JOHN VIGNOLO
Staff Writer
“The Randumb Show” is the longest running TV show in the history of Pepperdine, produced solely by students.
Senior Zane Witzel, television production major, has been involved with “The Randumb Show” since his sophomore year. He has worked as a producer, host, writer, editor and everything in between. He currently leads “The Randumb Show.”
According to Witzel, the show has generated more people who go on to work in the entertainment industry than any other show on campus. Yet, despite its 15-year history and great successes, “The Randumb Show” is not a widely recognized name on campus.
The typical “Randumb Show” starts with an introduction as the host opens the show. Witzel describes the return to the original format of the show as “a format like the Chappelle show.” As a host talks to the audience and sketches air on a screen behind him.
The sketches last 15 to 20 minutes, and the final part of the show involves music or a guest interview.
“We follow SNL, Mad TV, Steven Colbert and Jon Stewart,” Witzel said. “We try and use the information that they are communicating, learn from it and try and to replicate it ourselves.”
Witzel and his crew taped their first “Randumb Show” on Sept. 24 with musical guest Ryan Albanese.
“It went pretty well, but it was a little disorganized; we can only go up from here,” Witzel said. “The first episode is always the hardest.” Witzel said that the show faces daunting challenges every week.
“It’s becoming a financial burden, because I do not have a set amount of money,” Witzel said. “Everything comes out of our own pockets – things like costumes and props and much of our footage is shot outside the studio.”
Witzel said this fact makes it difficult to recruit a solid number of committed individuals to work consistently on “The Randumb Show.”
Those who have worked on the show praise the experience they earned and the real-world environment.
“Working on ‘The Randumb Show’ prepares you to work with your crew and prepares you for the real world,” said Karin Sabin, a former producer and director on “The Randumb Show” who now works as an employee of NBC’s “The Tonight Show.” “Everything you learn is pretty much exactly how it is in the business.”
If the opportunities after graduating and the real-world experience are not enough, for the first time ever this year, students are able to earn up to two credits per semester working on “The Randumb Show.”
Fans of “The Randumb Show” praise the cast for its hard work and creativity.
“I think ‘The Randumb Show’ is hilarious; you can just tell the cast has a lot of fun,” said senior Kelly Sample, who has been a fan of “The Randumb Show” since her freshman year. “As the viewer, you have fun too. It draws you in to watch it. All of their hard work pays off, and they get a lot of experience.”
Witzel said he strives to overcome the economic hardships facing “The Randumb Show” by getting the Malibu community involved.
“I want to be able to include local businesses for local ad spot time, in exchange for food discounts, student discounts or catering,” Witzel said. “I’m trying to work to get ‘The Randumb Show’ a club or turn it into something where we can have a purse or account for the costs.”
No companies have agreed to advertise yet.
Aside from his mission to make financing “The Randumb Show” easier, Witzel has big plans for “The Randumb Show” this year that include a return to the original format and a desire for greater awareness and more community involvement.
“It’s very hard to get people motivated and create awareness,” Witzel said. “This year, I’m taking a whole new approach to the show and trying to bring it back to its roots.”
Students can watch “The Randumb Show” on Channel 26 Tuesday, Thursday. and Sunday. nights at 9:30 p.m.
Submitted 10-02-2008