While one “expert panel” decided who to choose for the 2007 YouTube Awards, another whittled down thousands of entries into the site’s second annual sketch comedy Sketchies contest to a mere 20 semi-finalists. YouTubers’ votes then cut that number in half.
Announced today, the 10 final-finalists have until April 6 to create a video around the theme “Living the Dream” that also incorporates the word “indubitably.” (Note to finalists: Urban dictionary can provide some compelling inspiration if you’re looking for some meaning. And anyone that can pull off an inconceivable reference has my vote.) On April 9, voting opens again and the masses will decide who gets $40,000 in cash and prizes.
To get this far, the top 10 had to create a sketch centered around a road trip that pictured at least one musical instrument. They’re all good, but these four are my favorite:
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Last Pictures – Shotgun Sketch
A small downtown, NYC-based production crew created this song fit for an 80’s movie montage about the relatively luxury of the front seat and the need to call it before your friends do. If you’re unfamiliar with the rules, read this site first. Then watch the video with greater appreciation.
###Waverly Films – Instrument Roadtrip
Their About Us page nonchalantly reads “Waverly Films is a Group of Filmmakers who Live in Brooklyn.” Sure, it’s true, but it fails to mention that the crew got picked up to produce a new Comedy Central series, made music videos for notables like Fatboy Slim and Death Cab for Cutie, and has a list of commercial clients that range from MTV to FedEx. All that talent and experience certainly shows itself in this clip where the musical instruments take the wheel.
The Attack – Goin’ to Napa
Since we interviewed this LA-based comedy duo last month, they’ve created this lovable ode to male bonding. You can’t help but smile at two white dudes singing and playing guitar in the car like there was a camp fire in the front seat. Why isn’t something like this listed on Stuff White People Like?
Those Aren’t Muskets – The Hot Farts
Another great entry that made it to the finals from a group we just profiled. Though based on an absurd premise, I don’t recall ever seeing a stereotypical band argument acted out with such believability. Watching an irate Tim Waymouth question Greg’s inappropriate sacrifices “for the band” is priceless.
Catch the rest of Finalists and Semi-Finalists here on YouTube.
