:37 pm

For his microphone!

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Robin
26/11/2018 08:04:19 pm

Oh right, gotcha. Pretty mundane reason then. :-)

Adam
26/11/2018 04:29:56 pm

Larry retching into a bucket had me laughing so hard I was almost in tears. More please!

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Bobmonkeypimp
26/11/2018 05:05:29 pm

Best episode yet. I loved every minute of it. Thanks Biffo.

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Holbeck Ghyll
26/11/2018 06:39:38 pm

Nana Foom is a real Nana? That is brilliant, that has made my day.

Also, regarding requests to be in the next series.
I doubt the requests were people asking to have Larry or Jenny’s jobs. But I did wonder myself how Sam and Gaz got the chance to appear in last weeks Mockety-Mock.
I see they are listed as associate producers. But I’m in the same tier, and I didn’t get any sort of invitation to the filming, nor did I expect one.
Even if I did get an invite to appear on the show, I would never have accepted. Not with a face like mine.
Maybe you could shed some light on how they got so lucky?

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Treacle
26/11/2018 08:45:11 pm

I assumed Gaz was there to provide the on set catering.

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Mr Biffo
26/11/2018 08:58:36 pm

I've known Gaz well over 10 years, and Sam was one of the people who volunteered (after we put out the request) for The Trojan Arse protocol. Basically... this being the first series, we needed people on set that we knew and trusted. Honestly had nothing to do with them being backers. Hope you understand.

Abi
26/11/2018 08:13:50 pm

Wait, Kowalski was wearing a mask?

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Peter Almond
26/11/2018 09:23:43 pm

Brilliantly fantastic show, again. I don't know how far you might agree or admit but there are definite shades of early (Big Night Out era) Vic and Bob in some of the sketches/set pieces, and that can only ever be a good thing. Also completely on board with you ethos about leaving the show "rough around the edges", some of the awkward pauses and fluffs are highlights for me.

Personally though, I would have bullheadedly carried on the fictional spat with Gannon and seen it through, I think anyone who dropped off or was genuinely concerned would have got a bigger pay off for it. But then again, I'm a weird guy.

Keep it up dude. You made me cry (albeit with laughter), you monster!

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RandomReviewer29
26/11/2018 10:22:18 pm

I like On Cinema at the Cinema too, but the reason the antagonistic relationship between the leads works is because both Tim and Greg start the series playing subtle yet clearly signposted personas, and Tim was (at least partially) known for playacting as a bit of a dick in interviews and his other work. There was a precedent there, which the Digitiser show didn't have. I think it just blindsided everyone. That said, I loved this episode.especially the Nostalgia Nerd shootout.

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Mr Biffo
27/11/2018 07:50:30 am

Um... you do know that mine and Paul's relationship in the show isn't how it is in real life don't you? That it's sort of, y'know, acting?

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Mr Biffo
27/11/2018 07:55:40 am

Sorry. That was really condescending of me. In short: we thought we'd established a sort of bully/bullied relationship in the show - via Duck Hunt For Real and Fat Sow etc. We felt people would get that, having seen that show, if we continued it a bit on Twitter.

We accept we were wrong.

Tyronne Mann
27/11/2018 09:57:15 am

By the end of the third episode I was crying with laughter, and trust me there are very, very few things which have made me do that recently as so many `comedies` are so restrained.
Like I have said before, you will never please anyone and as for the internet, there are soo soo many precious flowers that will bite at the most smallest of intrusions into their World that worrying about what will upset people online is a waste of time as everything will, regardless of how innocent the intent.
Being online is like walking on egg shells and TBH sod the egg shells, if you find something funny, there will be plenty of others who will also find it funny too (I was (and continue to be) a member of B3ta and way back in the early 2000`s that place was full of some of the most depraved, funny people I have ever had the privilage of knowing (and still do) and the photoshops and flash animations still make me laugh to this day - and that place was really not for everyone as they even released the `sick joke book`) - guess what I am rambling about is if it makes you laugh, then that is what matters as once you tone that down then you have lost an important part of your own individuality - so stick to your guns as what you are all doing is working :)
And for those it is not working for, then they are more than welcome to look to other places as they are not being forced to watch it.

On a side note, for those wanting to help, how about asking to put their money where their mouth is and do something small like a quick lost footage type thing - you might get 96% poo...but there will be that 4% gold - after all, had not Bob spoken to Vic after a show many moons ago - there would have not been any Vic and Bob and no `big night in`s` or ` Reeves and Mortimer` or even `shooting stars`.

/end of line.

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sonicshrimp
27/11/2018 07:19:11 pm

There's something of the bob mortimer about paul, isnt there. Loving it. Only thing I watch regularly every week. Like old telly!

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Ade72
28/11/2018 10:26:32 pm

I don't often comment on blogs, but just wanted to say that I am absolutely loving the show, and have quite genuinely laughed until it hurt in places. Gannon's various torments amuse me greatly - does this make me a bad person? And the show and tell section and interviews are genuinely informative. I've been gaming for far longer than I care to admit, and there's a nice mix of nostalgia along with stuff I missed at the time that's really enjoyable. Fantastic effort by all involved. My plan is now to teach my children "Nana Foom" and see how quickly it spreads around the local school...

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