Dane Boedigheimer lives under a drawbridge. In the muck and murk along the shore of the moat, there is a dirty hole.

I had to dig my way through the hole in the ground, as it was nearly too small for me to fit through. Centepedes crawled by, cockroaches bolted across my face, and I think I might have accidentally killed Earthworm Jim. But then, I saw light.

At first it was a small beam of light, but as I crawled deeper and deeper, the light intensififed. Finally, I broke through the end of the dirt tunnel and landed on an extravagent carpet on the edge of a candle-lit grand dining room. Golden treasure was piled in mounds all around me, as dozens of fine ladies and gentlemen did the Austrian Waltz.

I tried to shake the dirt off of my face, hair, and body, but only ended up ruining some young girl’s dress with 2nd-hand-mud.

A man extended a hand towards me, beckoning me to stand. “Dane Boedigheimer. Welcome to my place.”

“You’re Dane?” I asked in disbelief.

“Yes,” he responded, “I am the the web-content producer who was sent by God himself into this hole in the ground, to make videos for all.”

“Can I interview you?”

“You may…”

TroubledYoungMan (1:02:47 PM):Hey gang, it’s TroubledYoungMan here with the legendary 14th Apostle, and a knight of the round table, Dane Boedigheimer of Gagfilms.com
TroubledYoungMan (1:02:56 PM):Great to have you here with us today, Dane.

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:03:29 PM):Thanks TroubledYoungMan, great to be here.

TroubledYoungMan (1:04:30 PM):My partner in crime, VikingLord, isn’t here right now, but he sends his love. He’s currently trecking on some 4-week hike through the Spanish countryside, hitting on all the el dudes he can on the way.
TroubledYoungMan (1:04:50 PM): And for that, we apologize

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:05:11 PM):Hey, a Viking has to do what a Viking has to do.

TroubledYoungMan (1:06:21 PM):Well said. So, let’s chat about your label, Gagfilms.com. Our viewers might recognize you from the Sheebah the cat playing Risk video, or that nightmare-come-true with the Microwaved Easter Peep. What other videos might they have seen of yours?

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:10:00 PM):Well, one of my most popular is Eggs.

That was the one that pretty much paved the way for Gagfilms and my work.  It’s one of those videos that just hit at the right time and completely blew up.  Some other big ones are the Scary Faces series in which I make fun of celebrities that annoy me, and my hack videos…my favorite being the 6 volt lantern battery hack.  It was done as a joke, but people actually believed it was real, causing a big spike in sales in lantern batteries, and a lot of angry emails for me.

TroubledYoungMan (1:10:31 PM):Do you like messing with the American economy?
TroubledYoungMan (1:10:42 PM):Battery sales spike, and the housing market collapses. Coincidence?

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:14:36 PM):Hahahaha…well I’d like to think I didn’t cause the housing market collapse,  but yes, there is some play on the American economy.  Of course people want to save money, especially now.  So if you make a video telling people that a certain battery or appliance is filled with free stuff…then that’s going to play on their desires.  Of course I always try to make the videos as fantastical as possible, but some people still believe them..it’s really funny.  You don’t know how many emails I’ve gotten asking me if my VCR Hack video is real.  (In that video I reveal there is a Blue Ray player, 3 ipods, a cell phone, and a monster inside every VCR)

TroubledYoungMan(1:15:14 PM): Hahaha.
TroubledYoungMan (1:15:17 PM): ….
TroubledYoungMan (1:15:21 PM): But that one was true, right?

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:15:26 PM): Of course!

TroubledYoungMan (1:15:26 PM): I just bought 12 VCRs

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:15:37 PM): Internet videos don’t lie.

TroubledYoungMan (1:15:44 PM): Dane, I’ll have you know that I am the messer, not the messee.
TroubledYoungMan (1:15:57 PM):So don’t mess!

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:16:03 PM): Awwwww….fine.

TroubledYoungMan (1:16:11 PM): Anway, back to planet Reality.
TroubledYoungMan (1:16:16 PM): Of all the videos you’ve done
TroubledYoungMan (1:16:24 PM): which is your absolute favorite?

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:20:28 PM): Hmmmmm…it changes, but I’d say that right now, my absolute favorite is the Easter Peep video.  I really love how it turned out and it has got such a great reaction from people.  Overall though, Eggs is still my all time favorite.  Not because it’s the best thing I’ve ever done, but because it really launched everything.  With that video I won a big video contest which allowed me to really start working freelance, which is what I’ve always wanted to do.  It holds a big place in my heart, even though I’ve watched the damn thing about 3 billion times now.

TroubledYoungMan (1:21:27 PM): Peeps and eggs. I’m guessing your house/apartment is painted light pink, light blue, and light green, and your floor is made out of shiny easter grass?

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:21:50 PM): How did you know?  Have you been spying on me again?

TroubledYoungMan (1:23:06 PM): If I watch my TV with the cable off, and I look at the cable snow with a microscope, I can see absolutely everything you’re doing. Who eats a sandwich while he’s in the bathtub, singing Christmas carols?

TroubledYoungMan (1:23:20 PM): I’m watching you, Dane.

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:24:07 PM): Hmmm…will wearing a tinfoil hat stop you from being able to see me?  I heard it works on aliens, why not in this situation?

TroubledYoungMan (1:24:26 PM): No, it wont. But seriously, can you share with our viewers a) why you do what you do, b) how you make a living as a web-content producer, and c) is there anyone you look at for inspiration with what you do?
TroubledYoungMan (1:24:44 PM): My non answer should demonstrate that I dont want to stop spying on you through my TV static.

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:27:53 PM): A) I do what I do because I love doing it.  Plain and simple.  I am thankful everyday that I get to do what I’m doing.  I mean c’mon…I get to make a living making videos of talking food and giant marshmallow monsters.  For me, I can’t think of anything better.  I’ve always wanted to be a filmmaker, to tell stories, to make people laugh.  And getting to make a living doing that is totally awesome.
“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:31:49 PM): B) Now that said, it isn’t easy.  To be able to survive as a web producer you HAVE to have your hands in as many things as possible.  There are tons of different ways to make money creating web videos, but you can’t just stick with one, because if the revenue stops coming in from that one source, you’re screwed.  For me, I make videos for Gagfilms, which I get some revenue from YouTube and other sites for, and then I also work for a bunch of different sites creating promo videos and online ads.  I also work for TurnHere, which commissions filmmakers to make online ads.  I also license my videos to TV shows, cell phone companies, etc.  It’s all about finding as many sources of revenue as possible.
“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:32:31 PM): Ok…I wasnt trying to make a smiley face there…I was trying to put a B, as in I was answering part B.
“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:32:43 PM): Stupid emoticons!!!

TroubledYoungMan (1:32:54 PM): You must be insane, I saw a B.
TroubledYoungMan (1:33:20 PM): Aside from your tendency to hallucinate during an interview…

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:33:26 PM): Ahhh, I shouldn’t have had that crack this morning.

TroubledYoungMan (1:33:32 PM): Hahaha.

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:33:36 PM): My bad…I’ll know better next time.

TroubledYoungMan (1:33:54 PM): C) looks like a pacifier too.
TroubledYoungMan (1:34:02 PM): C) or a belly button ring
TroubledYoungMan (1:34:09 PM): I promise, I’ll know that you mean “C”
TroubledYoungMan (1:34:15 PM):
TroubledYoungMan (1:35:03 PM): And also, I’m not getting fresh with you, I just smashed my face on a glass table chasing after my cat. I’m in what many would cool a “pissy mood”. Forgive me

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:36:12 PM): As far as inspiration, I look up to anyone that chases their dreams.  It sounds super corny I know…but it’s important to chase the things you want.  To not settle down, to not give up.  Good lord, I’m starting to sound like that Eminem song “Lose Yourself”
“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:36:32 PM): I understand the pissy mood…
“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:36:53 PM): I’d be pissed if I smashed my face into a table too.
“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:37:01 PM): Did you get [the face smash] on video?

TroubledYoungMan (1:37:23 PM): no, but i can do it again to recreate the exact situation
TroubledYoungMan (1:37:33 PM): as soon as I get back from the dentist.
TroubledYoungMan (1:37:40 PM): I’ve noticed a few recurring themes in your videos (as I am a gum shoe): Cats, Food, and blood splatters. Care to elaborate on the madness behind your method?

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:39:32 PM): Hey, I grew up watching 80’s blooper and funny video shows.What’s funnier than pets, people getting hurt, and talking food?

TroubledYoungMan (1:39:44 PM): Nothing, Dane.
TroubledYoungMan (1:39:52 PM): F#$%ing nothing.

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:40:01 PM): Agreed.

TroubledYoungMan (1:40:15 PM): Two more questions for you, then we’ll let you get back to your party (lovely party, by the way)

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:40:28 PM): Thanks
“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:40:40 PM): You’re invited anytime.

TroubledYoungMan (1:40:52 PM): Who, WHO, WHO is that hot girl in the “Hot girl gets ass slapped video” and “Girl with two pussies” video?
TroubledYoungMan (1:41:26 PM): And, do you have some sort of leverage over her so that I can………VikingLord can go on a date with her when he gets back from his homo-pilgrimage?

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:44:40 PM): Hahahaha….her name is Mithkah Reid.  She’s totally awesome.  Really laid back and totally has a great sense of humor.  I don’t have any kinds of special powers over her, but here’s her Facebook page:   http://www.facebook.com/people/Mithkah-Reid/1080686977 Send her a message and maybe she’ll add you as a friend

TroubledYoungMan (1:45:09 PM): You realize that everyone who reads this interview is going to romantically pursue her, right?

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:46:22 PM): Don’t worry, she’s got a tree on her side that will slap the hell out of anyone that crosses the line.

TroubledYoungMan (1:47:03 PM): If she’s involved…I might be okay with tree slapping.
TroubledYoungMan (1:47:13 PM): As long as its not just me and the tree.
TroubledYoungMan (1:47:14 PM): That would be gay.

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:47:24 PM): Unless it’s a girl tree.

TroubledYoungMan (1:47:32 PM): Hahahaha. Girl tree he says… hahahaTroubledYoungMan (1:47:34 PM): …anyway
TroubledYoungMan (1:47:39 PM): I have one final question for you.
TroubledYoungMan (1:48:11 PM): What advice do you have for anyone out there who wants to follow in your footsteps? Someone who wants to start their own web-content production company?

“Dane Boedigheimer” (1:54:34 PM): If you want to make web videos for a living, practice practice practice!  The bar is getting higher all the time.  Now professional studios and Hollywood actors are starting to jump into the mix and it’s getting harder and harder to get noticed….and everyone and their grandma are making web videos.  To set yourself apart, you need to practice so you get better at making videos.  Enter video contests and film competitions.  That’s a great way to practice and get exposure at the same time.  And if you win?  Even better.  Find sites like TurnHere.com that hire filmmakers to create web videos.  Do everything you can to get your videos out there.  Self promote, but stay humble.  The last thing you want is to act like your videos are the best thing to grace the earth…then you’ll end up being like Michael Bay.

TroubledYoungMan (1:54:37 PM): You truly are a master of your craft, and of mine, and you’re the best president we’ve ever had. We at ViralVengeance would like to thank DaneBoe for stopping by. You can check out all his stuff at Gag Films @ Youtube or http://www.gagfilms.com. Do so, or he’ll kill your uncle!