NTV Moneymaker: Road Trip Comedy

Want to earn $25,000 for going on a two-month road trip across the United States, making comedy about “smart” things you find along the way, and posting a daily video show about them? Sounds like Holiday Inn Express’ new The Smart Show project has got you covered.

And it might not be as much of an advertainment ploy as it sounds; we spoke with Analiza Nieve of Digitas, the ad agency that’s putting together the show for Holiday Inn Express, who said that the “smart” theme was going to be the only mandate for the show, echoing the hotel chain’s “Stay smart” tagline. Other than that, it’s just a roadtrip hosted by two comedians, one of them chosen from a nationwide web contest.

Being part of The Smart Show will win you an in with HBO, which is leading production, casting your co-host, and perhaps even getting you onto one of its comedy specials. The series also has a $1 million publicity budget and a hosting deal with AOL, according Nieve.

So what does “smart” mean? According to an ad Nieve posted at the Yahoo Videoblogging group (where we found it), “high tech self-cleaning toilets, rodent repelling garbage bags, type-writer orchestra, and down-to-earth things like fantastic bargains, where the locals go, eat, hang out that truly reflects the unique identity of the town.”

Want to apply? You have to be funny, at least 25 years old, and a U.S. citizen. The show starts taping in October. Go to this site on or after July 20. Nieve said no application videos will be accepted before then.

NTV Moneymaker is an irregular feature in which we showcase a way to make a living with your video skills.