by How often do you see a series that’s still in the development phase release an official network video?
Well, that depends. How often have you seen an uber-topical animated sketch revolving around the final presidential debate, which just happened last night, for a series that may or may not ever get to air on TV in 2013, when the 2012 election will be moot?
Such is the case with Gajillionaires, a half-hour animated series created and written by Yoni Brenner (co-writer of Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs). It’s about two brothers, Benjamin and George Krabbe, who are so wealthy they’re part of the richest 1 percent of Americans. They’re pals with Dick Cheney and Chef Boyardee. Which means, in TV land, they’re up to no good. Obviously. Comedy Central put the series into development back in December 2011, but as of now, still has not given it the green light to series.
That didn’t stop Brenner from producing this short, “Zombie Romney,” with voice-overs from Rob Corddry, Thomas Lennon, Paul Scheer, Jordan Peele and Riki Lindhome. Aside from the topical tie-in to the debate, there’s also a requisite Gangnam-style scene.
“They did this animated short for us, we thought it was so timely that we’d post it,” said Jenni Runyan, Comedy Central’s VP of communications.
Roll the clip.
Runyan said the network also can measure the reactions and success of the “Zombie Romney” video to determine whether to order Gajillionaires to series. It’s executive produced by Bento Box and Principato-Young.
So it’s up to you comedy fans! Do you want to see more from whence this came?
