Everyone, including my own mother, is aware that "South Park" exists. Occasionally, I catch my dad watching an episode or two after he's done mowing the lawn. But maybe that's because he's too heat stricken and tired to reach the remote to change the channel.
Regardless, they are both aware that I am in love with the show. I have watched every episode to date and have collected all 19 seasons on DVD. Some would say that I have spent too much money on said DVDs. I say that I have spent just the right amount. Some would say, 'why don't you just get Hulu and pay a couple bucks a month to get your fill?' I say that Hulu doesn't have special features or commentary on episodes. So, no thanks, Hulu.
But what interests me the most about "South Park" is the creators behind the show.
Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
Two seemingly normal guys from Colorado who met in college as film majors who would unknowingly go on to create one of the most influential and controversial shows in television history.
But before they encountered all the fame with the success of "South Park" and their groundbreaking hit Broadway musical, "The Book of Mormon," they made a low-budget movie musical, in the style of "Oklahoma!" and "Friday the 13th," entitled "Alferd Packer! The Musical."
Now known by the name "Cannibal! The Musical," the movie tells the true story of convicted Colorado cannibal, Alfred Packer (who signed his name 'Alferd'), as he and five miners journey from Utah, the land of Mormons, through the treacherous climate of Colorado in search of gold. It has since been called the most accurate account depicting Packer's actual experiences, despite having comedic overtones and musical numbers throughout.
I initially had the privilege of watching this movie during its short run on Netflix. Twenty minutes in, I unfortunately had to shower for work. Instantly, the first song, "Shpadoinkle Day," though having no real meaning, was stuck in my head, never to leave until I viewed the rest of the movie.
Fascinated by this, I wanted to create something that would make people laugh, tap his/her foot, all the while making them crave more, which is exactly what "Cannibal!" did for me.
This extremely low-budget film has been my biggest inspiration throughout all that I do creatively. Shortly after my initial viewing, I attempted to write my own musical-comedy following young Billy in his quest to please his father...by writing/starring in his own porno. I still have not, after nearly three years, finished said project, yet I plan to shortly.
Their influence on me has been much larger than I could've ever expected. I've watched everything Trey and Matt have done, several times. Some would say an unhealthy amount. I say just the right amount.
I'm obsessed; I'm not ashamed to admit it. They've inspired me to write, and write a lot. It's what I want to do. Maybe even what I was meant to do. Who knows?
Yeah, maybe I'm the same age as they were when "Cannibal!" was produced, and, yeah, maybe I'm virtually unknown, but that's not going to stop me from doing what I love. It will forever inspire me to create, even if my creations won't ever see the light of day. So, for now, I'm going to continue writing my porno musical and working on all my other stupid, little projects.
You know why?
Because I see a future. One similar to that of the creators of "South Park." And even if that will never happen, there's always a part of me that will be okay with that. The reason being, I live in the same world as Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
