The Chicago Comedy TV Pilot Competition 2011

Friday, July 29
Chicago Cultural Center Theater
78 E. Washington Street

A unique event that showcases comedy TV pilots made by Chicagoans!

The Chicago Comedy TV Pilot Competition, now in its fifth year, represents a partnership between the comedy shorts festival and The Chicago Film Office. One of the first TV pilot competitions in the country, and unique in that it is restricted to comedy, this event is designed to showcase sitcoms based on original ideas by Chicagoans. The jury includes TV executives from CBS, Fox and Comedy Central in Hollywood, and also representatives of some of Hollywood’s top talent agencies. A $500 cash prize will be awarded to the jury’s top-rated pilot by the Chicago post-production and production house Optimus. The pilots include such talented actors and improvisers as: Tom Blandford, John Cates, Kate James, Colleen Murray, Mark Raterman, Sadieh Rifai, Tim Robinson, Robyn Scott, Harz Sondericker, Christian Stolte, Mike Vallely, Mark Vannier, and Natalie West.

Shows are at 7:00 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. – Admission price is $10 per show (See bottom of page for details)

7:00 P.M. SHOW

Dragons, by Tom Blandford, Travis Dopp and David Lukasik
Galahads on wheels.
Two busted skateboard buddies are on a quest for freedom, following the teachings of their missing mentor. Their goal is to skate down Mountain Lion Mountain, turn into balls of fire, and fly away as dragons. But first they must master several levels of enlightenment (and stop wetting their pants when under stress). Meanwhile, social norms and an evil real estate agent stand in the way of their goals. Can they triumph against all odds? Can they gain control of their bladders?

My Mans, by Andy Miara, Mark Raterman and Tim Robinson
You’re fired!
A man is unjustly fired from his job and embarks on a long-day’s journey in search of his Dignity. Searching…searching! Will he find it in a bar? (No.) On the street? (No.) In his apartment? (No.) But gradually, he begins to wonder…is it really something that’s essential to his life? Can he be a hero without Dignity? How about an anti-hero? A schmuck? And in the end, what is it that really matters? (Aside from pizza puffs.) Find out!

8:15 P.M. SHOW

Single Long, by Jack Mayer and Sarra Jahedi
Nobody’s perfect!
Two roommates, Jack and Ed, are starting an on-line dating site, but the question is, are they qualified to manage other people’s romances when they’re having plenty of problems with their own! Ed tries to convince Jack to break up with his unpredictable girlfriend, Amanda, but as it happens, Sarra, an uninhibited standup comedienne who Ed used to date, is now rooming with Amanda. Trouble ahead, trouble behind!

Bad Sides, by Nathan Adloff
Theater of the absurd.
Director Marcuss and his partner Allison never met an actor they didn’t dislike. On this particular day, they’re holding gruelling (and ludicrous) auditions for their new indie film, Torn Up, screening actors for the role of a 16-year-old gay farm boy. A well-known actress, who is old enough to know better, shows up for the ordeal, and gets an uncomfortable call-back for the part of the boy’s grandma. Meanwhile, the new intern, Nick, is concluding that his first day on the job will probably be his last!

Darcy and Tess, by Colleen Murray and Robyn Scott
Let’s talk trash!
Two best friends from Chicago move to small town Indiana to run a recently inherited junk-hauling business, which they’ve renamed Lady Junk. It’s culture shock from day one, as Darcy and Tess get to know the local cast of characters in Templecorn, and renew an acquaintance with a violent cousin who thought he was inheriting the business. They’re trying their best to adjust to small town living, but find winning over the local scene isn’t as easy as they thought it would be!

Tickets available at The Chicago Cultural Center Theater, 78 E. Washington, on the day of the festival only (box office opens at 3 p.m. on that day). The box office is located at the door of the Theater on the second floor of the Center. Cash sales only. Phone reservations accepted at: (312) 379-8633. Parking: Grant Park North Garage (enter from Michigan Ave. between Washington and Madison) or Millennium Park Garage (enter from Columbus Drive).

The Chicago Comedy TV Pilot Competition is produced by Marion Sours, (312) 642-2156, in association with The Chicago Film Office, (312) 744-6415.

Partnering sponsor:

home