(Another) Idiot Abroad | Documentary Idea

by Olivia E
(Oklahoma City, Ok. USA)

One of my favorite shows of all time is "An Idiot Abroad". This is a travel documentary presented by Ricky Gervais and Steve Merchant.

These men send their friend, Karl Pilkington, out into the world. Karl is a simple man. A man of many words. He's also an idiot. The first season Karl's so-called friends send him to the 7 Wonders of the World, because they know that Karl will hate it. He complains the entire time, and it is the most entertaining work of cinema-graphic art I've ever seen.

My senior year of high school, I met this guy named Wiley. He's a bright young man with a promising future. He's just a little dumb. By no means is he unintelligent, but maybe just... childish. He has a lack of a filter when it comes to words.

One day he told me he didn't like the internet because he couldn't touch it. When I ask for more details on this incredible statement, he asked me, "Well, if the internet breaks, how am I gonna fix it? I can't put it back together with my hands." There's a sort of innocence when he asks me questions like this. He's basically Karl but much more positive and willing to explore.

Considering that both of us graduate in a few short months, the timing to leave for our adventure will be just right. I would plan all of the backstage jobs before leaving and throwing Wiley into ridiculous situations.

The map for our travels would start with us leaving our comfortable home in the middle of the U.S., and starting off with our travels to Europe. We would make our way down into Africa, and back up into Asia. He's already agreed to leave with me, and let me put him into borderline dangerous situations. Anyone that I've told about this idea completely supports it.

I thank anyone that has taken their time to read and rate this idea, and appreciate all the support I receive. Thank you.

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Nov 10, 2014
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Where's Wiley? NEW
by: Anonymous

make a short video with Wiley and see if people tune in.

Nov 10, 2014
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What about a web series? NEW
by: Desktop Documentaries (Faith)

Thank you Olivia for sharing your idea. Wiley sounds like quite a character.

Here's an idea if you're serious about moving forward. Get a video camera and follow Wiley around for a day or two capturing him interacting with his surroundings. This can all be done locally. Put him in situations that will best pull out his unique personality. For example take him to a pig farm, political event or knitting conference.

Start a YouTube channel and post short video clips of Wiley in these various situations. If audiences respond to Wiley, you can grow your audience and build your following from there. Who knows, Wiley could be the next YouTube sensation!

All you need is a smartphone or cheap camcorder to get started. Good luck!

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