What is R.I.P.E Content Strategy?

Branding is a process of giving an identity to any matter. An identity that someone can resonate with or may derive some value. We seek this association or value from the content; when belonging to a showbiz, entertainment is crucial. I realise this while watching an entertaining Disney series, ‘Only murders in the Building’. The wow factor is not only in the script rather a collaborative effort. I watch a lot of content , specially from the learning perspective. This is me being smart and hard worker , to match with the peers. So, from this article onwards OMITB is my benchmark for every TV series to spend time on.

Those 30 min of my time is so well utilised, I laugh, solve mystery, learn culture. It’s the value which this show is creating for me, unlike some where trailer is all and only fun, it has a lot to offer.

Series started in 2021, in total 3 seasons all on HULU or Disney Hotstar(India). A notable trivia is that S1E1 was streamed 16times more than average show but S1E10 was streamed 37times more. That is the power of word of mouth, a perfect organic growth if you follow branding.

I had a feeling of analysis paralysis while writing this article, there was many version , none of which felt right.Then comes the pen and paper, listing down things which made me or many other people to like this series. Ultimately list gives down a few feeling which is turned into strategy for fellow content creators to use. This strategy is for screen ready content, [SPOILERS AHEAD]

1. Relatable

The series is about Charles , Oliver and Mabel solving the murders happening in their building. Charles and Oliver are old and clearly express their feeling about young generation lingo. Mabel is young but still an old school. Individually they are so different and genuine about their loneliness, desire to relive old days or finding passion respectively. You will connect to them just like their murder podcast fans in the series.

All the celebrities cast in the series are acted with their flaws which makes them relatable. Sting not liking the dog, Amy Schumer picking the painting behind the garbage, or Ben Glenroy, tailoring as stress buster.The idea for this series in Steve Martin’s head for 10 years , which is turned into this amazing series. Actually In 2020 I was also putting the ideas for a show while reading award winning scripts. So that’s a hope for myself

2. Informative

I will simply watch documentary for an informative content but these info comes naturally in the script. Used as a part of story and taking it ahead.

The upper west side of New York is so costly that 200$ will give you scone and soy latte. An annual salary of $85513 is not enough to afford a decent house in that area. The old architectural building used to have secret passages which might not be given in building blueprint. If owner doesn’t fulfill building law then can receive a vacant notice. Also when you are in Newyork, there is one way of communication, its the direct way.

There is a whole lot about theatre in fact S3 is mostly based on musical theatre. As I said the concept is perfectly matches with the Charles persona , while entertaining you

3. Performances

You are naturally attracted to a good murder mystery, here performance of each actor is good to confuse them as murderers. The self mesmerised yet loving Charles, flamboyant and ambitious Oliver and Bloody Mabel, all maintained the consistency till S3. There are supporting actors like,The cat lover, grumpy Uma, Cinda, Sazz Pataki- CHarles Doubles and the celebrity cameos each season has really added to the excitement level. The big cast is not confusing since season1 because of the perfect screen timing given to them.

4. Engagement

4.1. Dialogue- A part of this is included in being real at able and informative technique but dialogues are most important in comedy genre.They are simple, short and well delivered, that is the main task of engaging through dialogues.

4.2. Narrative- There is backstory of all three characters which is connected with murders. It all started with that and a podcast which keeps us glued for 2 seasons. Though podcast fades away in S3 but backstory still there as we might see in S4. There is a philosophical comedy which is used in narration and mostly given to Oliver for delivery. As we know he has the theatrics element.

4.3. Casting- The comrade between all 3 protagonist doesn’t seems misfit in fact its good to see a younger character between 2 old. It brings the funny element and better customer segmentation.

There is much more to the series, which is not fully captured so do watch it as you feel.

Originally published at https://screenworthy.substack.com.