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"Chappelle's Show Meets Mystery Science Theater 3000" in Controversial Comedy Series for the iPod

(mmd-news) - - After being pitched to numerous cable networks, Dollar Theater, a comedy program about a sleazy movie house in Harlem, described as "Chappelle's Show meets Mystery Science Theater 3000," is turning its sights to the world of podcasting where many overlooked shows as of late have been transformed into smash-hits on the web.

"It can be challenging to bring innovative concepts such as Dollar Theater to networks without some assurance that the viewers will catch on,” said Producer Catherine Finn whose credits include MTV’s Sorority Life, “Successfully launching a series through podcasting can bring the promise of a pre-existing audience to a pitch meeting."

Having passed through the doors of Spike, MTV2, Comedy Central and BET, the controversial show (which frequently tackles racial issues with irreverent humor) has recently found a new venue- and viewers- on the podcast circuit.

"The gold rush is on," according to Dollar Theater's Executive Producer Jay Huddy who independently helmed two demo episodes of the series for a budget of less than $6,000. "We've gotten in on a closing window of time in which the demand of podcast viewers outweighs the supply of podcast content."

"The current lack of video available (for iPod users) allows all producers, big and small, to take matters into their own hands, devoid of traditional network influence or greenlight reluctance," said Huddy.

While major networks are already utilizing the new medium as a means of promoting existing shows like ABC's "Lost," and Showtime’s “Sleeper Cell,” some are eying it as a home for original programming that didn't make it to the airwaves as in the case of NBC's "StarTommorow," a talent show soon to debut exclusively as a podcast.

It’s still unclear whether or not podcasting will have a significant impact on the entertainment industry, but with more than 14 million units sold this past holiday season and forecasts that podcast viewers will reach 60 million by 2010, Huddy is undeterred.

"It's not about earning money as much as it is about earning an audience," said Huddy. "People, not just in America but all over the world are watching Dollar Theater and that's more than can be said for some shows on television."

Both complete demo episodes of Dollar Theater are available for free download as serial installments at the iTunes Music Store or in their entirety at http://www.dollartheater.tv.

Contact: Catherine Finn, Producer
Phone: 310-545-4792

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