Disney+ is proudly presenting its new concept entertainment project 'Weekly Entertainment Hall: An Entertainment Comprehensive Playground,' with the 'Hoorah Hoorah Anchovy Camp' directed by PD Moon Sang-don.
PD Moon Sang-don has released a written interview detailing various behind-the-scenes insights about the unique strengths of this show, which aims to inject a fresh breeze into OTT mid-form entertainment, featuring a physical variety show 'Hoorah Hoorah Anchovy Camp' with four representatives of Korea's 'anchovies' — DinDin, Choi Daniel, Jonathan, and Ozone — engaging in a 12-hour brainless and high-repetition extreme physical battle, dreaming of 'anchovy escape.'
Q1. Unlike typical entertainment programs, this has been produced in a mid-form format of around 30 minutes. It seems challenging to convey the unique characteristics of the work and humor within such a short span. What do you think is the biggest difference in your direction? Also, if there are any particular points that you paid special attention to or pondered over, I am curious.
A1. The most important aspect I focused on while directing 'Hoorah Hoorah Anchovy Camp' is the 'tension.' Since the cast needs to maintain a certain level of chemistry and tension for about 30 minutes, I prioritize the flow of that tension. Additionally, our program aims for a brainless, high-repetition workout show, and the biggest concern in directing and editing is how to maintain the potential for looseness during high repetitions through unexpectedness, flow, and emotions.
Q2. I am curious about where the conceptual planning for 'Hoorah Hoorah Anchovy Camp' began.
A2. The vague word I thought of when planning our content was 'harmless.' It began with the idea of gathering harmless people to do something harmless. As a result, 'exercises' that do no harm to anyone came to mind, and I thought it would be great to have someone to do this together, thus starting the planning for 'Hoorah Hoorah Anchovy Camp.'
Q3. There have been various physical entertainment shows, but how did you aim to bring a freshness that differs from existing physical entertainment?
A3. While existing physical entertainment shows tend to focus on the 'body,' our program concentrates on 'emotions.' Instead of showcasing muscles or a nice body, I wanted to display the various emotions shown in the process of accomplishing tasks. The process of failing, succeeding, cooperating, and betraying reflects the diverse emotions and laughter that I believe are our unique differences.
Q4. I am curious about the criteria you used to cast the participants.
A4. The reason for the casting is connected to the harmlessness mentioned earlier. I wanted to create a combination of people that anyone would perceive as harmless. Although DinDin, Choi Daniel, Jonathan, and Ozone are active in different arenas, they are all hardworking individuals in their respective fields, and they were the first people I wanted to cast. Luckily, they all agreed, and we had a fun filming session.
Q5. It is anticipated that the surprise elements of each member will enhance the fun. I am curious if you had anticipated these performances and what you think the positions or concepts of the four members in 'Hoorah Hoorah Anchovy Camp' might be.
A5. Each participant had a bit of unpredictability. First, Choi Daniel may seem like a laid-back person, but he is surprisingly meticulous and strategic. Although we have seen glimpses of this in his previous appearances on entertainment shows, the unexpected stamina and mental strength he demonstrated in our program seems like a first. DinDin, being a veteran entertainer with extensive experience, serves as the one who maintains the overall flow, managing the laid-back Daniel while also playing a multifaceted role of being sometimes disregarded by younger members. Ozone, who usually plays a subservient role on YouTube, transforms into a solid ace here. Initially, I thought he was making ordinary male bravado claims about being good at sports, but his athletic ability is genuinely impressive, and he showcases the role of a true ace in 'Hoorah Hoorah Anchovy Camp.' Jonathan, although clearly not an anchovy, evolves into a growth-oriented character while confronting his limits in the program. Sometimes whining like the youngest, and at other times showing a leadership quality that energizes the team, he displays dual charms.
Q6. The so-called 'challenge missions' in the show are expected to produce delightful humor. I understand there are many missions such as 'cracking an egg with bare hands,' 'blowing out a candle with breath,' and 'arm wrestling with the production team at a 1:4 ratio.' How were these missions developed?
A6. The first criterion for missions is 'Is it possible in daily life?' Viewers can grab an egg at home while watching the program or light a candle to blow it out. I aim to prepare games that can be tried at home with minimal tools, avoiding the need for grand sets or special equipment that is unique only to entertainment shows. The first caption in the first episode is 'Please try this at home,' which encapsulates that intention. If there is a second criterion, it could be 'How trivial is it?' The fun that comes from people risking their lives over trivial things is the point of our program, so I consider 'the trifling that one wants to mimic' as the basis for the games.
Q7. Is there a mission that you thought was truly epic? Or can you name a 'legendary moment' that stands out during filming?
A7. There was a moment when we had to walk across half of Seoul with the members for some reason, and as we walked all day, both the cast and crew had the thought, 'What are we doing right now?' Interestingly, I think this connects to the outcome of the program. I also thought, 'Perhaps this is what we call a well-crafted foolish act.' It's true that as we walked for a long time, the chemistry between the production team and the participants improved, making that mission the most memorable.
Q8. The members seem to have no commonalities apart from being 'anchovies,' yet they show a strong bond while performing a single mission, alongside their amusing bickering over the process. Especially the raw, unfiltered atmosphere of entertainment is striking. What do you think is the core humor point unique to 'Hoorah Hoorah Anchovy Camp?'
A8. The point of watching this program is the 'vibe of a school break.' There are moments where it makes you laugh uncontrollably, and at other times, emotions pour out unfiltered, leading to a heartfelt response. I believe that the compelling power of this program comes from the real, harmless interactions among people. Unlike manufactured fun or forced emotions, the natural display of harmless people going through hard times feels genuinely entertaining. All of this stems from the chemistry created by our participants, and I can feel their chemistry deepening with every filming session, making me excited about what lies ahead as a producer.
Q9. I believe 'Nothing is impossible' is the core message of this program. The reckless yet boundary-pushing challenges might inspire viewers to want to try them once or cheer for the members. I am curious if there are any messages you'd like to convey to the viewers of 'Hoorah Hoorah Anchovy Camp,' beyond simply making them laugh.
A9. What I felt while filming is that there are moments that will definitely arise where you think, 'Oh? It works?' Jonathan often says, 'Just do it,' and I realize through each episode that indeed, it works. These are moments created not by me, but genuinely by the participants, and I learn from the surprises.
Q10. Without spoiling anything, what episodes should we pay close attention to or expect?
A10. Definitely the first two episodes that will set the tone; I hope everyone watches them. The participants, who really know nothing except the title, are faced with unexpected situations, filled with determination to push through. There's a lovely camaraderie and heartfelt moments alive as they joke, tease, and help carry each other's burdens, so please make sure to tune in.
Disney+'s 'Weekly Entertainment Hall: An Entertainment Comprehensive Playground' is set to air every Friday at 8 a.m. starting from August 22, with exciting entertainment packages that awaken viewers' long-dormant sense of humor, including the trending Ji Ye-eun and the thrilling romance '60-minute Blind Date: New Faces Every 30 Minutes,' Korea's representative project for weaklings 'Hoorah Hoorah Anchovy Camp,' the calorie-heavy variety show promising solid laughs under the slogan 'Eat, Live, Laugh,' the sharp-witted Yu Byeong-jae's 'Short Haeyu,' and 'Chef's Auntie House,' introducing chefs' hidden local favorites.
'Hoorah Hoorah Anchovy Camp' is a new form of physical variety show directed by PD Moon Sang-don, who gained attention for 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?' and 'Zombie Bus,' along with PD Won Seung-jae, who directed 'Better Late Than Single.' It features distinct talents, from the singer DinDin, who has explored various entertainment programs including '1 Night 2 Days,' to Choi Daniel, who has not only acted but recently showcased his outstanding entertainment sense, Jonathan, who dazzles with charisma across YouTube and TV, and Ozone, a singer-songwriter completing his unique character through this show.
Disney+'s 'Weekly Entertainment Hall: An Entertainment Comprehensive Playground' will release 'Hoorah Hoorah Anchovy Camp' every Friday at 8 a.m. starting August 22.
[Photo] Disney+
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