Sean Carroll, a junior CDM major has been making videos for Neumann throughout his time at the university. When he was presented with the task of making a video for the Financial Aid Office, something changed.
“Doing the same informational project again and again can get boring, so I wanted to bring some liveliness to campus,” said Carroll.
He created a character for the FAFSA info video, a German scientist, Dr. Wally, to help make the video funnier.
Over the summer he went to Sean McDonald (executive director, Neumann Media), inquiring how to make humorous videos to bring some laughs to campus. McDonald mentioned how Neumann used to have Neumann Knight Live, Neumann’s version of Saturday Night Live.
Somehow the show had been long-forgotten, possibly like many clubs had during Covid. However, after viewing some of the old skits, Carroll knew he wanted to start this show back up again and is now executive producer for it.
SNL has been airing since 1975 and is still a popular comedy show today. The show includes live and prerecorded comedy skits as well as live music and their own joke version of a news update.
“This could honestly be a big deal not just for the people involved but for the communications program in general. This is why I’m so excited. Because this has the potential to be something special or nothing. It’s fun to see other people get so eager to make it something,” said Carroll.
NKL plans to follow the same outline and have all of the SNL content, just with a few more prerecorded skits than live. They’ve already made a skit about the struggles of using Microsoft authenticator, which you can watch on the Neumedia instagram.
There is not a specific date set for the debut of NKL just yet; however, the group has agreed that the live show will take place during Finals Week in December.
Andrew Marshall, a senior CDM major is thrilled about NKL starting up again so that Neumann students have a way to be comical with their work.
“My band may potentially be the musical guest so that would also be a great opportunity for us to reach a new audience,” said Marshall.
This is just one way that NKL is expanding outlets for students.
“I think that this is another way for CDM students to get hands on and apply what they learn in the classroom to a real-world experience. It’s another way for students to take chances creatively, utilize the equipment in the Mullen Center, and put their knowledge to use,” said McDonald.
McDonald emphasizes that majors outside of CDM should get involved as well.
Those involved already are coming up with skit ideas. Their goal is to incorporate Neumann and pop culture references together, as relating to one’s audience is key.
The group is still looking for more people to join.
There are plenty of positions such as actors/actresses for both live and prerecorded skits, writers to help make a script for skits, videographers/editors to help work the cameras and microphones.
The group meets every Wednesday at 12 p.m. in Bruder 107.
