In the world of television and digital show pitches, the term “proof of concept” is thrown around a lot. Basically, that’s a three-minute video of what the larger idea being pitched could look like. These proofs are often not very good, because it’s hard to distill the essence of a longer form project down into that short a time. Not nearly impossible, but hard. It’s a barrier to entry. What seems to be a bit easier is creating a short that inspires a longer-form piece. Basically, working the other way around by saying “Let’s make this fun, short thing, and, if it turns out well, we can build out what a longer form world might look like.” I’m not sure if Bridge Stuart had that intention when making Sorry, you’re dead, but the idea of a comedy that centers on a straight-shooting, metaphysically-versed English gatekeeper who shepherds dead people into the next dimension seems like one to explore. Partially because it’s a rich premise but, maybe more so, because this short has proven to be so fun.
Luke is an executive producer at CollegeHumor and a watcher of many web videos. Send him yours @LKellyClyne.
