Evanier: Early Parker & Stone Video Surfaces

news from me: "This runs something like 14 minutes but if you haven't seen it, it's probably worth the time. In 1995, Universal Studios was acquired by the Seagram's Company, the largest distiller of alcoholic beverages in the world. This placed it under the control of Seagram's CEO, Edgar Bronfman, Jr..

For reasons that now seem elusive, Bronfman or some part of the new ownership decided it would be a good idea to create an employee training film that would sell the idea that Universal was and would continue to be an 'artist friendly' environment. If that was a good idea, it may not have been wise to hand the assignment to Matt Parker and Trey Stone who, of course, are best known for South Park. The two men put together an amusing film loaded with celebrity cameos but the folks at Universal didn't know what to do with the finished product. It made the rounds — everyone in Hollywood seemed to have a copy of a copy of a copy — and now it's on the Internet...but as I understand it, it was never really used for any kind of orientation. As you watch it, you might try to imagine the reaction of the Universal execs when they first saw it and wondered aloud why they ever thought this would be a useful tool..."

Go check it out!