1 00:01:03,910 --> 00:01:09,933 CREDITS 2 00:01:17,113 --> 00:01:18,586 What's up, internet? 3 00:01:18,611 --> 00:01:20,925 Whit here, fillin' your life with another vlog 4 00:01:20,951 --> 00:01:22,683 about bein' awesome! 5 00:01:23,550 --> 00:01:24,951 Hey, internet, it's Whit. 6 00:01:25,785 --> 00:01:27,662 Here to talk to you... Fuck! 7 00:01:27,687 --> 00:01:29,689 We good, internet? What's shakin', internet? 8 00:01:31,591 --> 00:01:33,902 What's up, what's up? Hello... 9 00:01:33,927 --> 00:01:36,037 Hola, internet. Blow me, internet. Fuck you! 10 00:01:36,062 --> 00:01:37,597 God fucking dammit! 11 00:01:37,864 --> 00:01:40,300 You're good, it's fine. This is good. You're good. 12 00:01:51,165 --> 00:01:53,009 Hey, friends, welcome back to the show. 13 00:01:53,035 --> 00:01:55,747 I'm Whit, you're watching, now, let's get talking. 14 00:02:27,603 --> 00:02:31,391 _ 15 00:02:42,711 --> 00:02:47,031 I open my closet this morning and just, my God! 16 00:02:47,057 --> 00:02:48,578 It looks incredible! 17 00:02:48,668 --> 00:02:51,346 I mean, did you see me on that runway? 18 00:02:51,371 --> 00:02:53,206 Everyone at last night's show noticed. 19 00:02:53,808 --> 00:02:55,977 I just feel really blessed. 20 00:02:56,125 --> 00:02:58,390 Like, not everyone has the opportunity 21 00:02:58,416 --> 00:02:59,854 to wear something like this. 22 00:02:59,879 --> 00:03:03,239 I asked around, and you need at least 3 million followers, 23 00:03:03,265 --> 00:03:05,591 or they won't even make it custom for you. 24 00:03:23,918 --> 00:03:25,004 Fuck! 25 00:03:25,957 --> 00:03:27,782 I mean, it's just one of those situations 26 00:03:27,807 --> 00:03:30,009 where they don't tell you the real shit until you sign. 27 00:03:31,957 --> 00:03:34,465 Toured the place, it's perfect. 28 00:03:34,927 --> 00:03:38,039 Move in, and you find out that every single one 29 00:03:38,065 --> 00:03:40,167 of your fucking neighbors is a chain-smoker. 30 00:03:40,712 --> 00:03:42,894 Did you know Charlie Jeffries is gonna be at this party? 31 00:03:43,360 --> 00:03:46,254 - Are you listening? - Yeah, of course, it's just... 32 00:03:46,570 --> 00:03:47,980 Charlie Jeffries? 33 00:03:49,080 --> 00:03:50,433 Yeah, right. 34 00:03:50,903 --> 00:03:54,348 Anyway, Jenny... Jenny writes this letter to management, 35 00:03:54,374 --> 00:03:56,918 but they do the whole, "We can't help you" thing, 36 00:03:56,944 --> 00:03:59,514 and I already tried talking to the neighbors... 37 00:04:01,708 --> 00:04:03,818 So, you know, I figure I'm just gonna 38 00:04:03,843 --> 00:04:06,688 burn the whole place down, yeah? 39 00:04:06,713 --> 00:04:08,381 Commit arson, kill everyone, 40 00:04:09,116 --> 00:04:12,760 laugh maniacally while pissing on their burnt corpses. 41 00:04:13,002 --> 00:04:14,375 When the cops show up, 42 00:04:14,401 --> 00:04:15,763 I'm gonna light them on fire too, 43 00:04:15,788 --> 00:04:18,591 'cause I can just do that now with my bare hands. 44 00:04:19,025 --> 00:04:20,126 Totally. 45 00:04:29,904 --> 00:04:32,039 We're both really glad you came out tonight. 46 00:04:32,528 --> 00:04:35,167 It just feels like we don't get to see you as much anymore. 47 00:04:36,168 --> 00:04:39,065 So, Nick tells me you're still doing your show? 48 00:04:40,044 --> 00:04:42,255 It's a vlog. It's called Whit's Hits. 49 00:04:42,281 --> 00:04:43,693 You should really check it out. 50 00:04:43,818 --> 00:04:46,013 If you like it, you can share it on Twitter, Instagram, 51 00:04:46,039 --> 00:04:47,670 Snapchat, TikTok. 52 00:04:47,696 --> 00:04:48,904 Even OnlyFans. 53 00:04:50,262 --> 00:04:51,897 I'm not on OnlyFans. 54 00:04:52,358 --> 00:04:54,794 You know, 'cause I'm dating your friend. 55 00:04:54,820 --> 00:04:56,441 Nick doesn't have to know. 56 00:04:57,997 --> 00:05:00,308 You know, I was actually reading that a lot of those apps 57 00:05:00,333 --> 00:05:01,740 aren't really great for your mental health. 58 00:05:01,766 --> 00:05:03,511 I was listening to this podcast last week 59 00:05:03,536 --> 00:05:05,071 about body image issues... 60 00:05:10,335 --> 00:05:13,219 bombarded with the toxic messaging... 61 00:05:13,547 --> 00:05:14,647 Hey. 62 00:05:15,766 --> 00:05:16,816 Whit? 63 00:05:17,123 --> 00:05:19,287 And this dude will not stop talking about 64 00:05:19,313 --> 00:05:20,756 how many followers he has. 65 00:05:20,782 --> 00:05:23,231 So eventually I'm like, "You're yucking my yums right now, 66 00:05:23,256 --> 00:05:25,158 and I literally cannot stand you." 67 00:05:28,680 --> 00:05:30,090 Wow, that's... 68 00:05:30,154 --> 00:05:32,233 that's really funny. 69 00:05:32,259 --> 00:05:34,228 You... you are hilarious. 70 00:05:34,471 --> 00:05:36,039 It's nice to meet you. I'm Whit. 71 00:05:44,010 --> 00:05:45,953 He said he'd shout me out in one of his videos. 72 00:05:45,978 --> 00:05:47,922 He's got like 600,000 subscribers, 73 00:05:47,947 --> 00:05:49,816 - so if even like a frac... - Yeah, he's not gonna do that. 74 00:05:50,116 --> 00:05:51,150 Why not? 75 00:05:51,176 --> 00:05:54,296 Because he just said that so you'd leave him alone. 76 00:05:59,538 --> 00:06:01,636 Twitter says James Leo's at the Scorpion Lounge. 77 00:06:01,661 --> 00:06:02,737 Last call's in like an hour, 78 00:06:02,762 --> 00:06:03,738 - so if we... - Hey, Whit, 79 00:06:03,763 --> 00:06:05,164 I am right here, man. 80 00:06:05,707 --> 00:06:07,742 - What? - Who... 81 00:06:07,963 --> 00:06:10,179 Who brought you to that party tonight? 82 00:06:10,840 --> 00:06:12,882 - What do you mean? - Dude, that was... 83 00:06:13,337 --> 00:06:16,007 so fucking rude to Jenny, and... 84 00:06:17,265 --> 00:06:18,378 and... 85 00:06:19,124 --> 00:06:20,346 You know what? 86 00:06:34,378 --> 00:06:35,698 Get out of my car. 87 00:06:38,698 --> 00:06:41,467 But Nick, if you don't drive me... 88 00:06:42,530 --> 00:06:44,300 how will I get to the Scorpion Lounge? 89 00:06:51,629 --> 00:06:52,704 Fuck you! 90 00:07:15,835 --> 00:07:17,835 - It's Whit's Hits! - Whit's Hits! 91 00:07:17,861 --> 00:07:20,416 - Welcome to Whit's Hits. - Hey friends, welcome back to the show. 92 00:07:20,442 --> 00:07:22,178 I'm Whit, you're watching... 93 00:07:25,596 --> 00:07:27,136 _ 94 00:07:33,904 --> 00:07:37,049 Have you ever wanted to be on TV? 95 00:07:37,075 --> 00:07:39,050 Feel the glow of the spotlight? 96 00:07:39,076 --> 00:07:43,214 And a chance to fill your pockets with cold, hard cash? 97 00:07:44,397 --> 00:07:47,942 Then the Magnificent Million Dollar Question 98 00:07:47,967 --> 00:07:49,168 is for you! 99 00:07:49,502 --> 00:07:52,313 This revolutionary game show will be taping a pilot 100 00:07:52,338 --> 00:07:55,783 this Thursday, and will be looking for audience members 101 00:07:55,808 --> 00:07:57,276 and participants! 102 00:08:01,414 --> 00:08:03,524 Hey, it's your homie, Whit! 103 00:08:03,549 --> 00:08:06,252 - I'm out here today with my dude, Carl! _ 104 00:08:06,486 --> 00:08:09,130 Can you get in the damn car, please? 105 00:08:09,779 --> 00:08:11,632 Carl! He's the best. 106 00:08:11,657 --> 00:08:14,702 Anyway, I'm diversifying my brand today, 107 00:08:14,727 --> 00:08:17,927 and I'm making my TV debut, what? 108 00:08:17,953 --> 00:08:19,873 I'm gonna be on this sick new game show 109 00:08:19,899 --> 00:08:22,877 called The Magnificent Million Dollar Question, 110 00:08:22,903 --> 00:08:25,614 where your boy's competing for, you guessed it, 111 00:08:25,673 --> 00:08:27,769 a million dollars! 112 00:08:28,230 --> 00:08:31,018 I'll check in with you guys after we record to let you know 113 00:08:31,043 --> 00:08:34,622 when and where you can catch me on that big-screen TV 114 00:08:34,647 --> 00:08:36,749 that I know you've got at home, so... 115 00:08:36,774 --> 00:08:39,029 _ 116 00:08:42,092 --> 00:08:45,533 And... and... and let me know what you guys wanna see, 117 00:08:45,558 --> 00:08:48,669 'cause I... I wanna keep this audience happy and growing, 118 00:08:48,694 --> 00:08:51,898 so, I... I'm always down for suggestions. 119 00:08:51,923 --> 00:08:53,419 _ 120 00:08:53,466 --> 00:08:54,867 Okay, Whit out! 121 00:09:13,189 --> 00:09:15,677 How long is this gonna take? 122 00:09:16,389 --> 00:09:17,490 Too long. 123 00:09:25,565 --> 00:09:27,939 Hey, I'm Whit Barnett. 124 00:09:28,025 --> 00:09:29,343 Supposed to be recording 125 00:09:29,368 --> 00:09:31,203 for The Magnificent Million Dollar Question here today. 126 00:09:31,355 --> 00:09:33,142 Perfect. Just a moment, please. 127 00:09:36,298 --> 00:09:38,595 Hello? Hi. 128 00:09:39,334 --> 00:09:40,471 Yes, he's here. 129 00:09:43,465 --> 00:09:44,790 Of course. 130 00:09:45,248 --> 00:09:47,549 - Someone will be right with you. - Great. 131 00:09:48,955 --> 00:09:50,122 Do you know who I am? 132 00:09:50,756 --> 00:09:52,758 - Of course. Whit's Hits. - Really? 133 00:09:53,549 --> 00:09:55,614 Sorry, of course. 134 00:09:56,560 --> 00:09:57,973 - Whit? - Yeah? 135 00:09:58,236 --> 00:09:59,403 Follow me. 136 00:10:04,252 --> 00:10:06,401 Perfect timing. You shouldn't have to wait too long. 137 00:10:06,514 --> 00:10:09,675 - Great. Busy day today? - Buddy, you got no idea. 138 00:10:12,511 --> 00:10:14,924 Let's keep you in here. We'll come get you when we're ready. 139 00:10:19,898 --> 00:10:20,996 What was that? 140 00:10:21,020 --> 00:10:23,531 We got another contestant finishing up right now. 141 00:10:23,556 --> 00:10:25,258 Crowd really likes him. 142 00:10:29,750 --> 00:10:31,564 I'll be able to do that too, right? 143 00:10:31,797 --> 00:10:32,865 Do what? 144 00:10:33,762 --> 00:10:34,937 Be likeable? 145 00:10:35,635 --> 00:10:37,845 I mean, casting doesn't make mistakes. 146 00:10:37,870 --> 00:10:41,159 "I'm Whit, you're watching, now, let's get talkin'!" 147 00:11:28,833 --> 00:11:31,143 - Hey, Whit? - Hi. 148 00:11:32,182 --> 00:11:35,002 - It's good to meet ya. - Yeah. Nice to meet you too, sir. 149 00:11:35,872 --> 00:11:37,549 I see you're right at home here. 150 00:11:38,471 --> 00:11:40,341 I'm sorry about that. I was... 151 00:11:40,366 --> 00:11:41,809 Kid, I'm fucking with you. It's fine. 152 00:11:41,834 --> 00:11:43,502 We got this shit in here for a reason. 153 00:11:44,534 --> 00:11:46,393 - So, are you excited? - Yeah. 154 00:11:46,906 --> 00:11:49,682 That's perfect. We like excited people. 155 00:11:49,856 --> 00:11:52,367 It's entertainment. There's no reason not to be pumped up about it. 156 00:11:52,393 --> 00:11:55,115 Yeah, of course. I can be pumped. 157 00:11:55,318 --> 00:11:58,234 So, let me give you a quick rundown of how this works. 158 00:11:58,350 --> 00:11:59,927 We're gonna bring you out on stage, 159 00:11:59,952 --> 00:12:01,729 have the host get to know you a bit. 160 00:12:01,754 --> 00:12:03,466 Now, use your character. 161 00:12:03,540 --> 00:12:05,609 That's the point, right? We like characters here. 162 00:12:06,113 --> 00:12:08,482 From there, you'll be asked a series of questions. 163 00:12:08,654 --> 00:12:10,286 If you provide an incorrect answer 164 00:12:10,312 --> 00:12:12,505 at any point, game is over. 165 00:12:12,755 --> 00:12:15,076 But if you give five correct answers... 166 00:12:15,101 --> 00:12:16,521 I win a million dollars. 167 00:12:16,587 --> 00:12:18,474 Name really gives it away, uh? 168 00:12:20,747 --> 00:12:23,021 Whit? Time to go. 169 00:12:24,636 --> 00:12:27,833 Oh, hey, kid. Pardon... 170 00:12:28,262 --> 00:12:29,793 I just like to ask, 171 00:12:30,382 --> 00:12:31,784 what are you gonna do with the money? 172 00:12:31,984 --> 00:12:33,561 You know, if you win. 173 00:12:34,164 --> 00:12:35,417 I'd give it away. 174 00:12:36,547 --> 00:12:40,089 - That's charitable. - Yeah, yeah, that's what they'd say. 175 00:12:41,718 --> 00:12:44,782 I'd set it up as this whole stream on my channel. 176 00:12:45,097 --> 00:12:48,300 Just do this 40-minute video where people would come on 177 00:12:48,530 --> 00:12:51,306 and cry about how sad their lives are, 178 00:12:51,785 --> 00:12:55,173 and then I'd get to decide who the saddest person is, 179 00:12:55,512 --> 00:12:57,243 and then I'd just give them the money. 180 00:12:58,267 --> 00:13:00,227 And I'd be like... 181 00:13:01,485 --> 00:13:02,665 a hero. 182 00:13:03,298 --> 00:13:04,978 Everyone would wanna watch that. 183 00:13:07,399 --> 00:13:08,656 I like you, kid. 184 00:13:09,003 --> 00:13:10,477 You're gonna do great. 185 00:13:44,203 --> 00:13:45,344 That's you. 186 00:13:46,938 --> 00:13:48,084 Good luck. 187 00:14:16,710 --> 00:14:17,744 Hello? 188 00:14:24,936 --> 00:14:28,940 Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, 189 00:14:29,702 --> 00:14:35,407 welcome to the Magnificent Million Dollar Question! 190 00:14:35,832 --> 00:14:38,719 You're just in time to see the greatest show on Earth, 191 00:14:38,744 --> 00:14:41,214 where the stakes are high, 192 00:14:41,240 --> 00:14:45,066 the prizes are immense, and the drama... 193 00:14:45,710 --> 00:14:47,066 is real. 194 00:14:53,415 --> 00:14:56,627 Hello, son. I hope you're ready to play. 195 00:14:58,253 --> 00:14:59,665 Do you have a name? 196 00:14:59,871 --> 00:15:01,982 Whit. Whit Barnett. 197 00:15:02,101 --> 00:15:04,027 Ooh, a strong name. 198 00:15:04,147 --> 00:15:05,660 I'm a fan! 199 00:15:08,941 --> 00:15:10,743 Oh, are you having a good day today? 200 00:15:11,802 --> 00:15:13,363 Well, I am now. 201 00:15:17,503 --> 00:15:19,252 What do you do for work, Whit? 202 00:15:20,003 --> 00:15:21,662 I'm a content creator. 203 00:15:21,687 --> 00:15:23,785 I have a vlog called Whit's Hits. 204 00:15:23,923 --> 00:15:26,258 Oh, well, that sounds exciting. 205 00:15:26,592 --> 00:15:28,936 Well, I have a feeling you're gonna be getting 206 00:15:28,961 --> 00:15:31,593 a lot more followers after today! 207 00:15:35,234 --> 00:15:38,520 And does that work pay the ol'... bills? 208 00:15:38,871 --> 00:15:40,547 Well... not really. 209 00:15:40,572 --> 00:15:43,684 I also have an allowance, but that's just temporary, 210 00:15:43,709 --> 00:15:45,085 until I make it, you know? 211 00:15:45,110 --> 00:15:46,712 Of course, of course. 212 00:15:47,027 --> 00:15:50,097 We've all been there before, right? 213 00:15:55,094 --> 00:15:56,575 Do you have any, hobbies? 214 00:15:56,601 --> 00:15:58,136 Anything else you like to do for fun? 215 00:15:58,924 --> 00:16:01,660 Well... the videos? 216 00:16:03,910 --> 00:16:06,242 Anything else, I mean. 217 00:16:14,840 --> 00:16:17,810 We're gonna come back to it. Do you know the rules? 218 00:16:19,211 --> 00:16:21,313 And you're prepared to play? 219 00:16:21,680 --> 00:16:23,924 Prepared to chase... 220 00:16:23,949 --> 00:16:26,427 that ever evasive 221 00:16:26,452 --> 00:16:29,520 million dollars? 222 00:16:30,349 --> 00:16:31,481 Perfect. 223 00:16:37,301 --> 00:16:38,630 First question. 224 00:16:43,369 --> 00:16:47,214 What is the name of the British playwright 225 00:16:47,239 --> 00:16:51,410 who penned such works as Hamlet and Macbeth? 226 00:16:54,480 --> 00:16:55,848 William Shakespeare? 227 00:16:56,248 --> 00:16:57,416 Correct! 228 00:17:00,027 --> 00:17:02,763 We like to start things off nice and simple. 229 00:17:03,070 --> 00:17:04,631 Set you up for success. 230 00:17:04,656 --> 00:17:07,250 If only life were that easy, right? 231 00:17:11,263 --> 00:17:13,732 Time for our second question, young Whit. Are you ready? 232 00:17:14,350 --> 00:17:15,427 Yes, sir. 233 00:17:15,855 --> 00:17:18,021 In which country... 234 00:17:18,910 --> 00:17:21,490 are the ancient pyramids located? 235 00:17:24,677 --> 00:17:25,936 Egypt? 236 00:17:27,046 --> 00:17:28,888 Correct! 237 00:17:30,197 --> 00:17:33,115 I have a good feeling about you, kid! 238 00:17:39,761 --> 00:17:41,271 What's going on here? 239 00:17:41,360 --> 00:17:44,034 Do we wanna learn more about Whit? 240 00:17:44,584 --> 00:17:47,135 Yes, of course we do! 241 00:17:49,064 --> 00:17:50,745 Where're you from, Whit? 242 00:17:51,722 --> 00:17:54,448 I'm from Toronto. I moved out here for uni. 243 00:17:54,473 --> 00:17:56,442 I just sort of stuck around after. 244 00:17:56,720 --> 00:18:00,312 I see. And your, family, they're still in Toronto? 245 00:18:01,969 --> 00:18:03,462 How often do you see them? 246 00:18:04,156 --> 00:18:06,626 Not as often as I probably should. 247 00:18:07,072 --> 00:18:10,719 Well, would you like to say hi to them now? 248 00:18:11,162 --> 00:18:13,837 You're on TV, after all. 249 00:18:16,050 --> 00:18:20,386 Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad. I made it! I... I'm finally on TV. 250 00:18:24,800 --> 00:18:27,618 Third question, and this one's a little tougher. 251 00:18:28,181 --> 00:18:31,684 Can you provide for us the address 252 00:18:31,710 --> 00:18:35,155 of the party influencer Charlie Jeffries 253 00:18:35,180 --> 00:18:36,772 attended last night? 254 00:18:41,929 --> 00:18:43,856 Is everything all right, young man? 255 00:18:47,190 --> 00:18:49,186 - Do you need a hint? - Nope. 256 00:18:50,060 --> 00:18:53,747 No. No. I... I got it. I was there. 257 00:18:53,988 --> 00:18:57,091 It was 311 Belmont Street, in Calneta. 258 00:18:58,070 --> 00:18:59,938 Correct! 259 00:19:01,775 --> 00:19:05,250 You are getting closer and closer, buddy! 260 00:19:05,594 --> 00:19:06,867 Why was that a question? 261 00:19:06,893 --> 00:19:10,031 Your friends must be so excited for you! 262 00:19:10,344 --> 00:19:12,992 Well, yeah, I... I guess. 263 00:19:13,018 --> 00:19:15,445 Did any of your friends join you today? 264 00:19:16,124 --> 00:19:22,383 Did they come by to revel in your fame and stardom? 265 00:19:24,627 --> 00:19:25,795 Whit? 266 00:19:34,164 --> 00:19:39,876 Did any of your friends join you today? 267 00:19:44,538 --> 00:19:45,584 No. 268 00:19:47,980 --> 00:19:49,083 What is this? 269 00:19:49,947 --> 00:19:51,381 You seem nervous. 270 00:19:53,376 --> 00:19:55,084 But then again, I would be too... 271 00:19:56,613 --> 00:20:00,436 if I was on the brink of winning 272 00:20:00,545 --> 00:20:03,202 a million dollars! 273 00:20:03,235 --> 00:20:08,723 If I was on the precipice of fame and stardom! 274 00:20:12,611 --> 00:20:15,017 One more question, then we'll let you off the hook. How's that sound? 275 00:20:15,043 --> 00:20:16,103 No. 276 00:20:16,711 --> 00:20:18,431 No more questions. 277 00:20:19,577 --> 00:20:22,085 If you were to die today... 278 00:20:23,979 --> 00:20:25,616 would anyone miss you? 279 00:20:36,902 --> 00:20:38,378 You don't answer the question, 280 00:20:38,403 --> 00:20:40,421 you lose the game, young man. 281 00:20:42,594 --> 00:20:44,265 I have friends. 282 00:20:44,534 --> 00:20:46,375 That wasn't the question. 283 00:20:48,005 --> 00:20:50,195 I'm gonna ask you for some honesty... 284 00:20:51,460 --> 00:20:52,726 just this once. 285 00:20:54,567 --> 00:20:58,523 If you were to die today... 286 00:21:00,185 --> 00:21:02,976 would anyone miss you? 287 00:21:07,606 --> 00:21:09,007 Fuck you. 288 00:21:09,526 --> 00:21:11,593 - Excuse me? - Fuck you! 289 00:21:12,104 --> 00:21:13,437 And fuck this! 290 00:21:14,964 --> 00:21:16,617 You can't do this to me. 291 00:21:17,442 --> 00:21:19,375 Everything here is bullshit! 292 00:21:19,635 --> 00:21:23,476 Your questions are bullshit. The audience is bullshit. 293 00:21:23,980 --> 00:21:25,679 Is this even real? 294 00:21:26,084 --> 00:21:27,734 Is anyone even watching? 295 00:21:28,983 --> 00:21:30,828 Kill the stream, Gary. He popped. 296 00:21:32,523 --> 00:21:35,850 I will burn this place to the fucking ground! 297 00:21:36,687 --> 00:21:39,429 - I'll take it from here. - Thanks, boss. 298 00:21:43,839 --> 00:21:46,175 - What is this? - This isn't really a game show. 299 00:21:47,008 --> 00:21:49,901 It's more of a... spoof on a game show. 300 00:21:49,928 --> 00:21:51,062 Performance art. 301 00:21:52,101 --> 00:21:54,690 Streaming live over the internet. 302 00:21:55,681 --> 00:21:58,950 - Gary, how many viewers? - We had over 600,000. 303 00:22:04,289 --> 00:22:05,857 - 600,000? - Yup. 304 00:22:07,092 --> 00:22:08,327 Watching that live. 305 00:22:08,978 --> 00:22:12,670 They were liking, sharing, commenting, 306 00:22:12,899 --> 00:22:15,468 overwhelmingly cheering for you. 307 00:22:16,819 --> 00:22:18,445 Kid, those viewers aren't lost forever. 308 00:22:18,470 --> 00:22:20,780 We can be back online in 15 minutes. 309 00:22:21,570 --> 00:22:23,725 But only if you wanna play alone. 310 00:22:38,085 --> 00:22:39,288 Let's do it. 311 00:22:40,461 --> 00:22:41,526 Come on. 312 00:22:42,218 --> 00:22:44,054 Let me take you to the green room, okay? 313 00:22:44,222 --> 00:22:46,023 Just be a couple minutes. 314 00:22:46,655 --> 00:22:47,968 Great choice, kid. 315 00:22:48,898 --> 00:22:50,827 Your, channel there... 316 00:22:51,689 --> 00:22:53,562 it's gonna blow up after this. 317 00:22:53,996 --> 00:22:55,124 I promise. 318 00:22:57,650 --> 00:22:59,296 See you soon, bud. 319 00:23:13,128 --> 00:23:15,669 So, the 600,000 people, 320 00:23:15,694 --> 00:23:17,504 how many of them do you think we'll get back? 321 00:23:17,529 --> 00:23:19,588 We'll get them all back, I promise. 322 00:23:20,174 --> 00:23:21,608 - Oh, hey, are... - No. 323 00:23:21,632 --> 00:23:24,659 Next contestant's in there, so we gotta put you somewhere else. 324 00:23:24,732 --> 00:23:26,971 Don't worry, it's much nicer. 325 00:24:00,368 --> 00:24:02,055 Are you guys still watching? 326 00:24:14,653 --> 00:24:17,653 Yo! It's Whit, and I'm back! 327 00:24:18,608 --> 00:24:20,863 I'm sorry about that blow-up earlier. 328 00:24:20,963 --> 00:24:23,395 Your boy here just didn't really know what was going on. 329 00:24:25,163 --> 00:24:27,129 But now that you know who I am... 330 00:24:28,168 --> 00:24:29,723 what do you guys wanna see? 331 00:24:40,312 --> 00:24:41,710 Oh, you're back. 332 00:24:42,960 --> 00:24:44,616 There's a lot of you! 333 00:24:48,616 --> 00:24:51,880 Feel free to head over to my channel and leave a comment. 334 00:24:52,468 --> 00:24:54,616 Let me know what you guys wanna see. 335 00:24:57,042 --> 00:24:58,826 And I can be that guy. 336 00:25:00,898 --> 00:25:03,015 Just please keep watching. 337 00:25:06,033 --> 00:25:07,175 Please. 338 00:25:59,736 --> 00:26:00,778 Look, 339 00:26:01,655 --> 00:26:03,762 you're a star. 340 00:26:14,004 --> 00:26:16,716 _ 341 00:26:16,741 --> 00:26:23,270 CREDITS 342 00:26:26,518 --> 00:26:29,220 Welcome back from The Void. Thanks for watching. 343 00:26:29,721 --> 00:26:30,764 I'm David Cummings, 344 00:26:30,789 --> 00:26:33,525 the creator and host of The NoSleep Podcast. 345 00:26:34,059 --> 00:26:36,528 Today we're joined by John Thomas Kelly, 346 00:26:36,795 --> 00:26:39,664 who wrote the adaptation of the NoSleep story, 347 00:26:39,931 --> 00:26:44,235 The Million Dollar Question, written by Joćo Ribiero, 348 00:26:44,469 --> 00:26:47,772 which we adapted into the episode titled "Starlight." 349 00:26:48,540 --> 00:26:51,376 John, welcome. Thanks for being with us today. 350 00:26:52,010 --> 00:26:53,645 Oh, thank you so much for having me. 351 00:26:54,079 --> 00:26:56,748 Now, John, you are the screenwriter 352 00:26:57,015 --> 00:26:57,916 of this episode, 353 00:26:58,149 --> 00:27:02,429 but you're also co-showrunner of Tales from the Void, 354 00:27:02,454 --> 00:27:05,298 and I'm curious what drew you or inspired you 355 00:27:05,323 --> 00:27:07,225 to tackle this screenplay. 356 00:27:08,393 --> 00:27:11,972 Yeah, so, when I first read The Million Dollar Question, 357 00:27:11,997 --> 00:27:14,407 I really loved the brutality inherent 358 00:27:14,432 --> 00:27:17,002 in the twist at the end of that story, right? 359 00:27:17,569 --> 00:27:20,981 So that was kind of the immediate draw. 360 00:27:21,006 --> 00:27:22,649 But I think the more I read it, 361 00:27:22,674 --> 00:27:26,111 the more I was very attracted to the idea of this game show 362 00:27:26,511 --> 00:27:28,955 that has a veneer of professionalism 363 00:27:28,980 --> 00:27:32,325 hiding an incredibly grimy and dirty reality 364 00:27:32,350 --> 00:27:33,560 of what's actually happening 365 00:27:33,585 --> 00:27:35,453 kind of underneath the surface, right? 366 00:27:35,954 --> 00:27:38,665 Because having worked in the film industry for, like, 367 00:27:38,690 --> 00:27:41,601 a decade-plus now, I saw some obvious parallels there 368 00:27:41,626 --> 00:27:43,461 that I thought would be interesting to explore. 369 00:27:43,962 --> 00:27:45,639 One of the main themes of this story 370 00:27:45,664 --> 00:27:48,008 is influencer culture 371 00:27:48,033 --> 00:27:50,468 and the obsession we have with social media. 372 00:27:50,702 --> 00:27:53,880 And I'm curious, what... what did you want to instill 373 00:27:53,905 --> 00:27:56,483 into those themes, and what kind of message 374 00:27:56,508 --> 00:27:58,910 did you want this story to have? 375 00:27:59,177 --> 00:28:02,288 Francesco, you know, who's my co-showrunner 376 00:28:02,313 --> 00:28:04,883 and the creator of the show, and who directed the episode, 377 00:28:05,083 --> 00:28:07,260 he and I spoke about this a lot 378 00:28:07,285 --> 00:28:10,188 in the lead-up to, you know, the execution on this one. 379 00:28:10,555 --> 00:28:13,867 And I think we were in a very similar boat, 380 00:28:13,892 --> 00:28:15,702 where I think we were both raised 381 00:28:15,727 --> 00:28:16,803 in an environment 382 00:28:16,828 --> 00:28:18,897 where humility was, like, a core teaching. 383 00:28:19,197 --> 00:28:20,141 And it's, you know, 384 00:28:20,166 --> 00:28:21,908 was really stressed upon both of us 385 00:28:21,933 --> 00:28:25,403 that the world did not revolve around our whims and desires. 386 00:28:26,938 --> 00:28:28,515 so, you know, personally, I've always found it 387 00:28:28,540 --> 00:28:29,549 a bit confounding 388 00:28:29,574 --> 00:28:31,551 that there are people who seemingly feel 389 00:28:31,576 --> 00:28:33,753 the need to document every moment of their lives, 390 00:28:33,778 --> 00:28:36,523 as it seems, you know, equal parts narcissistic 391 00:28:36,548 --> 00:28:38,016 and emotionally exhausting. 392 00:28:38,349 --> 00:28:40,560 You're out at, like, a concert or you're out to eat, 393 00:28:40,585 --> 00:28:43,054 and there are literally people who are so driven by 394 00:28:43,555 --> 00:28:45,498 this weird form of digital engagement 395 00:28:45,523 --> 00:28:47,500 that they're setting up a shot on their cell phone 396 00:28:47,525 --> 00:28:50,195 as opposed to kind of living in the moment in front of them. 397 00:28:50,795 --> 00:28:54,174 And this is not intended to be like an old man 398 00:28:54,199 --> 00:28:56,476 shakes fist at tree situation. 399 00:28:56,501 --> 00:28:58,945 I don't think it's generational, but I think it's more just 400 00:28:58,970 --> 00:29:02,048 the way that our societal norms and values have evolved 401 00:29:02,073 --> 00:29:03,408 across all generations, 402 00:29:03,742 --> 00:29:06,244 from boomers to millennials, to Gen Z. 403 00:29:06,511 --> 00:29:09,522 Where I think there is now a lot of value that is placed 404 00:29:09,547 --> 00:29:11,691 on this form of cheap fame, right? 405 00:29:11,716 --> 00:29:14,152 Where you're simply famous for being accessible. 406 00:29:15,253 --> 00:29:16,529 So what the episode, I think... 407 00:29:16,554 --> 00:29:19,399 And again, this was something that Francesco and I spoke about 408 00:29:19,424 --> 00:29:20,600 kind of at length. 409 00:29:20,625 --> 00:29:21,968 It would be interesting to take 410 00:29:21,993 --> 00:29:24,237 kind of an extreme version of that idea 411 00:29:24,262 --> 00:29:25,206 and play it through 412 00:29:25,231 --> 00:29:26,998 to its logical conclusion, right? 413 00:29:27,298 --> 00:29:30,076 Where we're taking this guy whose entire life is really, 414 00:29:30,101 --> 00:29:33,113 truly accessible, to the extent that he's actually quite happy 415 00:29:33,138 --> 00:29:35,048 at the notion of dying on camera, 416 00:29:35,073 --> 00:29:37,217 because it's going to get him a lot of these clicks 417 00:29:37,242 --> 00:29:39,244 and attention that he so desires, 418 00:29:39,444 --> 00:29:42,247 that have evaded him up to this point, so... 419 00:29:43,748 --> 00:29:47,761 In "Starlight," we see Whit trying to process 420 00:29:47,786 --> 00:29:51,122 everything that's going through or that he is going through. 421 00:29:51,422 --> 00:29:55,660 And yet the story seems to be hinting to the audience, 422 00:29:56,161 --> 00:29:57,937 what's gonna happen. 423 00:29:57,962 --> 00:29:59,372 And so it's almost like the audience 424 00:29:59,397 --> 00:30:02,500 is a few steps ahead of where Whit is, 425 00:30:02,867 --> 00:30:04,744 and so you're trying to tease 426 00:30:04,769 --> 00:30:07,505 what's gonna happen without giving it away. 427 00:30:07,939 --> 00:30:10,750 This really comes back to the idea 428 00:30:10,775 --> 00:30:12,185 of infusing the episode 429 00:30:12,210 --> 00:30:14,012 with a little bit of comedy, right? 430 00:30:14,479 --> 00:30:17,115 Kind of like a marker of just, 431 00:30:17,448 --> 00:30:19,459 you know, something that will always be funny 432 00:30:19,484 --> 00:30:22,428 is when you have a character who's a bit of a dunce 433 00:30:22,453 --> 00:30:24,764 and the audience is a step or two steps ahead 434 00:30:24,789 --> 00:30:26,157 of where that character is. 435 00:30:26,591 --> 00:30:29,127 Because, you know, to the question you posed, 436 00:30:29,861 --> 00:30:33,164 we get to revel in the dramatic irony 437 00:30:33,464 --> 00:30:35,809 of the character being just so far behind 438 00:30:35,834 --> 00:30:36,943 where we are mentally, 439 00:30:36,968 --> 00:30:39,204 in terms of the situation they're stepping into. 440 00:30:39,604 --> 00:30:42,215 There is a bit of a balance there, 441 00:30:42,240 --> 00:30:45,677 'cause you don't want to create a character who is just so, 442 00:30:45,910 --> 00:30:47,821 you know, obnoxiously beyond stupid 443 00:30:47,846 --> 00:30:49,547 that it feels unbelievable, 444 00:30:49,848 --> 00:30:51,791 so we really tried to... You know, something 445 00:30:51,816 --> 00:30:54,152 that I tried to do in the script is to give him 446 00:30:54,485 --> 00:30:59,199 such a incessant need to achieve the goal 447 00:30:59,224 --> 00:31:00,433 that we've placed in front of him, 448 00:31:00,458 --> 00:31:02,535 of being famous, that that kind of, 449 00:31:02,560 --> 00:31:04,504 instead of him just being too stupid to understand 450 00:31:04,529 --> 00:31:06,364 his surroundings, he's just blinded 451 00:31:06,564 --> 00:31:08,867 by his insatiable need for fame, 452 00:31:09,234 --> 00:31:11,177 to make decisions that are intrinsically, like, 453 00:31:11,202 --> 00:31:12,203 really stupid. 454 00:31:12,403 --> 00:31:15,148 But every time he makes one of those dumb decisions, 455 00:31:15,173 --> 00:31:17,884 and like, walks through the double doors, you know, 456 00:31:17,909 --> 00:31:21,087 to go backstage or you know, walks on... You know, 457 00:31:21,112 --> 00:31:23,890 decides to go back to the second version 458 00:31:23,915 --> 00:31:25,625 of the green room, when I think, like, 459 00:31:25,650 --> 00:31:27,485 we all know there's clearly something up. 460 00:31:27,819 --> 00:31:30,530 You know, it gives a bit of a wink and a nod 461 00:31:30,555 --> 00:31:31,531 to the audience, of like, 462 00:31:31,556 --> 00:31:33,499 there's... there's some comedic elements here. 463 00:31:33,524 --> 00:31:35,468 We're having a bit of fun at his expense. 464 00:31:35,493 --> 00:31:36,836 You understand why he's doing it, 465 00:31:36,861 --> 00:31:40,006 but you are more than allowed to... to laugh at the fate 466 00:31:40,031 --> 00:31:43,902 that is about to befall this, rather naive individual. 467 00:31:44,302 --> 00:31:47,647 In the original story, it really is very plot-driven 468 00:31:47,672 --> 00:31:50,049 and not as much character-driven. 469 00:31:50,074 --> 00:31:54,053 And yet you adapted it to really bring out characters. 470 00:31:54,078 --> 00:31:56,256 The character of Whit, certainly, 471 00:31:56,281 --> 00:31:58,449 but then we have the carnival barker, 472 00:31:58,683 --> 00:32:02,862 the person who really infuses not just a sense of dark humor, 473 00:32:02,887 --> 00:32:05,732 but he really kind of, ties together 474 00:32:05,757 --> 00:32:07,625 the whole game show process. 475 00:32:07,926 --> 00:32:11,137 So, how did you decide to take this character 476 00:32:11,162 --> 00:32:14,607 with his snappy dialogue and the wit that he brings 477 00:32:14,632 --> 00:32:17,844 to the... to the story? You know, 478 00:32:17,869 --> 00:32:19,712 how did you build him in your mind 479 00:32:19,737 --> 00:32:21,406 to fit him into this story? 480 00:32:22,540 --> 00:32:26,419 Yeah. So whenever, you know, you're working within, 481 00:32:26,444 --> 00:32:27,987 like, a set of ideas, 482 00:32:28,012 --> 00:32:30,723 and you need to, you know, find characters 483 00:32:30,748 --> 00:32:33,693 to fit into those ideas, what I typically try to do 484 00:32:33,718 --> 00:32:36,763 is figure out who would be the best person 485 00:32:36,788 --> 00:32:38,990 to place inside of this situation, right? 486 00:32:39,424 --> 00:32:42,268 So, looking at the story from 1,000-foot view, 487 00:32:42,293 --> 00:32:44,604 you're looking at, you know, unsuspecting guy 488 00:32:44,629 --> 00:32:47,198 goes into game show not realizing it is snuff film. 489 00:32:47,665 --> 00:32:49,742 So it's like, well, who's like the perfect person 490 00:32:49,767 --> 00:32:51,411 to be stepping into that situation? 491 00:32:51,436 --> 00:32:53,646 Well, the perfect person to be stepping into that situation 492 00:32:53,671 --> 00:32:56,983 is a guy who so desperately wants to be famous 493 00:32:57,008 --> 00:32:59,285 that he will maybe ignore some of the telltale signs 494 00:32:59,310 --> 00:33:00,553 that something is wrong. 495 00:33:00,578 --> 00:33:02,889 You know, this person who does not have fame, 496 00:33:02,914 --> 00:33:04,590 does not have, 497 00:33:04,615 --> 00:33:07,360 you know, clout, I guess, in any way, shape, or form, 498 00:33:07,385 --> 00:33:08,953 but who desperately desires it. 499 00:33:09,454 --> 00:33:11,264 And I thought with the carnival barker, 500 00:33:11,289 --> 00:33:13,633 what would be very interesting would be to create 501 00:33:13,658 --> 00:33:16,661 a pure juxtaposition to Whit. 502 00:33:17,061 --> 00:33:19,572 Where it's this guy who's literally going on stage 503 00:33:19,597 --> 00:33:22,200 in front of a, you know, a "crowd." 504 00:33:22,467 --> 00:33:24,669 A crowd of, like, adoring followers, 505 00:33:25,003 --> 00:33:27,447 but who hates it, right? So, you have this... 506 00:33:27,472 --> 00:33:28,915 So, you know, while Whit, you know, 507 00:33:28,940 --> 00:33:30,450 so desperately wants to be on stage 508 00:33:30,475 --> 00:33:32,243 and so desperately wants this attention, 509 00:33:32,510 --> 00:33:34,979 and is very nervous in that seat, 510 00:33:35,380 --> 00:33:39,025 you have the carnival barker who is incredibly calm 511 00:33:39,050 --> 00:33:40,485 in the spotlight, 512 00:33:40,818 --> 00:33:42,929 has all of the spotlight he could ever desire, 513 00:33:42,954 --> 00:33:45,164 and just completely despises it 514 00:33:45,189 --> 00:33:47,959 and is kind of, sarcastic throughout. 515 00:33:48,326 --> 00:33:51,237 And I feel like this episode was really inspired by 516 00:33:51,262 --> 00:33:56,709 those giallo films, where the focus on, 517 00:33:56,734 --> 00:33:59,779 the extremes of death and the blood 518 00:33:59,804 --> 00:34:01,506 and the gore that comes along with it. 519 00:34:01,706 --> 00:34:05,218 Both Francesco and I are really big fans of giallo films, 520 00:34:05,243 --> 00:34:06,786 and in modern cinema, 521 00:34:06,811 --> 00:34:09,113 you don't see a ton of opportunities 522 00:34:09,447 --> 00:34:11,090 to be able to take big swings. 523 00:34:11,115 --> 00:34:15,361 You know, like, you know, Argento used to in Deep Red 524 00:34:15,386 --> 00:34:18,022 or Opera, or films like Torso or Stage Fright. 525 00:34:19,090 --> 00:34:20,700 But when we looked at the material 526 00:34:20,725 --> 00:34:23,561 that was on the page, we saw a lot of opportunity 527 00:34:23,761 --> 00:34:26,439 to go really big and really broad. 528 00:34:26,464 --> 00:34:29,275 And I think Francesco did some incredibly interesting things 529 00:34:29,300 --> 00:34:31,769 with lighting and shot design and music, 530 00:34:32,036 --> 00:34:34,881 that plays really nicely with the manufactured feel 531 00:34:34,906 --> 00:34:36,908 of what you're going to get on a game show set. 532 00:34:37,141 --> 00:34:39,252 And similarly, the manufactured world 533 00:34:39,277 --> 00:34:41,679 that an influencer is trying to portray around them. 534 00:34:42,046 --> 00:34:44,782 So being able to kind of leverage the... 535 00:34:45,316 --> 00:34:46,926 the markings of a giallo film 536 00:34:46,951 --> 00:34:48,928 and to create a manufactured feel 537 00:34:48,953 --> 00:34:52,298 across both that game show set and the world of the influencer, 538 00:34:52,323 --> 00:34:55,668 felt like a really, you know, good fit of style, 539 00:34:55,693 --> 00:34:57,595 you know, to material. 540 00:34:58,296 --> 00:35:00,106 John, thanks for being with us tonight, 541 00:35:00,131 --> 00:35:01,841 and thank you for being such a big part 542 00:35:01,866 --> 00:35:03,476 of Tales from the Void. 543 00:35:03,501 --> 00:35:04,677 Thank you so much for having me. 544 00:35:04,702 --> 00:35:06,237 I had, I had a great time. 545 00:35:07,038 --> 00:35:09,682 Thanks for watching this extended presentation 546 00:35:09,707 --> 00:35:11,476 of Tales from the Void. 547 00:35:11,709 --> 00:35:14,145 We look forward to you joining us next time.