Fresh Baked Videogames Interview

Spike TV's Sharon Levy chats about their new video game themed sketch comedy series.

While the self labeled video game themed cable TV network G4 is actually cutting down on its video game themed programming, rival network Spike TV has been slowly increasing its video game themed shows from frequent "Ultimate Gamer" specials to the weekly news show Game Head to the Spike TV Video Game Awards. This Saturday at midnight (EST) yet another weekly video game themed show debuts on Spike TV, but Fresh Baked Videogames uses the theme as a basis for an unusual sketch comedy show. Gamecloud got a chance to chat with Sharon Levy, Spike's senior vice president of alternative programming, to find out more about Fresh Baked Videogames

Gamecloud - First, how did the idea for Fresh Bakes Videogames come about?

Sharon Levy - We wanted to do something within the videogame world that would reflect that attitude of video game culture. Video Games are very important to guys, and so is humor.

Gamecloud - How would you describe the TV show to someone who had never heard of it?

Sharon Levy - A fast-paced, comedic look at video games, video game culture and the people who play them. It has original animation, machinima, sketch and even guys getting kicked in the crotch for a free game.

Gamecloud - How hard was it to create a comedy show that was centered around video games?

Sharon Levy - Not hard at all. And actually liberating.

Gamecloud - Why do you think Spike TV decided to pick up the series?

Sharon Levy - Guys love videogames, it is part of their DNA at this point. We wanted to give them a show about what they love, treated in an attitude that represents videogame culture. Edgy, smart and a bit dangerous.

Gamecloud - What are some of the more memorable segments you can created for Fresh Bakes Videogames so far?

Sharon Levy - I think the original Machinima, called Medieval Weapon and set in Everquest is hilarious. We take the buddy cop idea to a very weird place. We also love Mr. Brennan, and Counterfire, in which our host Bert Kreischer interviews two experts of a specific field to see what they think of a specific game. It's our version of a review. For Cabella's Hunt, we had on a real hunter and a Peta spokesperson who both got to voice their opinions. I also really love some of the sketches. Gaming on Steroids is one of my favorites.

Gamecloud - So far how many episodes have been ordered?

Sharon Levy - 13

Gamecloud - The show has a Saturday at midnight time slot. Are you confident you will be able to succeed in such a late time slot?

Sharon Levy - Late night is a great place to put a comedy show about videogames. We are hoping the guys who are looking for something different, off-beat and edgy find us.

Gamecloud - If the show gets picked up for a second season, what do you want to do with the show?

Sharon Levy - Expand our recurring segments, like Straight to the Source in which Bert went to see if Jaws the real thing lived up to Jaws the videogame. We put him in a shark tank and he interviewed a boat full of guys who dive with sharks. I would love to do that type of bit more.

Gamecloud - Do you personally play video and PC games and if so what are your current favorites?

Sharon Levy - I love DOA, cause I can hit the buttons at random and feel a bit successful. I love Resident Evil, and Splinter Cell consumes a lot of my time, but I can't seem to get out of the tunnel. I am kind of lame at it but want to do well. I haven't played Jaws or King Kong yet, but they look killer. And I love any games that have cars.

Gamecloud - Finally is there anything else you wish to say about Fresh Baked Videogames?

Sharon Levy - Please check out our show on Spike TV!