LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DEFY Media-owned Break.com, the number one humor video site, is going bigger this time around as the second iteration of Prank it FWD returns with a series of original videos from top YouTube channel and comedy brand SMOSH, as well as popular YouTube pranksters Greg Benson (MediocreFilms), LAHWF, JSTUStudios, and Tom Mabe (MabeinAmerica), to spread holiday cheer with more pranks for good. Kicking off today with Break.com’s “She’s Got it Maid,” in partnership with Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, and SMOSH’s “Ultimate Fan Surprise,” the program continues to inspire and spread positivity throughout the online community.
Prank it FWD began in April 2014 and sparked a movement across the globe as the campaign quickly amassed more than 30 million views, helped by “Best Shift Ever,” which surprised L.A. waitress Chelsea Roff with some life-changing “tips,” including a brand new car. Ms. Roff is now able to work full time at her non-profit, Eat Breathe Thrive.
“April’s Prank it FWD delivered above and beyond anything we could have expected,” commented Barry Blumberg, Head of Content, DEFY Media. “Our content struck a chord with the public and significantly changed the life of one of our participants, in addition to moving many viewers to ‘Prank it Forward’ in their own communities. This time around we challenged ourselves to go bigger, and what better time than the holiday season to share more good and prank-filled surprises? The results will undoubtedly bring cheer to everyone that watches.”
In “She’s Got it Maid,” we meet Cara Simmons, a hardworking housekeeper and single mother of three in Cleveland, OH who has never had a day off in her life. Recently hospitalized for stress and exhaustion, she was nominated for Prank it FWD by her sister and boss. When Cara’s boss sends her to work an important job cleaning a new house, some incredible surprises await her behind the front door and the day is topped off with a life-changing gift that not even her loved ones saw coming.
Break.com also expands its partnership with charitable partner DoSomething.org, the largest organization for young people and social change in the U.S. In addition to donating one dollar for every 1,000 views of the Prank it FWD videos, an additional dollar will be donated for every social mention and share of #PrankitFWD. In April, the program reached the donation goal in less than two weeks.
“At DoSomething.org, we meet young people where they are,” said Naomi Hirabayashi, chief marketing officer at DoSomething.org. “We don't compete with content they love, we build into it. Prank it FWD is the perfect mix of hilarious and entertaining content that has a positive message. We are grateful for the significant donation made possible by the first campaign and we’re thrilled to be a part of round two!”
In addition to Break.com and SMOSH, DEFY Media-owned SMOSH Games, Clevver, and Screen Junkies bring their own special take on positive pranks. Custom videos from each brand, as well as original pranks from popular YouTube pranksters will roll out over the coming weeks, reaching a combined audience of more than 38 million YouTube subscribers. Featured videos include:
- SMOSH’s “Ultimate Fan Surprise” – Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox of the powerhouse digital comedy brand SMOSH head to Detroit to surprise a super fan battling Leukemia. Made possible through friends at The Rainbow Connection.
- Screen Junkies’ “Marvel Super Fan gets Epic Surprise” – “Screen Junkies Show” host Hal Rudnick and crew show up on the doorstep of a super fan in College Station, TX.
- Break.com’s Prank Bank, “Real Life Cash Cab” – YouTube prankster and Prank it FWD spokesperson Greg Benson gives unsuspecting and impatient riders a free lift through the streets of Seattle.
In addition to the videos, Break.com will head the streets to surprise thousands of motorists with some unexpected parking good will in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, and encourages recipients to continue the movement.
Expect more positive pranks in 2015! Viewers can officially submit or nominate stories to be considered for the next campaign at www.PrankitFWD.com. Tune in over the next two weeks to watch all the Prank it FWD videos on www.PrankitFWD.com or through Break’s free mobile app, Roku and Xbox360 and Xbox ONE apps.
The full release schedule of Prank it FWD videos is below.
11/17/14 – Break.com’s “She’s
Got it Maid”
11/17/14 – SMOSH’s “Ultimate
Fan Surprise”
11/17/14 – Greg Benson of MediocreFilms
11/17/14
- Tom Mabe of MabeinAmerica
11/17/14
– LAHWF
11/26/14
– JSTUStudios
11/20/14
– Break.com’s
Prank Bank, “Real Life Cash Cab”
11/20/14 – Break.com’s
Prank Bank, “Yard Sale Buyouts”
11/20/14 – Screen
Junkies, “Marvel Super Fan Gets Epic Surprise”
11/23/14 – SMOSH
Games
11/25/14 – ClevverTV’s
Totally Clevver prank episode
Connect and share Prank it FWD on social platforms:
Twitter:
@PrankitFWD
Facebook: http://facebook.com/prankitfwd
Instagram:
@OfficialPrankitFWD
About DEFY Media
DEFY Media is the definitive media company for the digital generation, formed by the 2013 merger of Alloy Digital and Break Media. The merger united two companies with strong legacies and expertise in creating influential and culturally significant entertainment properties for 13-34 year old consumers. DEFY Media creates some of the most popular content in digital under its leading portfolio of brands, including Break, Clevver, GameTrailers, Made Man, SMOSH, Screen Junkies, The Gloss, and The Escapist, together reaching over 155 million consumers monthly through owned web, YouTube, mobile, social, and emerging OTT platforms. The world's top brands partner with DEFY to build immersive advertising solutions that deliver unparalleled access to this influential audience. With uniquely integrated capabilities in content development, studio production, distribution and promotion, DEFY Media is built for content delivery in the digital age. Please visit us at www.DEFYMedia.com.
About DoSomething.org:
DoSomething.org makes the world suck less. One of the largest orgs for young people and social change, our nearly 3 million members tackle campaigns that impact every cause, from poverty to violence to the environment to literally everything else. Any cause, anytime, anywhere. *mic drop
About Barefoot Wine & Bubbly:
Barefoot Wine is the most awarded wine brand in U.S. competitions. Barefoot's wines are attractively priced and can be found in bottles bearing the fun, iconic footprint label. Barefoot's still wine portfolio includes 16 offerings and is available for a suggested retail price of $7 for 750-ml bottles, $12 for 1.5-liter bottles. Barefoot Bubbly ($10) is available in 11 offerings, including NEW Barefoot Bubbly Fusions, and is the most awarded Sparkling Wine in U.S. competitions. Barefoot Refresh ($8) is available in five new lively and light-style offerings. Barefoot Wine is committed to making wine more fun and less serious! For additional information, visit BarefootWine.com or Facebook.com/BarefootWine.
