Stop Looking at MEdia (SLAM) today announced the launch of its Internet humor website, http://www.stoplookingatmedia.com. Featuring original videos combining sharp humor and high-quality production with fresh takes on the often absurd world of pop culture, SLAM was established by a group of independent, award-winning media producers to create and showcase new online content and funny media trailblazers. In addition to producing and distributing its own material, SLAM helps other content producers develop, create, promote and market their original ideas.

The launch of SLAM coincides with a rising interest in the growth and potential of Internet TV content companies. YouTube has invested more than $350M in online comedy channels* and VCs are beginning to fund emerging content players.+ According to co-founder Everett Salyer, SLAM seeks to seize this momentum and fill a void in the current marketplace, starting in its own backyard.

“There is a wealth of creative talent in Chicago with amazing ideas, but there is a lack of resources focused exclusively on online content,” said Salyer. “SLAM’s initial goal is to provide a complete solution to individuals and companies in Chicago and throughout the Midwest that are looking for professional video content production and marketing capabilities to create funny media. And we hope to have a blast doing it.”

Funny Is as Funny Does

At SLAM, the creative process begins and ends with funny content. “We help our clients every step of the way, starting with the ideation phase,” said Salyer. “We meet to discuss their ideas and brainstorm ways to make their content as funny as possible. Once we determine direction, we bring together the right set of resources and talent for each project, including some of the brightest and funniest stand up and improv comedians in the business.”

To encourage new talent, SLAM has adopted aninnovative business model based on online advertising to cover most upfront expenses. “SLAM is committed to serving as an incubator for new online content and working with clients to eliminate financial barriers, so we can stay focused on being funny,” said Salyer.

Other pre- and post-production services SLAM offers to clients include character development, script writing, storyboarding, sound design, wardrobe design, set design, shooting, lighting, editing, and post production effects. When a project is complete, SLAM aggressively markets each video to ensure as many views as possible.

Videos

The StopLookingatMedia.com site currently features the following original videos from the SLAM production team; additional videos will be added on a regular basis: 

•     Little Dogs - hip hop video about how hard it is for large men to “keep it real” while walking tiny dogs


•     Netdix – NSFW commercial for a company that uses snail mail to distribute sex toys


•     It’s My Birthday – Chicago improv video about a homeless man who convinces a passerby that it’s his birthday; produced for SLAM client R&D Comedy, a two-man improv and sketch group formed by Dave Karasik and Ryan Nellen


•     The Dale and Darrell Show – first episode of an animated series about two hillbillies from Kentucky that critique pop culture; The Dale and Darrell Show is 100 percent improvised


•     Win, Lose, or Die - trailer for an absurd action movie based on classic board games

To see the videos and learn more about SLAM, visit http://www.stoplookingatmedia.com.