Craig Piligian has conquered the reality format on television. Now, he’s set his sights on the Internet.
Piligian’s Pilgrim Studios has launched a digital initiative called 1620 Media that is producing and distributing video tailored specifically for online audiences. The new entertainment platform is debuting with six original series and plans to release seven additional shows over the next two months.
While Piligian’s specialty might be cable network reality shows — think Fox Sports 1’s The Ultimate Fighter — 1620 Media will feature a mix of scripted, unscripted, sketch comedy, documentary and animation, all in the five- to 15-minute range.
“Pilgrim is always looking for new ways to produce and showcase quality content,” said Piligian. “With 1620 Media, we’re exploring a lot of new territory and working with a range of talent to create sharp, entertaining shortform programming.”
Among the original series debuting from 1620 Media is Inside the Extras Studio starring Barry Bostwick. The scripted comedy is a satirical take on James Lipton‘s Inside the Actors Studio that will examine the lives of Hollywood’s most ubiquitous, yet anonymous, players. Other projects include man-on-the-street series The Intersection with host Nikki Leigh, comedy The Real Cat Therapist of Beverly Hills, animated series Explained in Children’s Drawings, Paw Prints, about the Pasadena Humane Society, and bartending series The Mixology Guys.
The shows from 1620 Media can be found at 1620Media.com or on YouTube, where each new series will have its own channel.
Here are more details about 1620 Media’s original series:
“Inside The Extras Studio”
Award-winning actor Barry Bostwick takes a satirical look at the industry’s forgotten stars: the “extras.” Tipping a hat to James Lipton and Inside the Actors Studio, this comedic scripted series brings the “background” into focus, examining the lives of those who make their careers as film and television’s most ubiquitous yet anonymous players.
“The Intersection”
Actress, model and television host Nikki Leigh ventures to “Hollywood & Vine” and other well-known, highly trafficked intersections to ask strangers a range of questions — whether funny, serious, personal or probing. With inquiries like “What emoji would you be?” and “What secrets are the government hiding?” everyday people confide in Nikki their real thoughts about life and the world around them.
“The Real Cat Therapist Of Beverly Hills”
In this weekly comedy, the cat is the therapist, listening to “patients” — all renowned improv comedians — who vent their problems and offload their issues while the cat cleans himself (or herself), sleeps, ignores them and generally, well, acts like a cat.
“Explained In Children’s Drawings”
Each week, children are asked a question about the world (e.g. asking boys “What if you were a girl for a day?” and vice versa). As the kids respond, their answers are depicted through colorful and unpredictable animated drawings.
“Paw Prints”
This collection of uplifting stories from the Pasadena Humane Society includes segments about available pets, animals saved by their adoptive families, wildlife rescue and volunteer profiles.
“The Mixology Guys”
Three Los Angeles mixologists lead viewers through the wonderful world of bartending and drink making, complete with how-to instructions, competitions and an array of social interactions.
