Chop & Steele

In the eccentric world of professional comedians Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett, the line between humor and chaos is blurred. Founded by these like-minded friends, the Found Footage Festival has become a sensation, showcasing bizarre and hilarious clips from VHS tapes. Their comedic talents have taken them to new heights, but their penchant for mischief is about to lead them down a treacherous path. As part of their gag strongman routine, Nick and Joe set their sights on unsuspecting morning news shows. Under the guise of performing their act, they hijack the shows' attention, leaving both the hosts and the audience stunned. The reactions are priceless, and the pranks quickly go viral, making them an overnight sensation on social media. However, their actions do not go unnoticed by the media conglomerate, "Morning News Inc." (MNI). The company, led by the ruthless media mogul, Regina St. Claire, sees the Found Footage Festival as a threat to their dominance. The once-comfortable, formulaic morning news shows are now being upstaged by the duo's outrageous antics. MNI, determined to protect their brand and profits, decides to take matters into their own hands. Regina, who sees Nick and Joe as a nuisance that needs to be eliminated, instructs her high-priced lawyers to take the pair to federal court. The charges? Harassing and intimidating MNI's broadcast team, violating their trademarks, and engaging in a form of extortion. The lawsuit aims to crush the duo's spirit and finances, forcing them to abandon their pranks and conform to the MNI's rigid broadcasting standards. As the lawsuit unfolds, Nick and Joe find themselves under immense stress. They are forced to divert their attention and resources from their comedy career to defend against the onslaught of MNI's lawyers and legal fees. The friends, who have known each other since childhood, begin to feel the strain of their lifelong bond being tested. The once-warm and playful dynamics between them start to fray, as each becomes increasingly obsessed with saving their livelihood. Despite their differences, Nick and Joe are a talented comedy duo, and their audience has grown to adore their irreverent style. However, the constant pressure and scrutiny of the lawsuit start to take a toll on their friendship. The stress causes tension, and the two friends begin to question whether their pranks are worth the risk. They feel trapped between their passion for comedy and the fear of losing everything. The trial becomes a battleground, with Nick and Joe trying to persuade the judge that their antics are harmless entertainment and a form of social commentary. MNI's lawyers argue that they have a legitimate right to protect their intellectual property and broadcast standards. As the courtroom drama unfolds, the stakes are raised, and the future of the Found Footage Festival hangs precariously in the balance. Nick and Joe's friendship is put to the ultimate test as they navigate the unpredictable world of show business, lawyers, and media moguls. Will they find a way to outsmart and outmaneuver MNI, protecting their livelihood and their legacy? Or will the stress of the lawsuit, coupled with the pressure to conform, ultimately lead to the demise of their comedy career and their lifelong bond? The fate of the Found Footage Festival, and the future of Nick and Joe's friendship, hangs by a thread, as they engage in a battle to preserve their art and their values. Will they emerge victorious, or will they become the next casualty of the cutthroat entertainment industry? The outcome of their journey will depend on their ability to balance their passion for comedy with the harsh realities of the modern media landscape.