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Harvard Lampoon Skewers Hollywood Reporter
22 Sep
Summary
- Harvard Lampoon parodied The Hollywood Reporter this summer.
- The Lampoon collaborated with THR's editor-in-chief for distribution.
- Parody included jokes about AI, social media, and controversial casting.
The Harvard Lampoon, known for its historical parodies, has once again produced a significant summer spoof, this time focusing on The Hollywood Reporter. This initiative marks a return to larger-scale parodies after 18 years, with student leaders Kai Nelson and Lauren Wood spearheading the project. Adrian Maydanich, a staff writer, suggested parodying Hollywood due to perceived industry absurdities.
Negotiations with The Hollywood Reporter's editor-in-chief, Maer Roshan, led to an agreement for joint distribution. Roshan welcomed the opportunity for his publication to be scrutinized, noting it offered a fresh perspective on industry concerns. The Lampoon received THR's fonts and templates to ensure an accurate replica.
The parody tackled contemporary Hollywood issues, including the existential threat of AI and actors' social media conduct. Articles referenced controversies such as Scarlett Johansson's casting in past roles. Despite initial doubts about the potential for criticism or lawsuits, Roshan ensured no content was altered.
While the Lampoon has a reputation for launching careers, current students like Nelson emphasize that their work on the parody was not primarily job-seeking. They highlighted the value of the strong alumni network for peer support and industry connections, which includes prominent figures in comedy.
