The documentary series follows two first-time film directors, Shane Dawson and Anna Martemucci, who are given the opportunity to direct separate films adapted from the same original screenplay. “The Chair” will document the creation, marketing, and theatrical release of both films, and through multiplatform voting, the audience will ultimately determine which director will be awarded $250,000. Dawson is an internet superstar whose YouTube comedy channels boast more than 10 million subscribers and over a billion views. Martemucci is a writer, actor and filmmaker who co-wrote, produced and starred in the independent film “Breakup at a Wedding.” Both directors will have creative leeway to develop their respective films using their own ingenuity and distinct experience. Actor Zachary Quinto and his producing partners Corey Moosa and Neal Dodson will join Moore and the script’s original producer, Josh Shader, to serve as mentors to Dawson and Martemucci.
Shane and Anna are each seeking financing for their individual projects and it's proving difficult. Shane recruits a crew and scouts locations, while Anna experiences time-management issues and gets surprising news about an important hire.
The off-color script impacts casting and costs Shane a location, while Anna keeps producers out of a casting session.
As the teams head into their final week of pre-production, casting dilemmas loom for Anna and Shane. Table read lead to concerns about whether their individual scripts are ready for filming.
With producers hovering, Anna and Shane feel the pressure of the first day on set.
Anna has problems managing her time on set, while producers are concerned that Shane is playing it safe.
Fatigue impacts filmmakers as tension develops between Shane and his producing partner, and Anna deals with both directing and acting.
The final days of production arrive, so Shane makes a gesture that's a sign he is moving on from his You Tube persona, and Anna battles to maintain her own directing style.
Anna and Shane begin the lonely process of editing. Both filmmakers fight to stay true to their vision as they receive critiques of their work.
In the season finale, the winner is revealed after Shane receives surprising news, while Anna deals with test-screening questions, and both filmmakers turn their attention to marketing and distribution
A group of modern day Pittsburgh teenagers spend their Thanksgiving break experiencing a mixture of love, friendship, partying, and sex.
Home for Thanksgiving break after their first semester at college, five friends discover just how much things change (and don't) after high school.
