[Script Info]
Title: 
[Events]
Format: Layer, Start, End, Style, Name, MarginL, MarginR, MarginV, Effect, Text
Dialogue: 0,0:00:00.00,0:00:03.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I started Improv Everywhere about 10 years ago
Dialogue: 0,0:00:03.00,0:00:06.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when I moved to New York City with an interest in acting and comedy.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:06.00,0:00:09.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Because I was new to the city, I didn't have access to a stage,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:09.00,0:00:12.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so I decided to create my own in public places.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:12.00,0:00:14.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So the first project we're going to take a look at
Dialogue: 0,0:00:14.00,0:00:16.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is the very first No Pants Subway Ride.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:16.00,0:00:18.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now this took place in January of 2002.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:18.00,0:00:20.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And this woman is the star of the video.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:20.00,0:00:22.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She doesn't know she's being filmed.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:22.00,0:00:24.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She's being filmed with a hidden camera.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:24.00,0:00:26.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is on the 6 train in New York City.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:26.00,0:00:28.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And this is the first stop along the line.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:28.00,0:00:30.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,These are two Danish guys
Dialogue: 0,0:00:30.00,0:00:33.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who come out and sit down next to the hidden camera.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:33.00,0:00:35.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that's me right there in a brown coat.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:35.00,0:00:37.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's about 30 degrees outside.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:37.00,0:00:39.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I'm wearing a hat. I'm wearing a scarf.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:39.00,0:00:42.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And the girl's going to notice me right here.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:44.00,0:00:50.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter)
Dialogue: 0,0:00:50.00,0:00:52.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And as you'll see now, I'm not wearing pants.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:52.00,0:00:55.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter)
Dialogue: 0,0:00:55.00,0:00:57.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So at this point --
Dialogue: 0,0:00:57.00,0:00:59.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,at this point she's noticed me,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:59.00,0:01:01.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but in New York there's weirdos on any given train car.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:01.00,0:01:03.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,One person's not that unusual.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:03.00,0:01:06.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She goes back to reading her book, which is unfortunately titled "Rape."
Dialogue: 0,0:01:06.00,0:01:10.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter)
Dialogue: 0,0:01:10.00,0:01:12.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So she's noticed the unusual thing,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:12.00,0:01:14.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but she's gone back to her normal life.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:14.00,0:01:16.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now in the meantime, I have six friends
Dialogue: 0,0:01:16.00,0:01:19.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who are waiting at the next six consecutive stops in their underwear as well.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:20.00,0:01:22.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They're going to be entering this car one by one.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:22.00,0:01:25.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We'll act as though we don't know each other.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:25.00,0:01:28.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And we'll act as if it's just an unfortunate mistake we've made,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:28.00,0:01:31.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,forgetting our pants on this cold January day.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:31.00,0:01:56.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter)
Dialogue: 0,0:01:56.00,0:01:58.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So at this point,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:58.00,0:02:00.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,she decides to put the rape book away.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:00.00,0:02:02.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter)
Dialogue: 0,0:02:02.00,0:02:06.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And she decides to be a little bit more aware of her surroundings.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:06.00,0:02:08.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now in the meantime, the two Danish guys to the left of the camera,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:08.00,0:02:10.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they're cracking up.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:10.00,0:02:12.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They think this is the funniest thing they've ever seen before.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:12.00,0:02:15.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And watch her make eye contact with them right about now.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:20.00,0:02:22.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter)
Dialogue: 0,0:02:22.00,0:02:24.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I love that moment in this video,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:24.00,0:02:27.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because before it became a shared experience,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:27.00,0:02:30.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it was something that was maybe a little bit scary,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:30.00,0:02:32.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or something that was at least confusing to her.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:32.00,0:02:34.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And then once it became a shared experience,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:34.00,0:02:36.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it was funny and something that she could laugh at.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:36.00,0:02:38.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So the train is now pulling into
Dialogue: 0,0:02:38.00,0:02:40.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the third stop along the 6 line.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:54.00,0:02:57.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter)
Dialogue: 0,0:02:57.00,0:02:59.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So the video won't show everything.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:59.00,0:03:01.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This goes on for another four stops.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:01.00,0:03:05.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,A total of seven guys enter anonymously in their underwear.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:05.00,0:03:07.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,At the eighth stop, a girl came in with a giant duffel bag
Dialogue: 0,0:03:07.00,0:03:10.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and announced she had pants for sale for a dollar --
Dialogue: 0,0:03:10.00,0:03:13.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,like you might sell batteries or candy on the train.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:13.00,0:03:16.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We all very matter of factly bought a pair of pants, put them on
Dialogue: 0,0:03:16.00,0:03:19.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and said, "Thank you. That's exactly what I needed today,"
Dialogue: 0,0:03:19.00,0:03:22.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and then exited without revealing what had happened
Dialogue: 0,0:03:22.00,0:03:24.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and went in all different directions.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:24.00,0:03:26.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Applause)
Dialogue: 0,0:03:26.00,0:03:28.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Thank you.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:30.00,0:03:32.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So that's a still from the video there.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:32.00,0:03:34.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I love that girl's reaction so much.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:34.00,0:03:36.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And watching that videotape later that day
Dialogue: 0,0:03:36.00,0:03:38.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,inspired me to keep doing what I do.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:38.00,0:03:41.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And really one of the points of Improv Everywhere
Dialogue: 0,0:03:41.00,0:03:43.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is to cause a scene in a public place
Dialogue: 0,0:03:43.00,0:03:45.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that is a positive experience for other people.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:45.00,0:03:48.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's a prank, but it's a prank that gives somebody a great story to tell.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:48.00,0:03:50.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And her reaction inspired me
Dialogue: 0,0:03:50.00,0:03:52.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to do a second annual No Pants Subway Ride.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:52.00,0:03:54.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And we've continued to do it every year.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:54.00,0:03:56.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This January, we did the 10th annual No Pants Subway Ride
Dialogue: 0,0:03:56.00,0:03:59.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where a diverse group of 3,500 people
Dialogue: 0,0:03:59.00,0:04:01.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,rode the train in their underwear in New York --
Dialogue: 0,0:04:01.00,0:04:03.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,almost every single train line in the city.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:03.00,0:04:05.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And also in 50 other cities around the world,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:05.00,0:04:07.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,people participated.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:07.00,0:04:09.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter)
Dialogue: 0,0:04:09.00,0:04:12.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As I started taking improv class at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater
Dialogue: 0,0:04:12.00,0:04:15.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and meeting other creative people and other performers and comedians,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:15.00,0:04:17.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I started amassing a mailing list
Dialogue: 0,0:04:17.00,0:04:19.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of people who wanted to do these types of projects.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:19.00,0:04:21.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So I could do more large-scale projects.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:21.00,0:04:23.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Well one day I was walking through Union Square,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:23.00,0:04:25.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and I saw this building,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:25.00,0:04:27.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which had just been built in 2005.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:27.00,0:04:30.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And there was a girl in one of the windows and she was dancing.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:30.00,0:04:32.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And it was very peculiar,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:32.00,0:04:34.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because it was dark out, but she was back-lit with florescent lighting,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:34.00,0:04:36.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and she was very much onstage,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:36.00,0:04:38.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and I couldn't figure out why she was doing it.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:38.00,0:04:40.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,After about 15 seconds, her friend appeared --
Dialogue: 0,0:04:40.00,0:04:42.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,she had been hiding behind a display --
Dialogue: 0,0:04:42.00,0:04:44.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and they laughed and hugged each other and ran away.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:44.00,0:04:46.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So it seemed like maybe she had been dared to do this.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:46.00,0:04:48.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So I got inspired by that.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:48.00,0:04:50.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Looking at the entire facade -- there were 70 total windows --
Dialogue: 0,0:04:50.00,0:04:52.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and I knew what I had to do.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:52.00,0:04:54.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter)
Dialogue: 0,0:04:54.00,0:04:57.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So this project is called Look Up More. We had 70 actors dress in black.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:57.00,0:04:59.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This was completely unauthorized.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:59.00,0:05:01.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We didn't let the stores know we were coming.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:01.00,0:05:03.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I stood in the park giving signals.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:03.00,0:05:06.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The first signal was for everybody to hold up these four-foot tall letters
Dialogue: 0,0:05:06.00,0:05:08.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that spelled out "Look Up More,"
Dialogue: 0,0:05:08.00,0:05:11.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the name of the project.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:11.00,0:05:14.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The second signal was for everybody to do Jumping jacks together.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:14.00,0:05:17.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You'll see that start right here.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:17.00,0:05:19.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter)
Dialogue: 0,0:05:19.00,0:05:21.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And then we had dancing. We had everyone dance.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:21.00,0:05:23.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And then we had dance solos where only one person would dance
Dialogue: 0,0:05:23.00,0:05:25.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and everybody would point to them.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:25.00,0:05:32.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter)
Dialogue: 0,0:05:32.00,0:05:34.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So then I gave a new hand signal,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:34.00,0:05:37.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which signaled the next soloist down below in Forever 21,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:37.00,0:05:39.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and he danced.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:39.00,0:05:41.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There were several other activities.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:41.00,0:05:43.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We had people jumping up and down,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:43.00,0:05:45.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,people dropping to the ground.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:45.00,0:05:47.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I was standing just anonymously in a sweatshirt,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:47.00,0:05:49.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,putting my hand on and off of a trashcan
Dialogue: 0,0:05:49.00,0:05:51.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to signal the advancement.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:51.00,0:05:53.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And because it was in Union Square Park, right by a subway station,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:53.00,0:05:55.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,there were hundreds of people by the end
Dialogue: 0,0:05:55.00,0:05:57.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who stopped and looked up
Dialogue: 0,0:05:57.00,0:06:00.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and watched what we were doing.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:01.00,0:06:03.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There's a better photo of it.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:03.00,0:06:05.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So that particular event
Dialogue: 0,0:06:05.00,0:06:07.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,was inspired by a moment
Dialogue: 0,0:06:07.00,0:06:09.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that I happened to stumble upon.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:09.00,0:06:11.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The next project I want to show
Dialogue: 0,0:06:11.00,0:06:13.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,was given to me in an email from a stranger.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:13.00,0:06:16.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,A high school kid in Texas wrote me in 2006
Dialogue: 0,0:06:16.00,0:06:18.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and said, "You should get as many people as possible
Dialogue: 0,0:06:18.00,0:06:21.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to put on blue polo shirts and khaki pants
Dialogue: 0,0:06:21.00,0:06:23.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and go into a Best Buy and stand around."
Dialogue: 0,0:06:23.00,0:06:27.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter)
Dialogue: 0,0:06:27.00,0:06:29.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Applause)
Dialogue: 0,0:06:29.00,0:06:31.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So I wrote this high school kid back immediately,
Dialogue: 0,0:06:31.00,0:06:33.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and I said, "Yes, you are correct.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:33.00,0:06:35.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I think I'll try to do that this weekend. Thank you."
Dialogue: 0,0:06:35.00,0:06:37.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So here's the video.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:37.00,0:06:39.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So again, this is 2005.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:39.00,0:06:42.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is the Best Buy in New York City.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:42.00,0:06:44.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We had about 80 people show up to participate,
Dialogue: 0,0:06:44.00,0:06:46.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,entering one-by-one.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:46.00,0:06:48.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There was an eight year-old girl, a 10 year-old girl.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:48.00,0:06:50.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There was also a 65 year-old man
Dialogue: 0,0:06:50.00,0:06:52.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who participated.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:52.00,0:06:54.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So a very diverse group of people.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:54.00,0:06:57.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I told people, "Don't work. Don't actually do work.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:57.00,0:06:59.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But also, don't shop.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:59.00,0:07:01.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Just stand around and don't face products."
Dialogue: 0,0:07:01.00,0:07:03.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now you can see the regular employees
Dialogue: 0,0:07:03.00,0:07:05.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,by the ones that have the yellow tags on their shirt.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:05.00,0:07:07.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Everybody else is one of our actors.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:07.00,0:07:09.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter)
Dialogue: 0,0:07:09.00,0:07:11.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The lower level employees thought it was very funny.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:11.00,0:07:13.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And in fact, several of them went to go get their camera from the break room
Dialogue: 0,0:07:13.00,0:07:15.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and took photos with us.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:15.00,0:07:18.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,A lot of them made jokes about trying to get us to go to the back
Dialogue: 0,0:07:18.00,0:07:21.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to get heavy television sets for customers.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:21.00,0:07:24.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The managers and the security guards, on the other hand,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:24.00,0:07:26.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,did not find it particularly funny.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:26.00,0:07:28.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You can see them in this footage.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:28.00,0:07:31.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They're wearing either a yellow shirt or a black shirt.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:31.00,0:07:33.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And we were there probably 10 minutes
Dialogue: 0,0:07:33.00,0:07:35.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,before the managers decided to dial 911.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:35.00,0:07:38.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter)
Dialogue: 0,0:07:38.00,0:07:40.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So they started running around
Dialogue: 0,0:07:40.00,0:07:43.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,telling everybody the cops were coming, watch out, the cops were coming.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:43.00,0:07:46.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And you can see the cops in this footage right here.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:46.00,0:07:49.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That's a cop wearing black right there, being filmed with a hidden camera.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:49.00,0:07:51.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Ultimately, the police had to inform Best Buy management
Dialogue: 0,0:07:51.00,0:07:53.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that it was not, in fact, illegal
Dialogue: 0,0:07:53.00,0:07:55.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to wear a blue polo shirt and khaki pants.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:55.00,0:07:57.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter)
Dialogue: 0,0:07:57.00,0:08:01.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Applause)
Dialogue: 0,0:08:01.00,0:08:03.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Thank you.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:03.00,0:08:06.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Applause)
Dialogue: 0,0:08:06.00,0:08:09.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So we had been there for 20 minutes; we were happy to exit the store.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:09.00,0:08:11.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,One thing the managers were trying to do
Dialogue: 0,0:08:11.00,0:08:13.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,was to track down our cameras.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:13.00,0:08:16.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And they caught a couple of my guys who had hidden cameras in duffel bags.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:16.00,0:08:18.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But the one camera guy they never caught
Dialogue: 0,0:08:18.00,0:08:20.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,was the guy that went in just with a blank tape
Dialogue: 0,0:08:20.00,0:08:22.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and went over to the Best Buy camera department
Dialogue: 0,0:08:22.00,0:08:24.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and just put his tape in one of their cameras
Dialogue: 0,0:08:24.00,0:08:27.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and pretended to shop.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:27.00,0:08:30.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So I like that concept of using their own technology against them.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:30.00,0:08:32.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter)
Dialogue: 0,0:08:32.00,0:08:34.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I think our best projects are ones that are site specific
Dialogue: 0,0:08:34.00,0:08:36.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and happen at a particular place for a reason.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:36.00,0:08:38.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And one morning, I was riding the subway.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:38.00,0:08:40.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I had to make a transfer at the 53rd St. stop
Dialogue: 0,0:08:40.00,0:08:42.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where there are these two giant escalators.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:42.00,0:08:45.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And it's a very depressing place to be in the morning, it's very crowded.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:45.00,0:08:47.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So I decided to try and stage something
Dialogue: 0,0:08:47.00,0:08:50.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that could make it as happy as possible for one morning.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:51.00,0:08:53.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So this was in the winter of 2009 --
Dialogue: 0,0:08:53.00,0:08:55.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,8:30 in the morning.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:55.00,0:08:57.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's morning rush hour.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:57.00,0:08:59.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's very cold outside.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:59.00,0:09:01.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,People are coming in from Queens,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:01.00,0:09:04.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,transferring from the E train to the 6 train.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:04.00,0:09:06.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And they're going up these giant escalators
Dialogue: 0,0:09:06.00,0:09:09.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,on their way to their jobs.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:19.00,0:09:29.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter)
Dialogue: 0,0:09:31.00,0:09:33.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter)
Dialogue: 0,0:09:33.00,0:09:39.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Applause)
Dialogue: 0,0:09:39.00,0:09:41.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Thank you.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:41.00,0:09:44.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So there's a photograph that illustrates it a little bit better.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:44.00,0:09:46.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He gave 2,000 high fives that day,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:46.00,0:09:48.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and he washed his hands before and afterward
Dialogue: 0,0:09:48.00,0:09:50.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and did not get sick.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:50.00,0:09:52.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that was done also without permission,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:52.00,0:09:54.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,although no one seemed to care.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:54.00,0:09:56.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So I'd say over the years,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:56.00,0:09:59.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,one of the most common criticisms I see of Improv Everywhere
Dialogue: 0,0:09:59.00,0:10:01.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,left anonymously on YouTube comments
Dialogue: 0,0:10:01.00,0:10:04.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is: "These people have too much time on their hands."
Dialogue: 0,0:10:04.00,0:10:07.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And you know, not everybody's going to like everything you do,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:07.00,0:10:09.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and I've certainly developed a thick skin thanks to Internet comments,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:09.00,0:10:11.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but that one's always bothered me,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:11.00,0:10:13.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because we don't have too much time on our hands.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:13.00,0:10:16.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The participants at Improv Everywhere events
Dialogue: 0,0:10:16.00,0:10:18.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,have just as much leisure time as any other New Yorkers,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:18.00,0:10:20.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they just occasionally choose
Dialogue: 0,0:10:20.00,0:10:22.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to spend it in an unusual way.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:22.00,0:10:24.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You know, every Saturday and Sunday,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:24.00,0:10:26.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,hundreds of thousands of people each fall
Dialogue: 0,0:10:26.00,0:10:28.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,gather in football stadiums to watch games.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:28.00,0:10:31.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I've never seen anybody comment, looking at a football game,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:31.00,0:10:34.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,saying, "All those people in the stands, they have too much time on their hands."
Dialogue: 0,0:10:34.00,0:10:36.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And of course they don't.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:36.00,0:10:38.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's a perfectly wonderful way to spent a weekend afternoon,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:38.00,0:10:41.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,watching a football game in a stadium.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:41.00,0:10:43.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But I think it's also a perfectly valid way
Dialogue: 0,0:10:43.00,0:10:46.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to spend an afternoon freezing in place with 200 people
Dialogue: 0,0:10:46.00,0:10:48.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in the Grand Central terminal
Dialogue: 0,0:10:48.00,0:10:51.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or dressing up like a ghostbuster
Dialogue: 0,0:10:51.00,0:10:53.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and running through the New York Public Library.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:53.00,0:10:55.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter)
Dialogue: 0,0:10:55.00,0:10:58.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Or listening to the same MP3 as 3,000 other people
Dialogue: 0,0:10:58.00,0:11:01.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and dancing silently in a park,
Dialogue: 0,0:11:01.00,0:11:03.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or bursting into song in a grocery store
Dialogue: 0,0:11:03.00,0:11:05.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as part of a spontaneous musical,
Dialogue: 0,0:11:05.00,0:11:08.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or diving into the ocean in Coney Island wearing formal attire.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:08.00,0:11:11.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You know, as kids, we're taught to play.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:11.00,0:11:13.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And we're never given a reason why we should play.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:13.00,0:11:16.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's just acceptable that play is a good thing.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:16.00,0:11:19.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I think that's sort of the point of Improv Everywhere.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:19.00,0:11:21.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's that there is no point and that there doesn't have to be a point.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:21.00,0:11:23.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We don't need a reason.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:23.00,0:11:25.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,As long as it's fun
Dialogue: 0,0:11:25.00,0:11:27.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and it seems like it's going to be a funny idea
Dialogue: 0,0:11:27.00,0:11:30.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and it seems like the people who witness it will also have a fun time,
Dialogue: 0,0:11:30.00,0:11:32.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,then that's enough for us.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:32.00,0:11:34.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I think, as adults, we need to learn
Dialogue: 0,0:11:34.00,0:11:36.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that there's no right or wrong way to play.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:36.00,0:11:38.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Thank you very much.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:38.00,0:11:43.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Applause)