5 Beautifully Hilarious Videos Produced By Talented Youth On The Autism Spectrum
By Kara Crabb
Spectrum Productions is one of my favorite things in the virtual world. The production company is composed mainly of young filmmakers on the autism spectrum. The videos are addicting. I frequently stay up late watching them without realizing the passing of time.
I would like to share with you my top 5 favorite videos, in no particular order. I will explain why I chose them, although if you watch them you will see for yourself.
1. “15 EGGS” by Robin
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVnyN-D6hT8&]
I love this video because it is short, sweet and based on a true story! Eggs are very fun and so weird. I like how Robin has recontextualized the properties of the egg, and has focused on their multi-textured qualities. The globe of yolk, surrounded by the jelly-like albumen, and the hard white shell create a satisfying orb to destroy and in Robin’s directorial choices, he exploits this to its fullest potential. I love everything about this video, from the opening with Robin, both director and main character, wearing an egg costume in various positions, to the fade out at the very end with Robin on the “time-out” chair. Emily Campbell makes a great cameo as Robin’s mother, portraying the perfect amount of vehement motherlike rage. Bravo “15 Eggs!”
2. “BEETHOVAN OCTOPUS 2” by William
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3Qap4GIIKI&]
Beethovan Octopus 2 is another one of my favorites. By the title alone, you can already see why. Although this is a sequel, I chose this one instead of the first because I enjoyed the novel hospital scene so much. This piece has all of the best elements of a story, I feel. There’s police, injustice, classical music, babies, gore, and everything ends up fine ultimately. William does a phenomenal job as the voice of Beethovan Octopus. His role as director, editor, and lead role is extremely impressive! I enjoy the lack of explanation as to why Beethovan is an octopus, especially when there is an orphanage filled with humans in the story. It is perfect. As a whole, the piece is spellbinding. I can’t count how many times I’ve watched it.
3. “THE KENNERS” by Kevin
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiigrLulRRQ&]
“The Kenners” feels like a commentary on the entire sitcom genre. It’s a brilliant piece of work. I was laughing all the way through until the final punch line, at which point I erupted in hysterics. Kevin directed the piece and starred in it, as Clint Kenner. I thought he brought a unique flavour to the Archie Bunker-inspired archetype. I thought the character’s pronunciation and delivery was golden. All of his interactions were entertaining to watch. I particularly enjoyed the scene with Clint and his sister, played by Emily Campbell. It is too good for words. I wish this were an actual sitcom on TV.
4. “AARON IS COOL” by Aaron
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwbF_gxJAjc&]
Although all of the videos listed so far have made me laugh really hard, nothing was quite comparable to “Aaron is Cool.” If I’m not mistaken, this is the first of eight music montages by Aaron. They are all a pleasure to watch. My only criticism, which is completely subjective, is that the presence of popular cartoons often extinguishes my enjoyment. This is probably because I’m detached from this culture and don’t recognize any of them. This song is my favorite because it made me laugh the hardest. Each slide is a delightful surprise; I never know where it’s going to go. I also enjoy the opening slide of this one because it features the artist himself. I really enjoy the minimalism inherent in the lyrics. My enthusiasm for this entire collection is “through the roof.”
5. “GUMMY FROGS” by Robin
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNq7q5KOjE0&]
I’m including another video by Robin, which is in line with the aesthetic of “15 Eggs.” It is concise and enjoys a punchy storyline involving problems with food. Again, Robin plays a devious character, although I’m happy to see “Gummy Frogs” is not based on a true story. “Gummy Frogs” is actually the predecessor of “15 Eggs.” It reminds me a lot of Earl Sweatshirt’s video for “Earl.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78_loMbmKJ8&w=420&h=315]