Watch Development Meeting
- 2018
- 1 Season
Development Meeting is a unique, behind-the-scenes show that blends reality and animation in a unique way. Released by Adult Swim in 2019, it gives audiences a rare insight into how idea pitches and brainstorming sessions occur within the creative industry, specifically for animated comedies. This digital web series injects a wave of innovation and admirable transparency by providing the general public an open invitation into their development sessions.
Stepping away from the traditional norms, Development Meeting is an experimental live-stream web show that brings groundbreaking, out-of-the-box humour to the table, which is a signature attribute of Adult Swim. In this show, Adult Swim’s executives Cameron Tang and Walter Newman, along with producer Joey Raheb, offer an unfiltered, raw, and realistic look into the process of programming development at one of television's most innovative networks.
Each episode of Development Meeting is meticulously crafted to demonstrate what happens behind the shadowy veil of television production, involving a slew of delightful moments, heated discussions, and even genuine disagreements. The viewers get a broad view of everything from the initial concept pitch to the evolution of a storyline and greater concepts.
What makes this show absolutely distinctive from anything else out there is the viewer engagement factor. Via live streaming, viewers have the opportunity to present their ideas for potential shows, or even just discuss random ideas. This feature transforms passive spectators into active contributors, which brings an extra level of engagement in this show.
At the scale of the improvisation and innuendos, the humour on Development Meeting is indeed an acquired taste, typically appealing to those who appreciate the peculiar style of humour Adult Swim is known for. This program doesn't shy away from self-deprecating humour or self-referential joke structures, often showcasing an uncanny ability to laugh at itself and its own absurdity.
The animated portions of Development Meeting are where the most fun is had. If a pitch catches the team’s attention, they depict the concept in animated form, giving it a whimsical visual accompaniment. These animations offer an actual understanding of producers’ mind maps, and wouldn’t look out of place among the late night comedy offerings on Adult Swim.
Development Meeting is also diverse in its topical approach. The programming executives are open to discuss all pitch levels, from broad comedic ideas to more intricate plotlines and characters. Despite its humorous and light-hearted outlook, the show doesn't shy away from delving into serious commentary on the industry, the creative process, the role of executives, and the perils and triumphs of creating a new show.
Another noteworthy feature is the possibility of submitting your own scripts, show bibles, videos, or any other showcase-worthy materials directly through the show’s live chat or the Adult Swim website. These often get real-time feedback from the executives during the show, creating an interactive platform that can serve as a stepping stone for budding creators.
The show’s transparency is paramount, showcasing the decision-making, thought processes, and sometimes even letdowns of the executives as they navigate through a sea of ideas. The value of this access cannot be overstated for those interested in the intricate mechanics of how a comedy-oriented network like Adult Swim operates.
The tone of Development Meeting, while mostly upbeat and casual, can also go off-track and adopt a more confrontational mood, whether within a heated pitch debate or a tough discussion with a viewer. But these moments add to the show's authenticity and realness, reminding viewers this is indeed a real workplace show with an actual pipeline.
All in all, Development Meeting goes well beyond just being a show. It can be compared to a virtual seminar, a networking platform, and an incubation chamber for ambitious creators. It blends the elements of standard television and interactive streaming in a way that has rarely been executed before. Bold, funny, and unapologetically original, Development Meeting from Adult Swim offers an intriguing peek into the innovation and eccentricity that happens behind the scenes of our favorite late-night animated comedies.