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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, December 16, 2002

Your funniest video could make you famous

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

A Kane'ohe entertainment group plans to put a Hawai'i spin on "America's Funniest Home Video," soliciting amateur home video that will evolve into a television show and a related DVD release.

"We'll make you a star," said John Iervolino, who will be executive producer of "Hawai'i's Funniest Home Video," to air initially in early 2003, station to be announced. A DVD is expected April 1.

"Right now, we're in a fact-finding, contact mode," said Iervolino, who is looking for all kinds of goofy videos, including archival films from family vaults. Even 8mm and 16mm footage can be digitally transferred for consideration in the final show.

"Just send your home videos to us, we'll dump it into our computer, figure out the format and set up the scenes," the producer said. "We want pet tricks, on the job stuff, footage from the athletic field and other sports bloopers, and wedding reception tapes. The funnier, the better; the material can even be a little controversial, but they have to be clean."

Segments will be edited and embellished with music and special effects, as needed. Entries may be short- or long-running; Iervolino said he particularly is interested in submissions from Hawai'i's military and from stand-up comedy wannabes.

Until the entries are in hand, Iervolino said he has no clue if the show will be a one-shot deal — or worthy of evolution into an ongoing series. He is in the midst of negotiations for a station to air the show.

A host already has been selected, but not yet named. A female co-host is being sought, said Iervolino, and applicants should have camera presence. "We want someone sassy and cute, between 18 and 25," he said.

Singer-composer Audy Kimura has signed on as a behind-the-scenes participant; he has composed a theme song Iervolino described as "hip-hop with a local touch — really fun."

Iervolino hopes that entrants will not only show a brand of local-style humor but cultural diversity as well, considering Hawai'i's rich mix of ethnicities.

So, if you videotape a Japanese uncle who pounds his foot instead of mochi this New Year's, or a Filipino tinikling dancer who didn't get her left foot out of harm's way in time, you could be part of the crazy riches of funny videos.

All videographers selected for the show will receive $50 for snippets used. Taped material will be returned, if entries are accompanied by a $5 check or money order.

For details, check www.hawaiisfunniest.com. Videos can be mailed to Quiet Storm Entertainment, P.O. Box 6099, Kane'ohe, HI 96744.