Get ready to laugh until it hurts, because the world of indie TV is about to get a whole lot weirder—and more independent. Amplify Pictures, the brains behind HBO’s 100 Foot Wave, is doubling down on self-financing TV, and their latest move is nothing short of bold. But here’s where it gets controversial: in an era where networks and streamers call the shots, Amplify is betting big on going it alone. Can this strategy pay off, or is it a risky gamble? Let’s dive in.
The production company, founded by former Amazon comedy and drama executive Joe Lewis, is now producing Mt. Mystic, a comedy series based on the YouTube pilot Mt. Mystic Rangers. Created by and starring Jeremiah Dunlap and Cory Quintard, this six-part mockumentary-style show is a hilarious, chaotic ride. Think Reno 911! meets the great outdoors—but with a twist. The series follows a wildly dysfunctional team of park rangers navigating budget cuts, personal dramas, and supernatural shenanigans in the most unpredictable state park on Earth. Each episode is a rollercoaster of misadventures as the rangers try (and mostly fail) to keep order in the bizarre Mt. Mystic State Park. And this is the part most people miss: the pilot, which dropped on YouTube in March, has already racked up over 250,000 views, proving there’s a hungry audience for this kind of offbeat humor.
But Amplify isn’t just stopping at Mt. Mystic. They’re fully committed to self-financing indie series without relying on traditional networks, streamers, or distributors. This approach is gaining traction in Hollywood, with producers like Mark Duplass finding success by selling independently financed shows like Penelope to platforms like Netflix. Is this the future of TV, or a niche strategy that only works for a lucky few? That’s the million-dollar question.
Amplify’s recent collaborations include teaming up with the Duplass Brothers for the comedy crime-thriller Sleep King and partnering with Ben Schwartz and Lauren Lapkus to turn the Funny or Die sketch The Earliest Show into a full series. These moves signal a broader shift in the industry as creators, digital distribution, and television converge to redefine what a ‘hit’ looks like.
“We’re thrilled to be producing Mt. Mystic with Jeremiah and Cory,” said Amplify Pictures CEO Joe Lewis. “It’s hilarious, inventive, and a perfect example of how independent series can thrive on platforms like YouTube. Amplify is excited to lead the charge as we create the next generation of hits.”
Dunlap and Quintard echoed the sentiment, calling Amplify the “perfect partners” for their vision. “We’ve been working on this show for six years, and seeing the first season come to life is a dream come true,” they said. “It’s the perfect time for a slightly ridiculous look into the lives of park rangers who dedicate themselves to protecting our parks—and our right to enjoy them.”
Directed by Dunlap and produced by Amplify Pictures and Foundry Mass, Mt. Mystic boasts an ensemble cast including Beta Angarole, Josh Black, Tenea Intriago, Mindy Lopez, Robyn Quintard, and Moiba Mustapha. Production is set to begin next year, with Lewis executive producing alongside Rachel Eggebeen, Colin King Miller, Luke Esselen, and the Foundry Mass team.
But here’s the real question: Can self-financed indie series like Mt. Mystic truly compete with big-budget network shows? As Amplify pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, they’re not just making TV—they’re challenging the industry’s status quo. What do you think? Is this the future of television, or a risky experiment? Let us know in the comments below!
