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a journey into the head and the heart of mike morabito

How to Become a Viral Video Star * Interview of 'The 305' Star Tim Larson

Friday, May 16, 2008














Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a YouTube video star? Tim Larson of The 305 Movie lets us know as he answers my questions in an email interview below about him, about being a 'Viral Video Star' and about projects that he is currently working on.

Tim became a YouTube legend overnight when a video he made with his friends from college became a viral video. This video (a short mockumentary of the popular movie 300) centers around a group of men dressed as Spartans who act as though they are part of 'the office' cast spread like a virus to computer screens all over the world. Eventually the video got featured on the front page of YouTube.com and has been watched today almost 4 million times. In addition the film created such a large audience online that the project was expanded into a full length feature film that is being showcased at film festivals all over the country.

Tim Larson was very gracious to grant me the interview at this time as I know he is super busy working on different projects including an ABC.com project he is working on and Well Written a one act comedy piece which is written and directed by him. It is being performed at RockHarbor this weekend (you should come on either Friday or Saturday. **cough***plug***cough**). In addition,this is my first interview so leave a comment and let me know how I could've asked questions in a better way. Thanks!


Also with the interview I wanted to give you the Tim Larson links:
-Tim Larson (Tim Larson's website)
-The 305 (The official 305 website where you will be able to buy the DVD)
-The 305 (The original YouTube video that started it all).
-The 305 Movie Trailer


Here is the interview:

About Tim Larson

Which actor inspires you the most?
From a comedy standpoint, I have always been a huge fan of Steve Martin since I was little. He definitely had the biggest influence on me comedically. He takes a bit of an absurdist approach to things. Turns comedy on its head. One of the few comedians that still writes a lot of his own jokes. The man is a great writer as well. If you ever get a chance to read any of his essay's do it.


What is the best movie of all time? Why?
Thats a tough question.
The Clique Answer: Citizen Cane - Cause thats what they tell you to say in film class.
The Right Answer: About Schmidt - A great blend of drama and comedy and a story that actually makes a point. Theres an idea!
The Guilty Pleasure: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1989) - This movie was a huge part of my childhood. It holds a special place in my heart.

If you could be in a movie with any actor who would it be? Why?
Steve Martin of course. But I also think it would be great to be in a film with Anthony Hopkins. He just seems like a great guy that you could learn a ton from. He comes across very wise. probably because he is.

Which type of acting do you prefer? On Stage, in a Movie?
Acting on stage and film are two different things completely. Obviously with film it is easier to take a person on a journey using different locations and scenery. usually the acting is a lot more subtle too because the camera catches everything. However nothing can replace the feeling of live theater. Having characters right in front of your face. Anything can go wrong. There is an energy to it that you can deny.

About the 305

Did you ever think that it would be so successful?
I don't think that any of us had any idea that the film would be so well received. We really just made it as a fun way to work together and try some new things. When we got all the views and the hits we were shocked. It makes you feel good to work on something and to know people enjoy it.

What is up next for the 305 team? A sequel?
I don't think a sequel will probably happen, but we would never rule it out. It would take a lot of people wanting it. we do have some other projects we are working on. Right now we are currently developing some original content for ABC.com. A feature film will probably follow that. We have some pretty good ideas that we are working on.

Was the original youtube video meant to be a Viral Video? Or was it just kind of a fun project with College friends?
The short spread like wild fire. In just a matter of days we had over 3 million views. It was in Youtube's top 100 comedy shorts. We never intended it to happen like that, but I guess thats what makes it viral.

How long did it take to make?
The original short we did in a weekend. the film probably took about 6 months of filming


How many times do you think that you watched the 305? Do you still laugh?
I have watched the feature film several times since it was completed. We just finished the audio commentary for the dvd and it was a blast. There are always new quotes and lines that i didn't notice the time before. It seems to get better with age.

Do you have any tips for making a Viral Video?
There is a lot of junk on youtube. If you want the views you have to get people to want to watch it. the time you invest and the quality of the video can make all the difference. if it looks good and makes them laugh people will want to see it and pass it on. al you can do is hope that it appeals to people and that they will want to pass it on.

About the Future

What's up next for you?
Just working on the next project. If you want to keep doing this stuff you have to keep writing and creating it. Thats what we are trying to do now. Keep the momentum and get some more projects out soon.


I know that you wrote a comedy piece for the stage entitled "Well Written". What's the details on that?
"Well Written" is a One Act comedy I wrote while I was in college at Vanguard university in California. It was performed as a project and got such great reviews that I was told to do more with it. I sent it off and it actually got published by a dramatic publisher (heuer publishing). Now it gets preformed in schools all around the country. Most recently it was staged at Rock Harbor Church.
posted by Mike Morabito, 8:33:00 AM

4 Comments:

Awesome interview. This was a great idea. Thanks for asking Tim all these cool questions, and Tim, thanks for sharing!

I'm going to see Well Written tonight...*cough*plug*cough... sure everyone can come with me if they want.

C
commented by Blogger Courtney, Fri May 16, 09:42:00 AM  
Thanks Courtney, I was really pleased with how it turned out. I loved Tim's answers.

I'm looking forward to well written tonight as well.
commented by Blogger Mike Morabito, Fri May 16, 12:48:00 PM  
Great job with the interview, former college roommate. The three categories were really helpful in organizing the general flow of thought, and the questions were definitely professional-sounding ones. Props--and thanks for sharing the interesting stuff. Maybe I should get in touch with this guy.

The once and future roommate,
AJ
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commented by Blogger AJ Harbison, Mon May 19, 04:25:00 PM  
AJ, you should definitely get in touch with this guy. He is super chill. Thanks for the props on the interview.

You should interview someone on your blog.
commented by Blogger Mike Morabito, Tue May 20, 12:28:00 PM  

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