2 East 8th Productions

06/17/2025

Most YouTube ads play it safe.
Stock footage. Soft music. Generic voiceover.

They don’t make you laugh.
They don’t make you feel.
They definitely don’t make you remember.

So let’s do it differently.

At 2 East 8th, we bring comedy-first storytelling to branded content.
No awkward sketches. No "funny ad" that feels like homework.

Our roots are in improv.
Our background is film.
Our goal is to help brands make work people actually want to watch.

We’re not here to make noise. We’re here to make impact.

Whether you're a digital agency with big creative ambitions
or a brand that's bored of playing it safe...
Let’s make something that gets noticed and gets results.

Funny works.
We make sure it works on purpose.

06/16/2025

Why the obvious video strategy often misses the mark...and what actually works.

We’ve all seen brands invest in stunning videos that don’t deliver results. It’s not because they look bad. It’s because the story isn’t connecting.

Here are three common storytelling mistakes holding brands back, and how to fix them:

Mistake 1: Focusing on the product instead of the impact.
Showing features or fancy shots tells what the product is, but not why it matters.
Better approach: Highlight the difference your product makes. More freedom, less hassle, better outcomes. Show the story after someone uses it.

Mistake 2: Starting with the solution instead of the problem.
If you jump straight to your product, your audience may not even realize they need it.
Better approach: Begin by showing the struggle, frustration, or challenge your product solves. Build empathy before introducing the fix.

Mistake 3: Trying to sell before building connection.
Pushing too hard to convert without creating a relationship can turn viewers off.
Better approach: Use video to invite your audience in, make them feel understood, and let them see themselves in the story. Guide them gently toward the solution.

Great video storytelling isn’t just about looking good. It’s about creating meaningful connections that drive real results.

When you stop selling and start telling stories, your message resonates deeper and performs better.

That’s the approach we take at 2 East 8th. We help brands create videos that aren’t just watched, but truly remembered and effective.

06/13/2025

When we started 2 East 8th, we were laser-focused on being selective, working only with brands and projects that truly fit who we are and what we do best: comedy-forward storytelling.

Somewhere along the way, we got a little off track and said “yes” to everything that came our way.

The result? Our work lost some of its spark, and so did we.

Now, we’re back to the heart of what makes 2E8 us. Bold, funny, character-driven content that feels honest and original.

Sometimes the unexpected fix is remembering why you started in the first place.

What’s a time you found success by going back to your roots?

06/11/2025

Every project starts with a “what if.”

What if we built a world around this one line of dialogue?
What if we let humor lead the way?
What if we made the thing we actually wanted to watch?

At 2 East 8th, the “what ifs” are where it all begins.
They’re messy. Chaotic. Weirdly thrilling.
But they’re also where the best stuff lives.

So here’s to chasing more “what ifs”
and trusting that the story will meet us somewhere in the middle.

06/09/2025

We’ve never been great at fitting into boxes.
And honestly, we’ve stopped trying.

At 2 East 8th, we care about stories that surprise us. Characters that stay with us. Ideas that make us laugh, then think.

Some of those stories turn into branded videos.
Some become films.
Some start as wild conversations and end up on set with the weirdest, most wonderful people we know.

Whether we’re working with a startup or building out a feature, we’re always chasing the same thing:
Honest, creative work that makes people feel something.

That’s the kind of story we’re here to tell.

06/06/2025

Weird ideas need brave collaborators.

That’s been true from the start at 2 East 8th. Whether we’re pitching a branded sketch, building a feature from scratch, or shooting 12 takes of a joke no one asked for (but everyone ends up loving).

Great storytelling doesn’t happen alone. It takes people willing to show up, speak up, and sometimes... improvise their way through the chaos.

So here’s to the writers, the weirdos, the wild-card thinkers.
We see you. We work with you. We are you.

Have a weird idea? Hit us up.
www.2east8th.com

06/05/2025

Ever notice how comedy is always the “risk”...until it’s the reason people remember you?

We’ve built 2 East 8th around one big belief:
Comedy isn’t the opposite of credibility.
It is the engine of connection.

Whether we’re producing branded content, short-form campaigns, or full-on features, we’re here to help bold brands and fearless storytellers cut through the noise.

Let’s make something weird (and wildly effective) together.

What’s your favorite comedy ad, short, or series? Drop it in the comments, we’re always collecting inspiration.

www.2east8th.com

06/03/2025

Exciting news — our new website is LIVE!

We’ve completely rebuilt the 2 East 8th site from the ground up to better reflect what we do and who we do it for:

- Bold, original storytelling from concept to completion
- Comedy-forward branded content that people don't skip
- Collaborations with creatives and companies who care about craft

Check it out here: https://www.2east8th.com

This site is designed with YOU in mind, whether you're a fellow filmmaker, small business, or curious collaborator.

We’d love your thoughts: What works? What’s missing? What would you love to see more of?

Drop a comment, shoot us a DM, or reach out directly. Let’s make something weird and wonderful together.

02/11/2025

Chicago’s official love-hate relationship. Malört has been testing taste buds for decades. Are you team "actually not that bad" or "why does it taste like regret"?

This is a spec commercial made by fans, based on one of our favorite Malört slogans: "Tonight's the night you fight you dad." This is not directly associated with CH Distillery or Jeppson's Malört.

Starring:
Pat Normoyle
Haig Nahagian

Written & Directed by:
Drew Dull
Justin Strandlund

Director of Photography:
Camrin Petramale

Grip:
Dave Rundell

Special Thanks:
Jimme & Keriann Furco
Chad Kellenberger
Jeff & Linda Howell

Chicago’s official love-hate relationship. Malört has been testing taste buds for decades. Are you team "actually not that bad" or "why does it taste like re...

03/11/2024

We have a brand new sketch comedy video to unveil to you live on YouTube! Join us for the premiere, which starts in just a few minutes!

https://youtu.be/e_cxdsDAMIM

10/30/2023

Feeling Halloween-y? Check out our horror short!

The Peek-A-Boo man is a short horror film from 2 East 8th Productions, just in time for the Halloween Spooky Season! If you thought Lights Out was scary, you...