ABC to Purchase Pilot of Sitcom Based on Geico Caveman Ad
Getting a TV Show is so Easy, a Caveman Can Do It
At least according to Variety magazine, who today reported that ABC has ordered a pilot episode of a sitcom based on Geico's caveman ad campaign.
"Cavemen" will center around three 30-something pre-historic men living in modern-day Atlanta. Like the caveman in Geico's commercials, the Neanderthals in this comedy will face stereotypes modern men and woman pin on our ancestors.
Advertising executive Joe Lawson, who also was the copywriter behind the Geico caveman ads, as well as other Geico ads, penned the pilot. Variety also reports that Daniel Rappaport, Guymon Cassady, Will Speck and Josh Gordon are executive producers.
One successful formula for creating funny television shows and movies is taking a main character out of his or her element. It worked for the Geico ads, so why not the boob tube? The Geico caveman is often shown in jest experiencing prejudice from newscasters, shrinks and, well, Geico ads posted in the airport. The caveman does call the newscaster out in one of the ads, crediting 'his kind' with creating the wheel and discovering fire.
Geico has set up an online home for the caveman at CavemansCrib.com which allows users to take a tour of his pad, and interact with items in the apartment. Additionally, users have uploaded all of the Geico caveman ads to YouTube.com and with the amount of plays registered and comments given, there is no doubt thousands have embraced the caveman-and found the concept funny.
Geico's caveman ads were created by the Virginia-based Martin Agency, with Jeff Daniel Phillips and Ben Weber portraying the cavemen. There is no word if these actors have landed roles in the pilot.
Washington, D.C. based Geico has created many memorable ad campaigns, most notably the talking gecko. The talking green reptile was introduced in 1999 and was originally voiced by Kelsey Grammar. Geico also is known for its spoof ads.
Variety adds that an endeavor like this is not the first to come of an advertising character. CBS in 2000 broadcast "Baby Bob," based on the talking baby from the Quizno ads. However, it was canceled.
America seems to embrace entertainment set in prehistoric times. Think "The Flintstones," both in cartoon form and on the big screen. Or, what about the film, "Encino Man?"
To mock another Geico ad, "This spin-off show could get its fifteen minutes of fame-- or less."
Published by D. S. Ploshay
Since 2000, Donna Ploshay has contributed to alternative weeklies, newspapers, magazines and puzzle books including "The Times Leader," "The Weekender," "Games" and "Wilkes." Her expertise includes SEO, blog... View profile
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- The Geico ad copywriter responsible for the ad also wrote the script.
24 Comments
Post a CommentLooking back, I think my idea of making this sitcom resonant of the Beverly Hillbillies, in which the Caveman act to reveal the stupidity of conventional capitalistic ideology, should have been the tack the makers took. In theory, this show had the potential for greatness. It is a sad commentary on the lack of creativity that it failed so very, very miserably.
I'd party with them.
My husband looks just like a caveman, so my children tell himm all the time. He even looks like that guy in the movie Evan Almighty (40 year old virgin guy.)
We love the commercials of the cavemen. It's time for some good , silly, lol fun. We can't wait to see the show.Looking forward to some great laughs and I hope it becomes a big hit.
i hope it does make it. we need more comedy anyway to combat all the violent shows already on tv these days.
I guess they really are scraping the bottom of the barrel now. I HATE thos ads!
I think the BK king should get his own show...he already has a video game series :)
oh g-d no! the media creates yet another victim class, to whine and claim special rights. i hope that gloria allred has a recurring role as their attorney...
I'm with Kassidy...those commericals drive me crazy. I hate them and would never watch a TV series based on something so stupid. Thanks for the heads up on what NOT to watch.
YES !!! I cant wait, this is all we talk about with my friends and come up with new ones. I hop they dont ruin it. It will give a chance to show how people are different. And how we judge people first and then get to know them 2nd. I think they can go many ways with it. WHO KNOWS !!!
ps- most of you all thought lost was a stupid idea for a show too yet i know millions of ya are hooked to that one.