Do you remember the last time that Buffalo had a sitcom “based” here? Do you recall what the name of the show was? It was Jesse – a show that ran for a couple of years (1998-1999). Since that time there has not been a show “set in” the city of Buffalo. But Jordan Imiola wants to change that. Jordan is currently a screenwriter in LA, who lives and breathes Buffalo, as does his girlfriend. They are huge Sabres and Bills backers, and do their part to expound Buffalo’s virtues whenever they are able. Sometimes they do that by frequenting Buffalo backers bars, and sometimes they simply wear it on their sleeves (both of them sport Buffalo tattoos).
Now Jordan wants to put Buffalo back on the map via a new sitcom that takes place in this city. “The new TV comedy is called “Get Educated.” It’s a Feel Good Comedy similar to “Modern Family” and “The Office,” but it takes place in Millard Fillmore Middle School. It focuses on teachers and students. Growing up, my Grandpa took me to Millard Fillmore’s Birthday Party every year at the Roycroft Inn in East Aurora so that’s what inspired the school name. Also, my mom, Uncle Dave, and Aunt Laurie taught in Western NY schools for years. My mom and Aunt were faculty members of the Cheektowaga-Sloan district where I went to school K – 10. And my Uncle Dave taught at the Stanley G. Falk School and now teaches in the city of Buffalo.”
If done right, a new sitcom based in Buffalo, created by a huge Buffalo booster, could do a lot of good for this city. “I know the last TV comedy to take place in Buffalo was “Jesse” with Christina Applegate, but I plan to change that with this,” explained Jordan. “I know we’re the city of good neighbors and Buffalo is always there for me. I plan to tie in Buffalo as much as possible in this show. My Uncle Dave is also in Buffalo’s premiere disco band, DISCO DUCK, and I’ve talked to him about running a contest with local musicians to find a theme song and song for the credits. Our plan is film the pilot in November and then pitch it and sell it to networks in January. Shows like “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” used this same strategy.”
At this point, Jordan has launched an Indigogo campaign to fund the production for the pilot for this mockumentary about the relationship between students and their teachers. You can see the campaign here, and hopefully you like what you see and we can get the ball rolling for this “Buffalo based” comedy. “If you watch the campaign video, you’ll probably notice all the Allentown Art Festival posters I have in my living room and the Bills shirt my girlfriend is wearing,” added Jordan.
Hopefully, if all goes according to plan, Buffalo will be the inspiration for a new comedy sitcom that focuses on the relationships between students and their teachers. Now that should be a lot of fun… stay tuned!