I had to cut this into 2 parts as there is a character limit.
After several “backyard” run throughs, complete with home video tape, Sparango saw the fit between the concept and Bob Boden’s Game Show Network. The project was pitched and Bob Boden immediately smelled a winner.
But Boden knew that something was still missing if he was to bring the show’s full potential to the viewers of the Game Show Network.
He suggested that Marc, Budd, Scott & Steve marry their talents with those of game show pro Pat Finn and his company In-Finn-Ity Productions. For years Pat has been a game show fixture as the host of The Big Spin and Shop Till You Drop. He’d also produced a wide range of programming including a comedy show starring the famous Groundlings troupe. It seemed a good fit, so all parties met and the chemistry was great from the first handshake.
In the meantime, National Lampoon was in the midst of a corporate takeover. Dan Laikin, the new COO of National Lampoon, delivered a new corporate edict: “develop original television shows utilizing comedians.” When Laikin became aware of “Funny Money,” he wanted in. After all this was a National Lampoon partly created show -- since the Editor in Chief of National Lampoon co-created it. It was the perfect fit and a great way to introduce the new National Lampoon strategy.
GSN was ecstatic to have National Lampoon officially involved creatively and of course lend their brand name to the title.
With funding from the Game Show Network, the group began to develop the project into a workable television series. It was an exciting but demanding process encompassing highly-charged group brainstorming sessions, tens of dozens of experimental run-throughs, and a wide-ranging search for the show’s linchpin—the perfect host. They whittled the scores of highly-qualified potential front men down to one comic who combined a host’s skill set with a razor-sharp comedic mind, Jimmy Pardo.
After months of hard work, working very closely with Rich Cronin, Bob Boden, Kevin Belinkoff and other key Game Show Network executives, the group was ready to present a formal run through at Budd’s Hollywood Improv club. Tension was high that night. Although the group knew they’d done their homework and crafted some terrific television, new shows can take unpredictable turns, and as all stand-ups know, even great comedy can die on stage if it doesn’t connect just right with a particular audience.
But the game play was exciting and stimulating, the comedy was hilarious and host Jimmy Pardo conducted the show with a masters touch. Rich Cronin and Bob Boden didn’t have a hard time deciding to order a pilot.
Several more months of experimenting and fine-tuning later, the Hollywood Improv was buzzing with the excitement of the pilot shoot. Again the show seemed to go very well, meeting or exceeding all expectations. But one huge question loomed. How would it rate when Game Show Network screened it for test audiences? Sure, comedy insiders and game show pros loved it, but would everyday people get it at all? That question was answered with a huge affirmative when the show garnered exceptional test audience scores. The Game Show Network ordered enough episodes to air seven nights a week, and National Lampoon’s Funny Money, the most hilarious game show in television history, was born.
After several “backyard” run throughs, complete with home video tape, Sparango saw the fit between the concept and Bob Boden’s Game Show Network. The project was pitched and Bob Boden immediately smelled a winner
Boden doesn't have very good tatse..
How would it rate when Game Show Network screened it for test audiences? Sure, comedy insiders and game show pros loved it, but would everyday people get it at all? That question was answered with a huge affirmative when the show garnered exceptional test audience scores
Test audience=GSN Monkeys?
