Get ready to laugh and rethink everything you know about park rangers, because Amplify Pictures is doubling down on self-financed TV with its latest comedy series, *Mt. Mystic*. But here’s where it gets controversial: in an era where streaming giants dominate, Amplify is betting big on indie series without a network, streamer, or distributor. Can this bold move pay off? Let’s dive in.
Amplify Pictures, the powerhouse behind HBO’s 100 Foot Wave, is making waves again with its latest venture into self-financed television. Founded by former Amazon comedy and drama executive Joe Lewis, the company is now producing Mt. Mystic, a mockumentary-style comedy series inspired by the YouTube pilot Mt. Mystic Rangers. Created by and starring Jeremiah Dunlap and Cory Quintard, the six-part series follows a hilariously dysfunctional team of park rangers navigating budget cuts, personal drama, and chaos—both natural and supernatural—in the most unpredictable state park on Earth. Think Reno 911! meets the great outdoors, but with a twist that’ll keep you hooked.
The pilot episode, which dropped on YouTube in March, has already racked up over 250,000 views, proving there’s an appetite for this kind of offbeat humor. Each episode dives into the rangers’ misadventures and existential crises as they (mostly fail to) maintain order in the bizarre Mt. Mystic State Park. With an ensemble cast featuring Beta Angarole, Josh Black, Tenea Intriago, Mindy Lopez, Robyn Quintard, and Moiba Mustapha, the show promises laughs and heart in equal measure. Directed by Dunlap and produced by Amplify Pictures and Foundry Mass, the series is set to begin production next year.
But this isn’t Amplify’s first rodeo in the self-financing arena. In October, they teamed up with Duplass Brothers Productions for the comedy crime-thriller Sleep King, directed by Jay Duplass. Last month, they partnered with Ben Schwartz and Lauren Lapkus to adapt the Funny or Die comedy The Earliest Show into a series. Amplify’s strategy is clear: take creative control and forge a new path in an industry increasingly dominated by big players.
And this is the part most people miss: Amplify’s move comes at a time when more producers are embracing self-financing. Last year, Mark Duplass sold his independently financed series Penelope to Netflix, sparking hope for others in the indie space. But is this a sustainable model, or just a risky gamble? Amplify’s CEO Joe Lewis seems to think it’s the future. “We’re thrilled to be producing Mt. Mystic with Jeremiah and Cory,” he said. “It’s hilarious, inventive, and shows how independent series can thrive on platforms like YouTube. Amplify is excited to help lead the shift as creators, digital distribution, and television start to work together to create the next generation of hits.”
Dunlap and Quintard echoed the sentiment, calling Amplify the “perfect partners” for their six-year passion project. “It feels like the perfect time for a slightly ridiculous look into the world of park rangers who dedicate their lives to protecting our beautiful parks and our right to enjoy them,” they added. With representation from Daniel Vang at 3Arts Entertainment and attorney Benjamin Rubinfeld at Ziffren Brittenham LLP, the duo is poised for success.
So, here’s the big question: Can self-financed indie series like Mt. Mystic challenge the dominance of traditional networks and streamers? Or is this just a niche experiment? Let us know what you think in the comments—we’re all ears!
