Breaking Kayfabe podcast with Jeff Katz
Available at BreakingKayfabe.podbean.com
Also visit BreakingKayfabe.wordpress.com.
Jeff discusses how the Wrestling Revolution Project will mimic traditional sitcom structure: "Imagine if HBO said […] ‘We’re going to do the genre of wrestling the HBO way.’ That’s what I’m trying to do. It’s very clearly a wrestling show […] a lot of people may look at early episodes and say, ‘this is deceptively simple.’ But, in terms of its themes, what drives the story (action being an extension of character), and more importantly a three-act narrative."
Katz on how WWE programming has become outdated: "WWE is in the business of accruing new content [to fill a network]. On the other hand, they’re still producing television […] The larger WWE storytelling model is something created during the Monday Night Wars era [which predates] Youtube, Netflix, OnDemand, BitTorrent, iTunes, Hulu […] the model itself has to get reconsidered."
Katz on the need to take risks when one is displeased with current programming: "I’d rather have [my audience] raise their bar to enjoy something, than lower it […] While we have an odd road using Kickstarter and these things to get there, you’ve got your movie financed and via Image you’ve got your distribution. I’m playing with house money. I’m going to go tell my story; deal with the themes and characters I want to deal with; set my universe up. If people like it, I’d love to return to it […] But, if they don’t, I went and did it."
What drew him to casting certain characters for the Wrestling Revolution Project: "I’m a fan, I watch Japan, I have a pretty good ‘student of the game’ knowledge of the business. Frankly, I had a script that I locked real quick and I cast according to characters as I would when making a movie […] I’m a wrestling nerd. [….] All of these guys have bought in entirely to the creative concept. MVP doesn’t need to do this. MVP is very happy in Japan and doesn’t have to do anything that exposes him to WWE, but creatively, he got it."
Tune in to hear Katz explain: how Katz’s disappointment over Wrestlemania 27 led him to establish the Wrestling Revolution Project; what the program will look and feel like both to live audience members and those at home; and much more!
About Breaking Kayfabe: Breaking Kayfabe is a weekly pro-wrestling podcast with who combine critical analysis and a light-hearted approach towards the often maligned world of wrestling. Hosted by Michael Spada, and co-hosted by Jimmy Rivers and Eric Nast, Breaking Kayfabe stands apart from other recap shows in the sense that they utilize unique characters and story-arches to supplement the weekly discussion of wrestling's most fascinating news, matches, and storylines. Be sure to listen to all of Breaking Kayfabe's episodes at http://breakingkayfabe.podbean.com and read our blog at http://breakingkayfabe.wordpress.com. Interested in becoming a Faber and following one of the most chaotic and hilarious Twitter accounts in the history of the Internet? Follow http://www.twitter.com/breakingkayfabe!
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
