Ridiculousness, the MTV show known for its endless stream of internet fails and Rob Dyrdek’s infectious laughter, has become a cultural phenomenon. But where do all those unbelievable, cringe-worthy, and hilarious videos come from? It’s not magic, although some of the stunts might make you think otherwise. Let’s dive into the multifaceted process that feeds the Ridiculousness beast.
The Digital Scavenger Hunt: Finding the Viral Gold
The foundation of Ridiculousness is, of course, the videos themselves. The show’s producers and researchers employ a wide array of methods to scour the internet for content. It’s a constant search for the next viral sensation, the next jaw-dropping fail, and the next moment of pure, unadulterated ridiculousness.
The Power of Social Media
Social media platforms are goldmines for user-generated content, and Ridiculousness knows this. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and even lesser-known video-sharing sites are constantly monitored. Researchers actively search for trending hashtags, viral challenges gone wrong, and videos that are generating significant buzz. They are specifically looking for content that aligns with the show’s established categories like “ankle breakers,” “nut shots,” and “instant karma.”
The search isn’t passive. The team uses advanced search filters, algorithms, and manual browsing to uncover hidden gems that might not be immediately apparent. They’re looking beyond the already massively popular videos, seeking out the unique and unexpected moments that will resonate with the Ridiculousness audience. Social media monitoring tools are used to track video popularity and identify potential candidates.
Mining the Video Aggregators
Beyond social media, the Ridiculousness team also relies on video aggregator websites. These platforms collect and curate videos from various sources across the internet, making it easier to find a wide range of content in one place. Think of them as the ultimate digital garage sale for viral videos.
These aggregators often categorize videos by type, allowing researchers to efficiently sift through content and identify videos that fit the Ridiculousness mold. They also often feature trending videos and user-submitted content, providing another avenue for discovering potential candidates.
Tapping into a Network of Tipsters
Sometimes, the best videos are found through word of mouth. The Ridiculousness team has cultivated a network of tipsters – individuals who send in videos they’ve found online. These tipsters might be fans of the show, friends of the production team, or even professional content scouts.
This network provides a valuable source of leads, especially for videos that might not be easily found through conventional search methods. Many people who submit videos hope to see their discovery featured on the show, adding to the incentive.
The Clearance Process: Ensuring Legality and Ethical Considerations
Finding the videos is just the first step. Before any video can air on Ridiculousness, it must go through a rigorous clearance process. This process is crucial to ensure that the show doesn’t infringe on copyright laws or violate any ethical guidelines.
Copyright Compliance
Copyright is a major concern. The Ridiculousness team must obtain permission to use every video that airs on the show. This typically involves contacting the original video creator or copyright holder and securing the necessary rights.
This process can be complex and time-consuming, especially if the video’s origin is unclear or if the copyright holder is difficult to locate. The show employs a dedicated team of legal professionals to handle copyright clearance and ensure that all necessary permissions are obtained. Without proper copyright clearance, the show could face legal action.
Ethical Review
Beyond copyright, the Ridiculousness team also considers the ethical implications of using each video. They want to avoid showcasing content that is harmful, exploitative, or promotes dangerous behavior.
Videos are reviewed to ensure they don’t feature serious injuries, illegal activities, or content that could be considered offensive or discriminatory. The team also considers the context of the video and whether airing it could cause undue harm or embarrassment to the individuals involved. While the show thrives on laughs, it aims to avoid exploiting genuine suffering.
Releases and Permissions
Whenever possible, the Ridiculousness team seeks to obtain releases from the individuals featured in the videos. This involves contacting the people in the video and asking for their permission to use their image and likeness on the show.
Obtaining releases isn’t always possible, especially for videos that are widely circulated online. However, the team makes a good-faith effort to contact the individuals involved and obtain their consent. This practice helps to protect the privacy of the people featured in the videos and ensures that they are comfortable with their content being aired on national television.
Curating the Content: Crafting the Ridiculousness Narrative
Once the videos have been cleared for legal and ethical issues, the Ridiculousness team begins the process of curating the content. This involves selecting the videos that will be featured in each episode and organizing them in a way that is entertaining and engaging for the audience.
Video Selection
The selection process is highly subjective and based on a number of factors, including the video’s humor, originality, and overall “ridiculousness.” The team looks for videos that are unexpected, visually striking, and that will generate a strong reaction from the audience.
The team also considers the video’s length, quality, and relevance to the show’s established categories. They aim to create a diverse mix of content that will appeal to a wide range of viewers. Variety is key to keeping the show fresh and engaging.
Creating Segments and Categories
Ridiculousness is known for its signature segments and categories, such as “Crash Dummies,” “Power Drunks,” and “People Are Awesome.” These categories provide a framework for organizing the videos and creating a consistent viewing experience.
The team carefully groups videos together based on their themes and content. This helps to create a cohesive narrative and allows the hosts to provide insightful commentary and analysis. New categories are often introduced to keep the show fresh and reflect current internet trends.
Adding the Ridiculousness Flair
The true magic of Ridiculousness lies in the commentary provided by Rob Dyrdek, Chanel West Coast, and Sterling “Steelo” Brim. Their witty banter, playful insults, and infectious laughter are what truly elevate the videos to another level.
The hosts watch the videos multiple times, brainstorming jokes, observations, and witty remarks. They add their own unique perspective and humor, transforming simple clips into hilarious moments of television. Their chemistry is crucial to the show’s success.
The Production Process: From Viral Video to TV Gold
The final stage of the process is the production of the show itself. This involves editing the videos, adding graphics and sound effects, and recording the hosts’ commentary.
Video Editing
The videos are carefully edited to highlight the most important and humorous moments. The editing team may use slow motion, replays, and close-ups to emphasize key details and enhance the comedic effect.
They also add graphics and sound effects to further enhance the viewing experience. These effects are often used to accentuate the humor of the videos and create a more dynamic and engaging presentation.
Adding Commentary
The hosts record their commentary in a studio, watching the videos and providing their unique perspective. This process is often unscripted, allowing the hosts to improvise and react spontaneously to the videos.
The commentary is carefully integrated into the final product, creating a seamless blend of video and humor. The hosts’ reactions and insights are what truly make Ridiculousness stand out from other clip shows. The hosts’ chemistry and improvisational skills are essential to the show’s success.
Final Touches
The final step in the production process is adding the finishing touches. This includes adding music, graphics, and other visual elements to create a polished and professional product.
The show’s producers work closely with the editing team to ensure that the final product meets the high standards of Ridiculousness. They pay close attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of the show is as entertaining and engaging as possible.
In conclusion, getting videos for Ridiculousness is a complex, multi-layered process. It requires a team of dedicated researchers, legal professionals, editors, and, of course, the comedic genius of Rob Dyrdek, Chanel West Coast, and Steelo Brim. From scouring social media to obtaining copyright clearances, every step is carefully executed to ensure that the show remains a source of laughter and entertainment for millions of viewers. The show thrives on finding that perfect balance between relatable human error and over-the-top, unforgettable moments, carefully packaged and presented for maximum comedic effect. The combination of diligent searching, legal compliance, and comedic talent makes Ridiculousness a television phenomenon.
How does Ridiculousness find the viral videos they feature?
Ridiculousness primarily sources its videos through a multi-pronged approach, leveraging online platforms and professional contacts. They actively scout video-sharing websites like YouTube, Vimeo, and social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, searching for trending and shareable content that fits their comedic style. Furthermore, their team likely utilizes specialized search tools and algorithms designed to identify viral sensations and emerging online trends, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve.
Beyond online scouring, the show likely benefits from submissions from viewers and industry contacts. Production companies and individuals eager for exposure might submit videos directly to the Ridiculousness team, offering them a curated selection of potential clips. Additionally, relationships with talent agencies and other media outlets could provide early access to promising viral content, giving them a competitive edge in securing the best and funniest videos.
Does Ridiculousness pay for the rights to use the videos they show?
Yes, Ridiculousness typically pays for the rights to use the videos featured on the show. Obtaining these rights is crucial to avoid copyright infringement and potential legal issues. The show’s production team navigates the complex landscape of licensing agreements to ensure they have permission to display and comment on each video.
The payment amount can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the video’s popularity, the owner’s demands, and the scope of the usage rights acquired. Negotiating these agreements is a complex process that involves assessing the value of the video and securing the necessary permissions for broadcast and distribution, which includes territories and platform usages.
What criteria does Ridiculousness use to select videos for the show?
Ridiculousness employs a discerning eye, primarily focusing on videos that are undeniably funny and visually engaging. The clips must possess a high degree of comedic value, often featuring slapstick humor, unexpected mishaps, or outrageous stunts. The selection process favors videos that are easily understood and relatable to a wide audience, regardless of language or cultural background.
Beyond humor, the show also considers the visual quality and production value of the videos. While low-resolution or shaky footage might occasionally make the cut if the content is exceptionally funny, the show generally prefers videos with clear imagery and decent sound quality. The videos must also align with the show’s overall tone and brand, avoiding content that is excessively graphic, violent, or offensive.
How much input does Rob Dyrdek have in selecting the videos?
Rob Dyrdek, as the host and executive producer of Ridiculousness, likely has a significant role in the final video selection process. While a team of researchers and producers undoubtedly sifts through countless submissions, Dyrdek likely has the final say on which videos make it onto the show. His comedic sensibilities and understanding of the show’s target audience are invaluable in making these decisions.
Dyrdek’s involvement likely extends beyond simply approving or rejecting videos. He might also provide feedback on the order in which the clips are presented, suggest comedic commentary angles, and help shape the overall narrative of each episode. His experience in the entertainment industry and his comedic instincts are crucial in ensuring the show’s continued success and appeal.
How does Ridiculousness ensure the videos they use are genuine and not fake?
Ridiculousness likely employs a verification process to ensure the authenticity of the videos they feature. This process may involve cross-referencing the video with other sources, verifying the original uploader, and researching the context surrounding the clip. The team likely looks for inconsistencies or red flags that might indicate the video is staged or fabricated.
Techniques used might include reverse image searching to see if the video has appeared elsewhere under different pretenses, analyzing the video’s metadata for clues about its origin, and contacting the uploader or individuals involved in the video to confirm its authenticity. While it’s impossible to guarantee that every video is 100% genuine, these measures help minimize the risk of featuring fake or misleading content.
How long does it take to produce one episode of Ridiculousness?
The production timeframe for a single episode of Ridiculousness is likely relatively short, given the nature of the show. While the exact timeline can vary, it’s reasonable to estimate that each episode takes a few days to a week to produce, from initial video selection to final editing and post-production. The process is streamlined to allow for a high volume of episodes.
The efficiency of the production process stems from the show’s simple format and the reliance on pre-existing video content. The majority of the time is dedicated to sourcing and curating the videos, writing comedic commentary, and recording the studio segments. The post-production process involves editing the videos together, adding music and sound effects, and ensuring the episode meets broadcast standards.
Where are the videos Ridiculousness uses stored and managed?
The videos Ridiculousness uses are likely stored and managed in a secure digital asset management (DAM) system. This system would allow the production team to easily organize, search, and retrieve the vast library of video clips they acquire. A DAM system also facilitates collaboration among team members, ensuring everyone has access to the necessary content.
The DAM system likely includes features for tagging videos with relevant metadata, such as keywords, descriptions, and copyright information. This allows the team to quickly find specific videos based on various criteria. Additionally, the system likely incorporates security measures to protect the videos from unauthorized access and ensure compliance with copyright regulations.