How Johnny Knoxville's gonzo journalism pitch to 'Big Brother' magazine launched the 'Jackass' franchise
By
Chris O'Falt
Summary
Director Jeff Tremaine recounts the origin story of 'Jackass,' beginning with his first meeting with Johnny Knoxville in 1995 on the set of a Spike Jonze music video. Knoxville, aspiring to be a Hunter S. Thompson-style gonzo journalist, pitched Tremaine an article idea for 'Big Brother' magazine in 1997. The article involved Knoxville shooting himself with a .38 caliber pistol while wearing a bulletproof vest, which became the foundational footage that launched the 'Jackass' franchise. Tremaine discusses the behind-the-scenes details of that iconic footage and how it led to the creation of the groundbreaking stunt comedy series.
Source
IndieWireHow Johnny Knoxville's gonzo journalism pitch to 'Big Brother' magazine launched the 'Jackass' franchiseindiewire.comKey quotes
· 3 pulled[Knoxville] wanted to be a journalist, or he was trying to figure out, 'How can I make money — I want to be a journalist that does this shit kind of a Hunter S. Thompson style,'
We were just trying to make each other laugh, and somehow it turned into a global phenomenon.
That footage was the spark. Without it, there's no 'Jackass' as we know it.
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