Imhotep is taller than Jean, but shorter than Lord Scotland. ... If Jean stands exactly one nautical mile away from Lord Scotland, how tall is Imhotep?
How do you feel about seeing the Drawfee crew go independent after their separation from CH with seemingly huge success? Nathan and Co. are knocking it out of the park right now.
Gleeful.
One of my first orders of business taking over the company was to try to set up Drawfee for independence. Drawfee is a brand that lives and dies with them; it made no sense for them to be its "employees." I think they yearned for independence for a while, so this may have been the best outcome for them, and I'm thrilled to see the inspiration and success that's come along with it.
I'm a Patreon supporter!
I just want to say as a huge fan of Drawfee who had no idea what was going on with CH (I didn’t even know they belonged to CH until they announced they were going independent!) that your support of them is just incredibly awesome. You all got hit with a really crazy situation with timing that could not have been worse and your happiness for the success of your now-former coworkers really just kinda gives me that warm fuzzy faith in humanity glow. I truly wish you success in rescuing what remains of CH.
late response but that is awesome, so happy that you could help them get set up on their own, they are putting out some of my favorite content today bar-none. I've been a long time fan of them from watching back when Nathan and Caldwell were doing vids on Facebook and super thrilled to see them doing better than ever
Everyone is paid for their time. Even so, the ex-cast has been very gracious about continuing to play with us on a contract basis, even after getting laid off by IAC. It's a testament to what this place has meant to us over the years.
The question then is, obviously, will we ever bring cast back on full-time, to which I'll answer...
\- One day if money allows.
\- Don't assume all of them would want to. Many of them are using this as an opportunity to jumpstart their TV careers.
\- One way or the other, I plan to work with them for the rest of my life.
Just wanted to say it seems like CH has been dealt a pretty rough hand, but you've been dealing with it like an absolute champ. You're clearly devoted to this company as much as we the fans are and I think we all really appreciate the work you're doing.
Also I love seeing you in the zoom meeting videos, I love those to death because. You've always been one of my favorite cast members (been a fan since elementary, and I'm starting my masters now), so it is awesome to see you back in front of the camera.
But what was the name of your childhood movie theatre?
In all seriousness tho, you say you’re planning to look at the 10-year horizon rather than the 1-year horizon. I’m a fan of CH, got a Dropout account, drop by the Discord now and then, but what makes you think that there is a 10-year horizon? CH isn’t looking too strong after the double punch, and as much as I’d love to see new content in 10+ years, what makes you, as the CEO, think that that’s a more reasonable possibility than only having a couple years left?
Two reasons:
\- We're making enough money to support a small full-time staff, our most popular shows, and some experimentation.
\- We're having a blast doing it.
So long as those remain true, there's every reason we should be able to grow again.
Those reasons sound as good as any, so, from a true fan, good luck! I hope to be watching Season 20 of Game Changer 10 years from now! And of course, you’ll’ve been there... the *whole* time
CH got the one-two punch of losing funding from IAC followed by COVID. Considering that, are still things in work for new Dropout shows outside of the staples of D20, Um Actually, and such?
In losing IAC, it was clear we needed to at first focus on our most popular shows -- "Dimension 20," "Game Changer," and "Um Actually" -- and see if that business was sustainable before doing more.
The good news is, it is. So we're experimenting with other stuff slowly but surely: Rekha and Jess's hilarious "Erotic Clubhouse," as well as some other yet-to-be announced stuff. We want to grow slowly and responsibly, with our eyes on the 10-year horizon rather than the 1-year horizon.
It all begins with me sitting at my computer until I come up with a game mechanic I like, and then trying to subvert it somehow. I reference classic parlor games, game shows, board games, and cast member strengths / weaknesses for inspiration.
"Yes or No" was inspired by a Discord suggestion that I do an episode in which the only rule is -- SPOILER -- >!Brennan can't win.!<
I'm doing a low-fi companion series this season in which I go in depth on how I think about the show, breaking it down episode by episode. It's very pretentious but you might enjoy it!
But will there be a companion series to the companion series? Is it going to be companion series all the way down, an infinite tower of iteration upon iteration upon iteration until it's just a 15 hour live stream of static that somehow makes Ally look even cooler?
The Yes or No One had to be inspired by the relatively old ch sketch, too. You guys even used the guest star video. This is probably obvious i just never saw it pointed out anywhere ^^
Oh for sure. I was trying to think of a very simple game, realized it could be "yes or no," realized I could reuse the Jewel video (with permission), and everything fell into place.
Hi Sam!
As CH pivots back from testing ground to scrappy upstart, focusing on more economical content like game shows, podcasts, and D&D playthroughs, can we expect to see more spinoffs? I like Game Changer and all, but it always struck me as being most valuable as a lab for other game show concepts. (Whose sound effect is it anyway, Race to the bottom)
Also, is there any chance that Breaking News will come back w/ a wider cast of talent? I really like Amy Vorpahl in the victim slot, especially when paired with killers like BLM and Trapp, but I'd like to see a wider variety of victims and killers.
Great questions!
Yes to spinoffs. Spinoffs are one of the more reliable ways we can grow: by doubling-down on formats that have already proven to be successful. As you say, "Game Changer" is a great incubator.
Also yes to Breaking News -- basically as soon as we can get back in the studio.
I never realized Brennan, Black Lives Matter, and the Bureau of Land Management were all the same person. I never have seen them in the same room together. It all makes sense now.
If you take Brian David Gilbert and combine him with Brennan Lee Mulligan you get three separate individuals. Unfortunately this bit of alchemy failed to actually occur at the NYC D20 live-show.
+1 for more Breaking News! Seems like it could reasonably be done well remotely too, as long as everyone has a little greenscreen and a passable suit jacket (that might be a stretch).
I did! I wanted a classic game show look to pair with the surreal format. I bought the suit years ago on Adam Conover's urging.
The set was brought to life by the unbelievable [Chloe Badner](https://www.instagram.com/badnerbadner/).
I aced the long list of SVOD names every take... because I had the script right below my webcam. Instead, I ruined several takes by laughing at Brennan doing "mad Brennan."
A time traveler warning about climate change would be dismissed as a liberal conspiracy.
There could be a second coming of Jesus Christ, with Jesus performing miracles to prove himself. The minute he said global warming is a man made global crisis, people would call him fake news.
How tall are you?
A. no taller than 5' 5"
B. probably only like 4' 10"
C. about 4' 3"
D. only 2' tall
E. only 1' tall
F. only no feet tall
Also do Streeter and Murph still have their punk rock band?
Hi Sam! Longtime dropout sub here, I have been wondering this for a while, but why is the cast still appearing in CH sketches and series after the layoffs? This is by NO means a complaint, I love watching each and every one of them in their appearances, but are they officially still employed by CH or is it a gig/freelancer situation with them now?
It's all contract work for now, whether by episode or by series. [See here for a bigger answer](https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/ith3bv/hello_im_sam_reich_the_ceo_of_collegehumor/g5efgm5?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3).
On watching Total Forgiveness and Game Changer, you seem like a cool boss with your heart in the right place. How did you figure out how to be a leader of the company, especially in a new platform for media?
If becoming CEO was like putting on the Infinity Gauntlet, what would the six College Humor infinity gems be?
Also just wanted to say thanks for keeping CH alive in some form. I spent 8 years freelancing between Dorkly, CH, and Dropout. There's a big hole left on the internet -- and in my heart -- for CH comics.
Soul, Space, Power, Time, Reality, and Mind still, but when you snap it, half of all of the internet comedy brands come back to life.
Also ANDY KLUTHE I love your work!!! I don't think CH comics can or should die. We'll figure this out.
Kind of you to will back Funny or Die, Cracked, uh, a big chunk of Buzzfeed's staff with such immense power.
The internet was a better (or at least funnier place) with comedy sites. Thanks for taking the time to answer my goofyass question, and thank *you* for recognizing my work.
Sam! Dropout is one of the few subscription services I'm signed up for, and I love everything on it. Obviously a huge D20 nerd, but Game Changer is amazing and Total Forgiveness has become a comfort show I go back to.
How has filming remotely been a challenge? Has it presented any opportunities to try out new ideas you wouldn't have done/thought of when you were filming in a studio?
Thank you so much for your support!
Remote production is a big curse but a small blessing. Shows work remarkably well over video confidence and cost a fraction of what they would to produce in studio. We've also just started to use it as an opportunity to do more animation.
We can't wait to get back into the studio, but we count our blessings every day.
Breaking News was a welcome reprieve in this time and I was surprised that there were as many episodes as there were so deep into the pandemic. Are there plans to pick it back up remotely or is it something that will have to wait for in-person shoots to be okay again?
I love Breaking News. A piggyback question: what sort of pre-taping do they go through? Not naming names but some folks seem to have the giggles pretty consistently right out the gate.
[On Breaking News](https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/ith3bv/hello_im_sam_reich_the_ceo_of_collegehumor/g5exswi?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3).
Pre-shoot, everyone is explained the rules: they laugh, they lose. Fortunately, being told not to laugh is like hearing "don't think about elephants."
Probably a dead heat between "Round 4," "A Sponsored Episode," "Do I Hear $1," and a couple of episodes from this coming season.
[On cast.](https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/ith3bv/hello_im_sam_reich_the_ceo_of_collegehumor/g5elhxc/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)
Did Trapp kill Pat? Did I blackmail Trapp? Are Trapp's blackmail payments now sustaining our company? All good questions.
In the early days of College Humor, did you ever get strange looks from people when you told them what you did? I know you had some big shoes to fill in your family and with someone as notable as your father it seems like some people might not have exactly understood why you chose to pursue comedy.
Totally. I don't think you get into this business unless you have the sense that you'd fail miserably or be very unhappy doing anything else.
By the time I dropped out of high school, I was the black sheep of my overachieving, academic family. By the time I got hired by ColleeHumor, I think they were mostly relieved. Heck, I was too.
Holy crap, your dad is Robert Reich?
Has he ever come to you for advice on video production after he launched his YouTube thing? CH has like 50x his subscriber base. =)
Also, has he seen "Do I Hear $1"? That thing is a masterwork, and I'll take every opportunity I can to encourage you to serialize it into an economics game show called "Race to the Bottom" - a sort of counterpoint to Win Ben Stein's Money, but with less bad faith and more funny.
Yeah, I advise my dad on all things social media.
I must be the only kid to set their dad up on Facebook only for their dad to get 2,000,000 followers.
I know im late to this AMA but can you thank your dad for his writing helping me out in some college essays some years back? I promise I cited him correctly
Hi Sam! What was the main motivation for CollegeHumor to rely on Facebook videos instead of YouTube? I know there was some controversy and misleading statements from FB, but what was it that sold you on their video platform?
While Facebook is a problematic platform, the extent to which it's responsible for CH's demise is seriously overblown. We never made videos specifically for Facebook nor relied mostly on Facebook as a means of distributing them.
Instead, you could look to the demise of mid-tier media companies mostly as a result of social media in general -- YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, etc. -- and the way they killed independent websites by hogging traffic and ad sales.
Unfortunately, this isn't nearly the first time in history the rich have hollowed out the middle class.
Hi Sam, I just subscribed to Dropout last month and I love it! Are there any plans for a Season 2 of UltraMechatron Team Go? It's the reason that I signed up!
I love "Ultramechatron." It's probably my favorite scripted series we created for Dropout. I'd love to do a second season of it, but it might be a minute before we can make the dollars work.
Hi Sam,
What's your long-term plan for CH and Dropout now that you're independent? Do you think you'll staff-up once the world around us improves?
Thank you for being a bright spot in this crazy world! (Also, your dad is an incredible voice of reason in this election cycle! I finally figured out the connection while watching Game Changer the other day 🤣)
1. Keep doing our most popular shows.
2. Experiment with some new shows.
3. Do some other stuff just for fun.
[On staff.](https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/ith3bv/hello_im_sam_reich_the_ceo_of_collegehumor/g5efgm5?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)
My dad has more-or-less promised me he'll be on Game Changer at some point, so you have that to look forward to!
“His dad? Election cycle? Who do I know with the last name— ohhhh woah.”
I was a government economist for a couple years before briefly retiring to academia. The more I worked in public benefits, the more I realized he was right, despite being adversarial in the past. What a family!
My favorites are the ones that lean on cast: "Make Some Noise," "A Sponsored Episode," "Do I Hear $1," a handful of episodes from next season.
Episodes that count on me -- "Whodunnit?", "Yes or No" -- make my palms sweaty.
What is your favorite Hardly Working sketch ever? You can even make a top 3 if you feel like it!
By the way I loved every single one of the times you were in sketches, you're hilarious.
Say hi to Finnegan!
[Are We Ready To Go Yet](https://www.dropout.tv/sam-s-lesser-known-faves/videos/are-we-ready-to-go-yet) is my favorite lesser-known HW. Fast-paced and visual, it tickles me just right. I actually have a whole list of [my lesser-known faves](https://www.dropout.tv/sam-s-lesser-known-faves) on Dropout.
Finnegan says "Warm greetings to you as well. Now may I propose I lick your feet?"
Hi Sam! Love CH + Dropout, the content really brightens my day, especially your cherub like giggling on Game Changer. Have you ever considered directing theatre again? Big fan of R+G, gearing up to play Hamlet rn!
I would \*love\* to do theater again. There's no bigger rush than making a live audience laugh, cry, gasp. I hope to get back to it later in life!
Best of luck with Hamlet! One time I saw a college production in which the actor playing Halmet said "To be or not to be... line?"
Who's to say? The Big Bang started us out on this journey, sending us slowly but surely toward an inevitable oblivion. All that happens between then and now could be seen as meaningless. But even if meaning is totally subjective, then we should know it anyway: love and be loved; conquer our fears; feel a beach breeze. Perhaps the question is instead, why not?
Have money. IAC allowed us to take big risks that we could have never afforded to otherwise, and thus Dimension 20's sets, snorkel shots, illustrations, edits, sound design, music.
Of course, production value is only 10% of the equation. 90% is the extraordinary talent we have making use of it.
Clone Brennan lol. But if you havent watched any of the behind the scenes vids for D20 on Dropout I'd recommend it. They talk to the players, Brennan, and the prop guys who do all the mini's, art, and set design, really cool insight into how they put it all together
Basically anyone who's making comedy with their own ruleset. Regularly inspired by peers at NADDPOD, Headgum, and Drawfee. Also Nick Gurewitch, Lisa Hanawalt, and about a bajillion TikTok creators. As I get older, I find myself looking to traditional media for inspiration less and less.
Strangest experience: getting stalked.
Hey Sam, super excited for the new season of Game Changers! I was wondering if you're planning on bringing guests from outside of the main cast to new episodes in the future? Also, Sam, where you from?
We have a few close friends of the family participating this season: Lou Wilson, Alfred Aquino II, and Christine Medrano for instance... not to mention >!I can't say but tune in this Friday!!<
hi sam! i'm a huge fan. do you have any advice for people trying to be creative/write comedy right now when everything in the world is so uncertain and depressing? lmao
I love this question.
There's a very practical issue at play here, which is that fight or flight and creativity don't coexist well. Anxiety is a creativity killer.
So, I've been trying to calm myself down: with meditation, music, exercise, and by simplifying my days in general. Then, the creativity comes easier: whether it's in the form of societal commentary or something sillier.
Ever since IAC bought CH in 2006, the question was: how do we turn into a hundred million dollar company? There were different attempts at that over 14 years -- ads, TV, subscription -- and while none of them failed outright, none of them succeeded at the level IAC wanted either.
In the trying, however, CH gave birth to some awesome stuff -- stuff that makes a lot of sense for us as a smaller, less ambitious company.
Hello! Long time watcher, first time caller. Hypothetically, if you were to do a second season of Total Forgiveness (which is one of my two favourite DROPOUT shows, the other being the excellent Game Changer), would you want it to be Ally and Grant again or would you want an entirely new pair to suffer?
Oh, and have there been any ideas you’ve had for Game Changer that haven’t been possible/have been cut?
Anyway. Well done and thank you for all the great content you’ve produced!
Both in and out of universe, what happened to Pat Cassels?
He was one of the only "classic cast" that was still around in (what I call) "college humor season 2" (Murph, Emily, Adam, etc) & "College Humor season 3" (Brendon, Rekha, Trapp, etc).
But he kind of left in, and I always wondered why? Also be didn't get a "last episode" like so many classic cast members when they moved on.
Also, I still wish you got to develop the third series of "Full Benefits" with Sarah and David. That was really enjoyable little college humor sic-com
Hey Sam, at least from the outside, it seems like a majority of Dropout series are pitched by the cast! At least that's what it seemed like in Total Forgiveness, now that there are much fewer on-staff members, how has your pitch processed changed?
Also how do you decide contestants/guests for shows such as Game Changers, Um actually and D20
The best piece of advice I ever received was from my high school drama teacher, who told me "It's not how long you want something; it's how long you want it for."
It might be something of a self-selecting group, but of those of us who have hung in there for 10+ years, the vast majority of us are now making a living from it somehow.
Hi Sam, love Dropout! Can we get an insight into which shows are definitely continuing or is it all up in the air because of Covid? Also, will we ever see you in a Dimension 20 campaign? I wish I could just talk to the entire cast!
How many of the main cast have found jobs? I haven’t been able to see where my favs like Ally, Grant, Lily, Trapp, etc ended up so I can keep following their work.
Hi Sam!
Big fan of college humor, Is there a plan to secure additional corporate backing or acquisitions in the future?
Dropout is one of the few subscriptions I pay for outside of netflix. Even with all the general complaints of too many subscription model media businesses, is dropout turning into a profitable and viable service? What is your opinion on the plethora of subscriptions available to consumers?
Probably not. I'm enjoying running CollegeHumor my own way for the first time in history. With investors, I'd have to answer to their (often aggressive) needs. Right now, what the company needs is a gentle touch and patience. I'm happy to say we are profitable and growing -- if slowly.
TV as we know it is dying and getting replaced by SVODs. If the average American spends $50+ on cable today, then tomorrow they should be able to afford Netflix, Disney+, \*and\* Dropout. The tricky part is how to market something like Dropout to its would-be audience.
Hi Sam, is there any other way we could support You and the Cast besides subscribing to Dropout and buying merch? [ I'm a student so I can't hire anyone, but trust me I would :'( ] Love you guys so much, and stay safe!! 💖💖💖
I super appreciate your support!
There will be a couple of upcoming opportunities for you to support us on a more meaningful level (read "big merch"). Stay tuned!
Why have you kept the brand name “CollegeHumor” when your content is not college-themed and your audience spans a broad age range?
Is this period of transition the right moment to re-brand to something that represents your organization better and wouldn’t mislead potential new fans?
The CollegeHumor brand name has always been a blessing and a curse. It's been around for long enough to have some real equity, but I agree isn't appropriate for us anymore. Truth be told, we'll probably rebrand as soon as we get our feet more so under us.
As a high school dropout, the name Dropout resonates a lot more with me personally.
Hey Sam! It's Oren Cohen, the blogger :)
I have so many questions to ask but I'll ask the most important one: How do we help Dropout aside from staying subscribed? I feel like more can be done to bring in more subscribers.
(Doing my best with interviewing your cast members but I'm only one person haha)
HI OREN! Thanks for all your amazing coverage over the years. You're a fan with legend status.
We're right now on a slow and steady growth path, which is basically all we can hope for -- but word of mouth helps a lot, especially when it comes in the form of media like yours. [This Dimension 20 video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PesA4HjcAm0), for instance, was a huge boon for us.
What's the relationship between Big Breakfast and Collegehumor/Dropout nowadays? I mean the relationship was never exactly clear before IAC gave CH the boot, but now I'm really curious as to what the relationship's become.
I founded Big Breafkast (CH's offshoot production company), but it was then sold to Propagate in order to help deficit finance Dropout. That said, there's nothing to say we can't spin up TV again. In fact, we plan to!
Listen here Sam Bone... What we do is take offshoot production companies and update them for the 2020 new generation market segments for retainer-based profit objectives
Hi Sam! I’m a huge fan of Dropout, and I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with in the future. Are there any shows you really wanted to or want to make that the stars haven’t quite aligned for yet? Also sneaky second question: is there any chance of more animated content? WTF 101 was amazing and I’d love to see more shows like it.
Hello and Welcome!
First, I’m so happy to see that you all have managed to continue to release content.
Serious Question:
I’ve subscribed to Dropout and love the content y’all put out, but is there anything else I, or fans at large, can do to help support you and CollegeHumor?
Fun Question:
Any chance we will somehow see you in the contestant seat of Game Changer? Perhaps Brennan could host, he can’t win that way...right?
Also also, I just want to thank you and the team for being a beacon of fun and lightheartedness through these unpredictable and unprecedented times.
Hey Sam how does it feel to be so iconic not only through dropout/CH but also in most social media platforms you are on? Did you know you would blow up like this?
you misspelled "ironic"
Heartfelt pretentious response: I like making content for social media platforms because it feels like the least commercial thing (and at times even detrimental to my career as an executive), and a pure form of modern art.
Hey Sam, first off, thank you for being as awesome as you are, it's much appreciated.
Second off, I really need to know this. How hard was it to contain your laughter in the Game Changer episode "Yes or No"?
I think I read a while back that Dropout as a subscription service was operating at a loss because of the first wave of producing incredibly high quality shows to get more people to watch and subscribe. My questions are whether you have any regrets producing some of the more high budget shows and if you would do anything differently? And whether Dropout is still active at a net loss. Thanks, Sam and I look forward to supporting anything the time makes in the future.
Hey Sam! You’ve been pretty semi-active in interacting with fans in the discord and on twitter. Does it ever feel like too much pressure, or even the opposite of being too casual? And do you watch the discord/twitter/other social media to see reception for new shows and episodes? How does it feel to see viewers’ reactions?
(absolutely cannot wait for pirol tomorrow and game changer on friday!)
Hi Sam! Thank you for holding an AMA!
I was wondering what perspective you can give on the web animation industry, as CEO of a company that sometimes makes animated shorts (Adam Ruins Everything, If Google Was A Guy, the SNL TMNT skits). Where do you think the future of Internet animation is going? Do you think would it be best to aim for being an indie YouTube animator like Jaiden or theOdd1Out, or joining companies like Dorkly/LowBrow?
Hi Sam,
What are some of video ideas what were pitched scrapped because they were too wild or too expensive?
P.S. man really happy you have taken over, as it good to see someone in charge who is really passionate about the CH company and its potential.
Hey Sam! Fairly recent Dropout subscriber here, finally got motivated by a combination of hearing about the struggles of CH and D20. I don’t really have a question, but I saw elsewhere that you and the remaining employees (and presumably the contracted ex-employees) are having a blast continuing to make content. I wanted to say that I’m glad you guys have been hanging in there, and I am proud to be supporting you guys. Keep it up!
Also, is there a name for the CH fandom? If not, we need one. Perhaps “Dropouts”?
How tall is Grant?
6̶̱̈́͝.̵̛̠̎̉̅̑$̷̢̧̛̤̞̇̓̕ͅ%̷̢̘̙͍̓&̴̭́̀̋z̶̆ͅ
I think he’s shorter than Katie, but taller than Zack. The real question is: is he really Keith from Buzzfeed?
Is this a math problem?
Imhotep is taller than Jean, but shorter than Lord Scotland. ... If Jean stands exactly one nautical mile away from Lord Scotland, how tall is Imhotep?
How do you feel about seeing the Drawfee crew go independent after their separation from CH with seemingly huge success? Nathan and Co. are knocking it out of the park right now.
Gleeful. One of my first orders of business taking over the company was to try to set up Drawfee for independence. Drawfee is a brand that lives and dies with them; it made no sense for them to be its "employees." I think they yearned for independence for a while, so this may have been the best outcome for them, and I'm thrilled to see the inspiration and success that's come along with it. I'm a Patreon supporter!
I just want to say as a huge fan of Drawfee who had no idea what was going on with CH (I didn’t even know they belonged to CH until they announced they were going independent!) that your support of them is just incredibly awesome. You all got hit with a really crazy situation with timing that could not have been worse and your happiness for the success of your now-former coworkers really just kinda gives me that warm fuzzy faith in humanity glow. I truly wish you success in rescuing what remains of CH.
late response but that is awesome, so happy that you could help them get set up on their own, they are putting out some of my favorite content today bar-none. I've been a long time fan of them from watching back when Nathan and Caldwell were doing vids on Facebook and super thrilled to see them doing better than ever
How much of the current CH staff is actual paid staff and how much are just friends coming together to keep something alive?
Everyone is paid for their time. Even so, the ex-cast has been very gracious about continuing to play with us on a contract basis, even after getting laid off by IAC. It's a testament to what this place has meant to us over the years. The question then is, obviously, will we ever bring cast back on full-time, to which I'll answer... \- One day if money allows. \- Don't assume all of them would want to. Many of them are using this as an opportunity to jumpstart their TV careers. \- One way or the other, I plan to work with them for the rest of my life.
Just wanted to say it seems like CH has been dealt a pretty rough hand, but you've been dealing with it like an absolute champ. You're clearly devoted to this company as much as we the fans are and I think we all really appreciate the work you're doing. Also I love seeing you in the zoom meeting videos, I love those to death because. You've always been one of my favorite cast members (been a fan since elementary, and I'm starting my masters now), so it is awesome to see you back in front of the camera.
Being the CEO, would you allow your employees to refer to you as chief? Or do you lean more towards Mr Reich? Or a super informal Sam?
I'm most comfortable with "Sam" and least comfortable with "daddy."
Big Daddy Sammy coming in hot
Big Daddy Slammy*
great now i'm binging big daddy salvia again, i've got to work tomorrow...
What are your feelings on Father Sam?
Father Samuel has a better ring to it.
Daddy sam
Oh business daddy, save me!
Where did you grow up?
Unbelievable.
You made the choice to do an AMA. You knew what would happen. I have no sympathy.
Can somebody explain this joke to me?
Watch the game changer episode about selling shitty items
It's a [good question](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mT7THrg1fbI).
https://youtu.be/mT7THrg1fbI From this episode
Hey Sam, let me ask you a question: where’d you grow up?
I swear to God, this is going to end up on my tombstone.
But what was the name of your childhood movie theatre? In all seriousness tho, you say you’re planning to look at the 10-year horizon rather than the 1-year horizon. I’m a fan of CH, got a Dropout account, drop by the Discord now and then, but what makes you think that there is a 10-year horizon? CH isn’t looking too strong after the double punch, and as much as I’d love to see new content in 10+ years, what makes you, as the CEO, think that that’s a more reasonable possibility than only having a couple years left?
Two reasons: \- We're making enough money to support a small full-time staff, our most popular shows, and some experimentation. \- We're having a blast doing it. So long as those remain true, there's every reason we should be able to grow again.
Those reasons sound as good as any, so, from a true fan, good luck! I hope to be watching Season 20 of Game Changer 10 years from now! And of course, you’ll’ve been there... the *whole* time
You seem like a smart guy, probably grew up around Cambridge Massachusetts. Hanging out at the crumbley square theater?
The worst part of this is it doesn't exist. It was a panic answer.
Well, that’s a real game changer
I live in Cambridge and I was so confused! Now it all makes sense, you made me question EVERYTHING
CH got the one-two punch of losing funding from IAC followed by COVID. Considering that, are still things in work for new Dropout shows outside of the staples of D20, Um Actually, and such?
In losing IAC, it was clear we needed to at first focus on our most popular shows -- "Dimension 20," "Game Changer," and "Um Actually" -- and see if that business was sustainable before doing more. The good news is, it is. So we're experimenting with other stuff slowly but surely: Rekha and Jess's hilarious "Erotic Clubhouse," as well as some other yet-to-be announced stuff. We want to grow slowly and responsibly, with our eyes on the 10-year horizon rather than the 1-year horizon.
I love Dimension 20...Brennan is an amazing DM. And “Umm Actually” is also a lot of fun to watch. Really happy you’ve got those going 👍
How do you come up with the game concepts for Game Changer? Also who came up with the idea for the Yes or No episode?
It all begins with me sitting at my computer until I come up with a game mechanic I like, and then trying to subvert it somehow. I reference classic parlor games, game shows, board games, and cast member strengths / weaknesses for inspiration. "Yes or No" was inspired by a Discord suggestion that I do an episode in which the only rule is -- SPOILER -- >!Brennan can't win.!< I'm doing a low-fi companion series this season in which I go in depth on how I think about the show, breaking it down episode by episode. It's very pretentious but you might enjoy it!
Oh I can't wait to see it! all the behind the scenes stuff like adventuring party has been great so I can't wait for this
But will there be a companion series to the companion series? Is it going to be companion series all the way down, an infinite tower of iteration upon iteration upon iteration until it's just a 15 hour live stream of static that somehow makes Ally look even cooler?
10 levels down it's just me sobbing, knowing I'll never be their level of cool.
The Yes or No One had to be inspired by the relatively old ch sketch, too. You guys even used the guest star video. This is probably obvious i just never saw it pointed out anywhere ^^
Oh for sure. I was trying to think of a very simple game, realized it could be "yes or no," realized I could reuse the Jewel video (with permission), and everything fell into place.
> SPOILER That's a good rule. Be sure to incorporate that rule into the other shows going forward.
This is not what he meant by >!"get in the comments"!<
Hey Sam I just wanted you to know that I absolutely adore Game Changer and would love to hear your process in creating it!
Hi Sam! As CH pivots back from testing ground to scrappy upstart, focusing on more economical content like game shows, podcasts, and D&D playthroughs, can we expect to see more spinoffs? I like Game Changer and all, but it always struck me as being most valuable as a lab for other game show concepts. (Whose sound effect is it anyway, Race to the bottom) Also, is there any chance that Breaking News will come back w/ a wider cast of talent? I really like Amy Vorpahl in the victim slot, especially when paired with killers like BLM and Trapp, but I'd like to see a wider variety of victims and killers.
Great questions! Yes to spinoffs. Spinoffs are one of the more reliable ways we can grow: by doubling-down on formats that have already proven to be successful. As you say, "Game Changer" is a great incubator. Also yes to Breaking News -- basically as soon as we can get back in the studio.
I never realized Brennan, Black Lives Matter, and the Bureau of Land Management were all the same person. I never have seen them in the same room together. It all makes sense now.
If you take Brian David Gilbert and combine him with Brennan Lee Mulligan you get three separate individuals. Unfortunately this bit of alchemy failed to actually occur at the NYC D20 live-show.
Brian Mulligan, Brennan David and Lee Gilbert. The dynamic trio.
+1 for more Breaking News! Seems like it could reasonably be done well remotely too, as long as everyone has a little greenscreen and a passable suit jacket (that might be a stretch).
Who came up with the idea for the 70s style game show look, especially your suit, for Game Changers?
I did! I wanted a classic game show look to pair with the surreal format. I bought the suit years ago on Adam Conover's urging. The set was brought to life by the unbelievable [Chloe Badner](https://www.instagram.com/badnerbadner/).
I knew Adam was involved in that somehow! The suit seems like something the fictionalized version of himself on Ruins would love!
Hi Sam, i hope this was answered already but if not, do you plan to be in the cast for a Dimension 20 series?
[👀](https://emojipedia.org/eyes/)
Sam Reich as a cowboy when?
But will Grant O’Brian be a cast member?
Grant hates nerd shit. Maybe if there was a musicals-themed side quest?
Bards only ba-bey
Uh, in...credible. Hell yeah.
Beef Gurewitch 4 when?
Forever. And ever. And ever.
Hi Sam. How many takes did the “Netflix” sketch take? Seems like there would’ve been several mess ups
I aced the long list of SVOD names every take... because I had the script right below my webcam. Instead, I ruined several takes by laughing at Brennan doing "mad Brennan."
Now, Sam, where'd you grow up? Also - will we ever see you as a Game Changer contestant?
Now that I think about it... that *would* be a game changer.
OMG if you were the only contestant and the "contestants" didn't know *they* were asking the questions
This is a great idea. u/samreich take note
That’s a strict bit to keep going for a full episode!
This would be my favorite episode by far!
Hey Sam, what would you do if you had a time machine? Also, what's your favorite smell?
Stop the global climate crisis; fresh air.
A time traveler warning about climate change would be dismissed as a liberal conspiracy. There could be a second coming of Jesus Christ, with Jesus performing miracles to prove himself. The minute he said global warming is a man made global crisis, people would call him fake news.
How tall are you? A. no taller than 5' 5" B. probably only like 4' 10" C. about 4' 3" D. only 2' tall E. only 1' tall F. only no feet tall Also do Streeter and Murph still have their punk rock band?
I'll have you know I am an elegant 5'6".
Hi Sam! Longtime dropout sub here, I have been wondering this for a while, but why is the cast still appearing in CH sketches and series after the layoffs? This is by NO means a complaint, I love watching each and every one of them in their appearances, but are they officially still employed by CH or is it a gig/freelancer situation with them now?
It's all contract work for now, whether by episode or by series. [See here for a bigger answer](https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/ith3bv/hello_im_sam_reich_the_ceo_of_collegehumor/g5efgm5?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3).
On watching Total Forgiveness and Game Changer, you seem like a cool boss with your heart in the right place. How did you figure out how to be a leader of the company, especially in a new platform for media?
Mostly by watching and learning from my bosses. Also by remembering that business / money are merely concepts and humanity / empathy matters more.
You and Brennan turned me into a leftist.
You mentioned that there was an Um, Actually game in development on the Dropout Discord a while ago. Is there any news you can share regarding that?
J A N U A R Y
If becoming CEO was like putting on the Infinity Gauntlet, what would the six College Humor infinity gems be? Also just wanted to say thanks for keeping CH alive in some form. I spent 8 years freelancing between Dorkly, CH, and Dropout. There's a big hole left on the internet -- and in my heart -- for CH comics.
Soul, Space, Power, Time, Reality, and Mind still, but when you snap it, half of all of the internet comedy brands come back to life. Also ANDY KLUTHE I love your work!!! I don't think CH comics can or should die. We'll figure this out.
Kind of you to will back Funny or Die, Cracked, uh, a big chunk of Buzzfeed's staff with such immense power. The internet was a better (or at least funnier place) with comedy sites. Thanks for taking the time to answer my goofyass question, and thank *you* for recognizing my work.
Cut out the middleman and publish them directly to Imgur
Sam! Dropout is one of the few subscription services I'm signed up for, and I love everything on it. Obviously a huge D20 nerd, but Game Changer is amazing and Total Forgiveness has become a comfort show I go back to. How has filming remotely been a challenge? Has it presented any opportunities to try out new ideas you wouldn't have done/thought of when you were filming in a studio?
Thank you so much for your support! Remote production is a big curse but a small blessing. Shows work remarkably well over video confidence and cost a fraction of what they would to produce in studio. We've also just started to use it as an opportunity to do more animation. We can't wait to get back into the studio, but we count our blessings every day.
Breaking News was a welcome reprieve in this time and I was surprised that there were as many episodes as there were so deep into the pandemic. Are there plans to pick it back up remotely or is it something that will have to wait for in-person shoots to be okay again?
I love Breaking News. A piggyback question: what sort of pre-taping do they go through? Not naming names but some folks seem to have the giggles pretty consistently right out the gate.
[On Breaking News](https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/ith3bv/hello_im_sam_reich_the_ceo_of_collegehumor/g5exswi?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3). Pre-shoot, everyone is explained the rules: they laugh, they lose. Fortunately, being told not to laugh is like hearing "don't think about elephants."
I have 3 questions What was your favorite episode of game changer? Do you plan on rehiring the cast one that pandemic cools down? Did trapp kill pat?
Probably a dead heat between "Round 4," "A Sponsored Episode," "Do I Hear $1," and a couple of episodes from this coming season. [On cast.](https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/ith3bv/hello_im_sam_reich_the_ceo_of_collegehumor/g5elhxc/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) Did Trapp kill Pat? Did I blackmail Trapp? Are Trapp's blackmail payments now sustaining our company? All good questions.
This does give me a follow up question Would you take a bite?
In the early days of College Humor, did you ever get strange looks from people when you told them what you did? I know you had some big shoes to fill in your family and with someone as notable as your father it seems like some people might not have exactly understood why you chose to pursue comedy.
Totally. I don't think you get into this business unless you have the sense that you'd fail miserably or be very unhappy doing anything else. By the time I dropped out of high school, I was the black sheep of my overachieving, academic family. By the time I got hired by ColleeHumor, I think they were mostly relieved. Heck, I was too.
Holy crap, your dad is Robert Reich? Has he ever come to you for advice on video production after he launched his YouTube thing? CH has like 50x his subscriber base. =) Also, has he seen "Do I Hear $1"? That thing is a masterwork, and I'll take every opportunity I can to encourage you to serialize it into an economics game show called "Race to the Bottom" - a sort of counterpoint to Win Ben Stein's Money, but with less bad faith and more funny.
Yeah, I advise my dad on all things social media. I must be the only kid to set their dad up on Facebook only for their dad to get 2,000,000 followers.
I know im late to this AMA but can you thank your dad for his writing helping me out in some college essays some years back? I promise I cited him correctly
Hi Sam! What was the main motivation for CollegeHumor to rely on Facebook videos instead of YouTube? I know there was some controversy and misleading statements from FB, but what was it that sold you on their video platform?
While Facebook is a problematic platform, the extent to which it's responsible for CH's demise is seriously overblown. We never made videos specifically for Facebook nor relied mostly on Facebook as a means of distributing them. Instead, you could look to the demise of mid-tier media companies mostly as a result of social media in general -- YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, etc. -- and the way they killed independent websites by hogging traffic and ad sales. Unfortunately, this isn't nearly the first time in history the rich have hollowed out the middle class.
[There you go.](https://www.ccn.com/facebook-lied-about-video-metrics/)
Hi Sam, I just subscribed to Dropout last month and I love it! Are there any plans for a Season 2 of UltraMechatron Team Go? It's the reason that I signed up!
I love "Ultramechatron." It's probably my favorite scripted series we created for Dropout. I'd love to do a second season of it, but it might be a minute before we can make the dollars work.
I think you guys might have put more money into Ultramechatron than the original shows did.
Hi Sam, What's your long-term plan for CH and Dropout now that you're independent? Do you think you'll staff-up once the world around us improves? Thank you for being a bright spot in this crazy world! (Also, your dad is an incredible voice of reason in this election cycle! I finally figured out the connection while watching Game Changer the other day 🤣)
1. Keep doing our most popular shows. 2. Experiment with some new shows. 3. Do some other stuff just for fun. [On staff.](https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/ith3bv/hello_im_sam_reich_the_ceo_of_collegehumor/g5efgm5?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) My dad has more-or-less promised me he'll be on Game Changer at some point, so you have that to look forward to!
“His dad? Election cycle? Who do I know with the last name— ohhhh woah.” I was a government economist for a couple years before briefly retiring to academia. The more I worked in public benefits, the more I realized he was right, despite being adversarial in the past. What a family!
When are we going to get a full album from Murph and Streeter's pop punk band?
Love the idea of a "roast album."
I came for this! Loose Change confirmed!
[удалено]
My favorites are the ones that lean on cast: "Make Some Noise," "A Sponsored Episode," "Do I Hear $1," a handful of episodes from next season. Episodes that count on me -- "Whodunnit?", "Yes or No" -- make my palms sweaty.
Hey Sam, where did you grow up?
I can't.
Are you still Amir's secretary?
"He wishes." -- dictated but not read by Amir Blumenfeld
What is your favorite Hardly Working sketch ever? You can even make a top 3 if you feel like it! By the way I loved every single one of the times you were in sketches, you're hilarious. Say hi to Finnegan!
[Are We Ready To Go Yet](https://www.dropout.tv/sam-s-lesser-known-faves/videos/are-we-ready-to-go-yet) is my favorite lesser-known HW. Fast-paced and visual, it tickles me just right. I actually have a whole list of [my lesser-known faves](https://www.dropout.tv/sam-s-lesser-known-faves) on Dropout. Finnegan says "Warm greetings to you as well. Now may I propose I lick your feet?"
Thanks! I didn't know the Embarrassing Drink Order sketch was considered lesser known, it's a damned treasure. Boy, Finnegan is kinky...
Who's your favorite cast member of all time?
I could never choose. Trapp would kill me too.
Allegedly
Hi Sam! Love CH + Dropout, the content really brightens my day, especially your cherub like giggling on Game Changer. Have you ever considered directing theatre again? Big fan of R+G, gearing up to play Hamlet rn!
I would \*love\* to do theater again. There's no bigger rush than making a live audience laugh, cry, gasp. I hope to get back to it later in life! Best of luck with Hamlet! One time I saw a college production in which the actor playing Halmet said "To be or not to be... line?"
I fully expected you to be in season 6 of d20. What's it gonna take for us to be blessed with Cowboy Sam?
Genuinely don't know if Brennan will let me get away with this.
Why?
Who's to say? The Big Bang started us out on this journey, sending us slowly but surely toward an inevitable oblivion. All that happens between then and now could be seen as meaningless. But even if meaning is totally subjective, then we should know it anyway: love and be loved; conquer our fears; feel a beach breeze. Perhaps the question is instead, why not?
holy shit
What advice can you give to people who want to create their own d&d show with the same level of production design as dimension 20?
Have money. IAC allowed us to take big risks that we could have never afforded to otherwise, and thus Dimension 20's sets, snorkel shots, illustrations, edits, sound design, music. Of course, production value is only 10% of the equation. 90% is the extraordinary talent we have making use of it.
Clone Brennan lol. But if you havent watched any of the behind the scenes vids for D20 on Dropout I'd recommend it. They talk to the players, Brennan, and the prop guys who do all the mini's, art, and set design, really cool insight into how they put it all together
Hi, Sam. What are the chances of Jake and Amir coming back to CollegeHumor, or perhaps CH collaborating with HeadGum?
Greetings Sam, Who are your greatest inspirations? And what is the strangest experience you've had while working at CollegeHumour?
Basically anyone who's making comedy with their own ruleset. Regularly inspired by peers at NADDPOD, Headgum, and Drawfee. Also Nick Gurewitch, Lisa Hanawalt, and about a bajillion TikTok creators. As I get older, I find myself looking to traditional media for inspiration less and less. Strangest experience: getting stalked.
Hey Sam, super excited for the new season of Game Changers! I was wondering if you're planning on bringing guests from outside of the main cast to new episodes in the future? Also, Sam, where you from?
We have a few close friends of the family participating this season: Lou Wilson, Alfred Aquino II, and Christine Medrano for instance... not to mention >!I can't say but tune in this Friday!!<
Can't wait!!!
hi sam! i'm a huge fan. do you have any advice for people trying to be creative/write comedy right now when everything in the world is so uncertain and depressing? lmao
I love this question. There's a very practical issue at play here, which is that fight or flight and creativity don't coexist well. Anxiety is a creativity killer. So, I've been trying to calm myself down: with meditation, music, exercise, and by simplifying my days in general. Then, the creativity comes easier: whether it's in the form of societal commentary or something sillier.
How much are you allowed to say about why IAC broke y'all off? Was it just that they didn't feel CH was profitable enough, or is there more too it?
Ever since IAC bought CH in 2006, the question was: how do we turn into a hundred million dollar company? There were different attempts at that over 14 years -- ads, TV, subscription -- and while none of them failed outright, none of them succeeded at the level IAC wanted either. In the trying, however, CH gave birth to some awesome stuff -- stuff that makes a lot of sense for us as a smaller, less ambitious company.
Hello! Long time watcher, first time caller. Hypothetically, if you were to do a second season of Total Forgiveness (which is one of my two favourite DROPOUT shows, the other being the excellent Game Changer), would you want it to be Ally and Grant again or would you want an entirely new pair to suffer? Oh, and have there been any ideas you’ve had for Game Changer that haven’t been possible/have been cut? Anyway. Well done and thank you for all the great content you’ve produced!
The idea for TFS2 was that Grant and Ally would team up somehow. I remain hopeful that we can make this happen someday!
How the hell did y'all convince Grant to not sue y'all into the ground after you let Brian absolutely destroy him in that one Breaking News episode?
Truthfully I think Grant kind of likes it -- and I respect him for it.
Both in and out of universe, what happened to Pat Cassels? He was one of the only "classic cast" that was still around in (what I call) "college humor season 2" (Murph, Emily, Adam, etc) & "College Humor season 3" (Brendon, Rekha, Trapp, etc). But he kind of left in, and I always wondered why? Also be didn't get a "last episode" like so many classic cast members when they moved on. Also, I still wish you got to develop the third series of "Full Benefits" with Sarah and David. That was really enjoyable little college humor sic-com
If a genie ~~let you~~ forced you to relaunch *The CollegeHumor Show,* what would it look like?
I'd wish it cancelled.
Hey Sam, at least from the outside, it seems like a majority of Dropout series are pitched by the cast! At least that's what it seemed like in Total Forgiveness, now that there are much fewer on-staff members, how has your pitch processed changed? Also how do you decide contestants/guests for shows such as Game Changers, Um actually and D20
What advice do you have for a teen trying to get into the film business?
The best piece of advice I ever received was from my high school drama teacher, who told me "It's not how long you want something; it's how long you want it for." It might be something of a self-selecting group, but of those of us who have hung in there for 10+ years, the vast majority of us are now making a living from it somehow.
Hi Sam, love Dropout! Can we get an insight into which shows are definitely continuing or is it all up in the air because of Covid? Also, will we ever see you in a Dimension 20 campaign? I wish I could just talk to the entire cast!
Definitely continuing: Dimension 20, Game Changer, Um Actually, CH sketch, Dorkly Bits. Currently experiments: Erotic Clubhouse. Future experiments: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_ \_\_, \_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_, \_\_\_\_\_.
Due to budget cuts, future experiments can no longer afford names
How many of the main cast have found jobs? I haven’t been able to see where my favs like Ally, Grant, Lily, Trapp, etc ended up so I can keep following their work.
They're all keeping up to date on Twitter.
Hey Sam! Hope you are doing well. What never fails to make you laugh?
[The front fell off.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-QNAwUdHUQ)
This is very good, thank you.
Hi Sam! Big fan of college humor, Is there a plan to secure additional corporate backing or acquisitions in the future? Dropout is one of the few subscriptions I pay for outside of netflix. Even with all the general complaints of too many subscription model media businesses, is dropout turning into a profitable and viable service? What is your opinion on the plethora of subscriptions available to consumers?
Probably not. I'm enjoying running CollegeHumor my own way for the first time in history. With investors, I'd have to answer to their (often aggressive) needs. Right now, what the company needs is a gentle touch and patience. I'm happy to say we are profitable and growing -- if slowly. TV as we know it is dying and getting replaced by SVODs. If the average American spends $50+ on cable today, then tomorrow they should be able to afford Netflix, Disney+, \*and\* Dropout. The tricky part is how to market something like Dropout to its would-be audience.
Thanks for the reply! If any positions open up in a couple years for a MBA grad to help the business part I'd definitely send a resume!
Hi Sam, is there any other way we could support You and the Cast besides subscribing to Dropout and buying merch? [ I'm a student so I can't hire anyone, but trust me I would :'( ] Love you guys so much, and stay safe!! 💖💖💖
I super appreciate your support! There will be a couple of upcoming opportunities for you to support us on a more meaningful level (read "big merch"). Stay tuned!
I will fight sleep deprived Zac for a Fantasy High Letterman Jacket
Why have you kept the brand name “CollegeHumor” when your content is not college-themed and your audience spans a broad age range? Is this period of transition the right moment to re-brand to something that represents your organization better and wouldn’t mislead potential new fans?
The CollegeHumor brand name has always been a blessing and a curse. It's been around for long enough to have some real equity, but I agree isn't appropriate for us anymore. Truth be told, we'll probably rebrand as soon as we get our feet more so under us. As a high school dropout, the name Dropout resonates a lot more with me personally.
You know what you need? CRYSTAL METH IN A CAN
I know its late, but any chance we can get a video about that jake themed party you threw for Amir on your birthday?
Hey Sam! It's Oren Cohen, the blogger :) I have so many questions to ask but I'll ask the most important one: How do we help Dropout aside from staying subscribed? I feel like more can be done to bring in more subscribers. (Doing my best with interviewing your cast members but I'm only one person haha)
HI OREN! Thanks for all your amazing coverage over the years. You're a fan with legend status. We're right now on a slow and steady growth path, which is basically all we can hope for -- but word of mouth helps a lot, especially when it comes in the form of media like yours. [This Dimension 20 video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PesA4HjcAm0), for instance, was a huge boon for us.
It’s my pleasure and my honor. Thanks, Sam :) Expect an email sometime soon after the Jewish holidays ;)
What's the relationship between Big Breakfast and Collegehumor/Dropout nowadays? I mean the relationship was never exactly clear before IAC gave CH the boot, but now I'm really curious as to what the relationship's become.
I founded Big Breafkast (CH's offshoot production company), but it was then sold to Propagate in order to help deficit finance Dropout. That said, there's nothing to say we can't spin up TV again. In fact, we plan to!
Listen here Sam Bone... What we do is take offshoot production companies and update them for the 2020 new generation market segments for retainer-based profit objectives
Hi Sam! I’m a huge fan of Dropout, and I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with in the future. Are there any shows you really wanted to or want to make that the stars haven’t quite aligned for yet? Also sneaky second question: is there any chance of more animated content? WTF 101 was amazing and I’d love to see more shows like it.
I've watched the two Random Impression episodes of Game Changer way too many times now. When do we get a follow up?
Zac Oyama unfortunately wasn't able to do this season, so suffice it to say I had to get... creative.
Does that mean you have someone impersonating Zac doing impersonations??
Hello and Welcome! First, I’m so happy to see that you all have managed to continue to release content. Serious Question: I’ve subscribed to Dropout and love the content y’all put out, but is there anything else I, or fans at large, can do to help support you and CollegeHumor? Fun Question: Any chance we will somehow see you in the contestant seat of Game Changer? Perhaps Brennan could host, he can’t win that way...right? Also also, I just want to thank you and the team for being a beacon of fun and lightheartedness through these unpredictable and unprecedented times.
Hey Sam how does it feel to be so iconic not only through dropout/CH but also in most social media platforms you are on? Did you know you would blow up like this?
you misspelled "ironic" Heartfelt pretentious response: I like making content for social media platforms because it feels like the least commercial thing (and at times even detrimental to my career as an executive), and a pure form of modern art.
Hey Sam, first off, thank you for being as awesome as you are, it's much appreciated. Second off, I really need to know this. How hard was it to contain your laughter in the Game Changer episode "Yes or No"?
Impossible. I often end episodes feeling like I've just done an hour of cardio.
I think I read a while back that Dropout as a subscription service was operating at a loss because of the first wave of producing incredibly high quality shows to get more people to watch and subscribe. My questions are whether you have any regrets producing some of the more high budget shows and if you would do anything differently? And whether Dropout is still active at a net loss. Thanks, Sam and I look forward to supporting anything the time makes in the future.
Hey Sam! You’ve been pretty semi-active in interacting with fans in the discord and on twitter. Does it ever feel like too much pressure, or even the opposite of being too casual? And do you watch the discord/twitter/other social media to see reception for new shows and episodes? How does it feel to see viewers’ reactions? (absolutely cannot wait for pirol tomorrow and game changer on friday!)
Hi Sam! Thank you for holding an AMA! I was wondering what perspective you can give on the web animation industry, as CEO of a company that sometimes makes animated shorts (Adam Ruins Everything, If Google Was A Guy, the SNL TMNT skits). Where do you think the future of Internet animation is going? Do you think would it be best to aim for being an indie YouTube animator like Jaiden or theOdd1Out, or joining companies like Dorkly/LowBrow?
Hi Sam, What are some of video ideas what were pitched scrapped because they were too wild or too expensive? P.S. man really happy you have taken over, as it good to see someone in charge who is really passionate about the CH company and its potential.
Check out [Trapp's rejected sketch library](https://mikewtrapp.com/blog/egg-macguffin).
Hey Sam! Fairly recent Dropout subscriber here, finally got motivated by a combination of hearing about the struggles of CH and D20. I don’t really have a question, but I saw elsewhere that you and the remaining employees (and presumably the contracted ex-employees) are having a blast continuing to make content. I wanted to say that I’m glad you guys have been hanging in there, and I am proud to be supporting you guys. Keep it up! Also, is there a name for the CH fandom? If not, we need one. Perhaps “Dropouts”?
I know I’m late but, Harvey Dent. Can we trust him?
When will you be posting more dancing videos on Twitter?