Article about Clark and Michael
A look at funny, original shows on the Web
In spring 2007, a Web-only series called Clark and Michael started making the rounds. The episodes, which feature 19-year-old Superbad star Michael Cera and his friend Clark Duke, follow the trials and travails of two buddies -- the young actors play exaggerated versions of themselves -- trying to get a TV pilot made.
The weekly series, available at clarkandmichael.com, quickly gained a following of devoted fans charmed by the series' low-budget, ad-libbed production style (think Curb Your Enthusiasm meets Arrested Development). The show had humble beginnings: It originated as Duke's film school project before landing in the hands of execs at CBS, who saw the show as an opportunity to reach a new, Net-savvy demographic.
Last year, the network bought the rights to the show and shot it on its own dime. Since its launch in May, Clark and Michael has become the most streamed CBS Interactive series and is nominated for several TV Guide Online Video Awards. Not bad for a college thesis.
In spring 2007, a Web-only series called Clark and Michael started making the rounds. The episodes, which feature 19-year-old Superbad star Michael Cera and his friend Clark Duke, follow the trials and travails of two buddies -- the young actors play exaggerated versions of themselves -- trying to get a TV pilot made.
The weekly series, available at clarkandmichael.com, quickly gained a following of devoted fans charmed by the series' low-budget, ad-libbed production style (think Curb Your Enthusiasm meets Arrested Development). The show had humble beginnings: It originated as Duke's film school project before landing in the hands of execs at CBS, who saw the show as an opportunity to reach a new, Net-savvy demographic.
Last year, the network bought the rights to the show and shot it on its own dime. Since its launch in May, Clark and Michael has become the most streamed CBS Interactive series and is nominated for several TV Guide Online Video Awards. Not bad for a college thesis.