I've Been Here The Whole Time

If you’re a Dropout sicko then you already know from the title we’re talking about the hit streaming network Dropout! If you don’t know about Dropout I’m sure you’ve seen clips of Game Changer or Make Some Noise come across your TikTok feeds, or if you’re 100 years old your IG Reels.

I want to talk about a specific part of Dropout though, and mostly their show Game Changer. I’ve recently taken the plunge into watching every episode. A game show that changes it’s premise every episode. Sometimes it’s an escape room, sometimes it’s a Karaoke night, other times it’s a multi-layered game of Bingo. It’s always changing, and that’s the point.

For years now we’ve been told by corporations to make the most out of what you’re given. Make magic with a constantly trimmed cast and crew. Layoffs are to keep the business healthy as jobs are stripped away and those left are trying to survive and keep the lights on to the best of their ability. Companies have become less and less interested in retaining talent, taking big swings, and nurturing up and coming employees.

Dropout flips this entire concept on its head. They are constantly trying to reinvent what it means to create content. Each episode requires bespoke electronics or props. One off pieces that take time, effort, money, and most importantly, talent to create. Yet, they continue to push the boundaries. An investment in the product AND the people.

Game Changer is one of the most fascinating shows I’ve ever watched. I’m in constant awe of the creativity of the production. Many corporations would scoff at the idea of creating 30 different buzzers for a game show, all with unique properties like solar panels that require bringing it out into the sun, or a robotic arm that needs to be controlled remotely. All for one single episode. Next week they might need 100 mannequins, or to redesign the green room into another escape room. The amount of work that goes into one single 25 minute episode is something I’ve never seen before. It’s all in service of the content they put forth and the cast of the episode.

This is the opposite of what many companies tell employees with it comes to the bottom line. In my industry we’re constantly told to make the best of what we’ve got and that we’re lucky to have a job. The creativity that pours out of everyone in spite of this is inspiring. I hope that one day all of the creators in my life are given the resources to make the things that know they are capable of, because the world will be a better place with their art in it.

Dropout shows that investing in people is our way forward, not lining a CEO’s pockets with $100 dollar bills until the seams burst wide open. In a time where creative fields are being slashed to bits, Dropout is a warm blanket that I’ve wrapped myself in. I hope to create something as special as Game Changer one day.

I have to admit something

I can’t stop listening to the newish song from Offline TV’s LilyPichu, Yvonnie, and QuarterJade. Idk why but it’s wormed it’s way into my ear and now I’m making it your problem.

Elden Ring Nightreign

I reviewed the new Elden Ring game. I like it a lot despite it’s problems. But I won’t talk about it much here. Just read my review here.

ok that’s enough for this week. Last week’s was very long so this one is shorter because I wrote 2500 words about Elden Ring and still have more work to do.

Look forward to tales from my LA travels next week. Ok see y’all soon.