Dr. Tiki clears the air
In a previous blog entry, Herding video content for the iPod, I mentioned one of my favorite video podcasts—Tiki Bar TV. In my post I referred to Tiki Bar as a viral commercial "custom made for advertising to be placed in and around the programming."
The line was taken from a press release from another firm that was clearly trying to capitalize on the popularity of the Tikieans. I have since removed that reference as it was in error. To clear things up I spoke with Dr. Tiki himself from Tiki Bar TV headquarters in lovely Vancouver, British Columbia.
Jason: Dr. Tiki, what's the deal with the press release stating the Tiki Bar TV is a viral commercial?
Dr. Tiki: It's a huge misunderstanding. Tiki Bar TV is 100 percent independent and it's made in my apartment with my friends.
J: So who's the guy who put out the release?
D: He's a tech guy, not really a PR guy. He wanted to bring in money and get advertisers interested. We had a brief conversation about it but we have no formal deal. Anyway, he put out a press release and the wording was messy.
J: I also heard that he registered TikiBarTV.com, did he give the domain back to you?
D: Yeah, he asked me if I had the domain and I said no, the next day he registered it.
J: But it looks like he gave it back to you?
D: Yeah, he turned it over.
J: So what exactly is your objective at Tiki Bar? Are you looking for sponsors? Wouldn't you love a free palette of Bacardi?
D: I sure would! And I will take advertising money. As long as we're up front about it, I don't have a problem with it.
J: Have you been approached by anyone potential sponsors?
D: I've had several soft approaches by advertising agencies and other business people.
J: Have you accepted any advertising for Tiki Bar yet?
D: No not yet, I haven't really received any solid offers. I've had about 20 email queries.
J: So what's your background?
D: I an independent filmmaker with Johnny Johnny. We both have day jobs doing indy films. When I was about 10 I was taping news shows in my bedroom. Using RSS to subscribe to a program really excited me and I knew it would be a great way to distribute a show.
J: Tell me a little bit more about your setup, do you use a Mac?
D: Yes, I use a PowerMac G4, Final Cut Pro and LiveType. It takes about a week to edit. It's fun, we do all the no-no's in film, like using all the preset effects like clock wipe and the page peel effect.
J: So it's pretty much a parody of itself then?
D: Yeah, we just have fun. There's no crew, we use one mic. I move the camera then jump into a shot.
J: So what about Lala, is she your or Johnny Johnny's girlfriend?
D: No she's not, but we sure get a ton of fan mail for her though.