Added: Sep 19, 2023
Amelia Dimoldenberg is the creator and host of the popular YouTube show "Chicken Shop Date," which has gained a massive following and cultural impact over the past decade. The show features Dimoldenberg going on mock dates with celebrities and interviewing them in a chicken shop setting. The show has garnered over 340 million views on her channel and has become a premier destination for actors and musicians to promote their work.Dimoldenberg's journey began when she was 17 years old and started a column in a youth club magazine. The column featured interviews with UK rap and grime artists, and Dimoldenberg decided to conduct the interviews as mock dates. The idea of filming the interviews came about because she realized the interactions were funny and thought it would be great to capture them on camera.
The format of the show was inspired by mockumentaries like "Between Two Ferns" and the character Leslie Knope from "Parks and Recreation." Dimoldenberg wanted to spoof both interviews and dates, creating a comedic and awkward atmosphere. She also drew inspiration from interviews that went wrong or were awkward, finding them funny and entertaining.
In the early days of the show, Dimoldenberg faced challenges in production, finding shops to film in, and dealing with technical issues. She had to learn video production on her own and handle all aspects of the show. However, she eventually offloaded the production to a team, allowing her to focus on being the performer and interviewer.
Booking guests for the show has always been a challenge for Dimoldenberg. She initially reached out to record labels, publicists, and managers to secure interviews with artists. Over the years, she has built relationships and connections that have helped her book top-tier talent. She also believes that having one guest on the show can open doors to other guests, as they see their peers participating.
The show's evolution can be seen in the improvement of production quality and the addition of an intro and outro. The early episodes had minimal sound and production value, but as the show gained popularity, Dimoldenberg invested in better equipment and worked with a team to enhance the overall experience.
Dimoldenberg's career took off when the Jack Harlow episode went viral, bringing attention to her show. However, she had been working on the show for almost a decade before that moment. She emphasizes the importance of creative control and being able to build her brand independently. She turned down offers to buy the copyright of the show for a low amount of money, recognizing the value of owning her content.
The show's success has allowed Dimoldenberg to make money through sponsorships and partnerships. She has also signed with a management company that has helped open doors and secure deals for her. However, she remains focused on maintaining creative control and ensuring a positive experience for her guests and crew.
Dimoldenberg's process for filming an episode involves a brief introduction with the guest, followed by a 40-minute interview. She aims to create a relaxed and fun atmosphere, encouraging the guest to be themselves and engage in playful banter. She is always present in the moment and looks for opportunities to create comedic moments, but she doesn't approach it with the intention of going viral.
Dimoldenberg explains that the idea for "Chicken Shop Date" came about when she was studying at university and wanted to create a show that combined her love for comedy and interviewing. She pitched the idea to a production company, and they agreed to produce three episodes of the show with live events in Manchester, Birmingham, and London. Dimoldenberg emphasizes that she had creative control over the entire project, including the production, marketing, and merchandising.
The deal for the project was split between Dimoldenberg and the production company, and while it was a good amount of money, she realized that she didn't want anyone to have ownership over the episodes except for herself. She wanted to shape the show exactly how she wanted it to be, without any sponsorship or outside influence. Dimoldenberg believes that this authenticity is what makes the show appealing to viewers.
Dimoldenberg discusses some of the most popular episodes of "Chicken Shop Date," including those with Jack Harlow, Matt Healy, and the Jonas Brothers. She explains that the Matt Healy episode was particularly memorable because he pushed the boundaries of the show and played along with her comedic style. Dimoldenberg also talks about the importance of editing in creating the right flow and energy in the episodes.
The conversation then shifts to Dimoldenberg's career and her approach to building a business. She explains that she has always been more interested in making her YouTube videos and creating content than making a lot of money. She values the creative control she has over her show and wants to shape it exactly how she envisions it. Dimoldenberg also discusses the changing landscape of media and the appeal of being an independent creator.
Dimoldenberg talks about the challenges of being a creator and the pressure to constantly impress and prove oneself. She discusses her ambitions for the future, including directing and producing scripted projects. She also mentions her production company, dims Inc., and the potential for it to become an agency that provides creative direction and production services.
The conversation touches on the topic of fame and how Dimoldenberg has navigated becoming a celebrity herself. She discusses the challenges of being recognized in public and the need to pretend that it's a normal interaction. Dimoldenberg also talks about her experiences on the red carpet and the nerves she feels during those events.
Dimoldenberg mentions that she has received requests from high-profile individuals, including President Biden's team, to appear on "Chicken Shop Date." She explains that she considers various factors when deciding which guests to feature on the show, including their relevance and appeal to her audience.
