The federal government is getting into comedy, although it’s not clear yet if taxpayers will end up footing the bill.
In an exciting update, renowned actor Chris Pratt is set to star in a new educational video project that’s been funded by the government.
“It is designed to engage an international audience with America’s constitutional values.”
Birthday Celebration
The “Guardians of the Galaxy” star will feature in a series of comedic short films aimed at celebrating America’s birthday, as part of a collaboration between the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Public Diplomacy and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
As reported, the America 250 video series follows Pratt’s quest to share his enthusiasm for American history, though he soon realizes that his knowledge isn’t quite what he thought.
He isn’t going in alone—he’s getting support from historians, including Pulitzer Prize winner Doris Kearns Goodwin, who will help him navigate through historical facts and keep him on track.
Strategic Communication
The government’s initiative aims to “inform and engage foreign nationals about the United States through various means like media outreach, educational programs, and activities undertaken by U.S. embassies and consulates globally,” according to a statement.
The series has been described by its producers as a “public diplomacy effort aimed at connecting international audiences with America’s constitutional values and history through modern digital storytelling.”
The producers come from a Los Angeles-based digital media firm, ATTN:, which emphasizes making important topics better understood and accessible to wider audiences.
Co-founder and CEO Matthew Segal noted that America 250 presents a “unique diplomatic opportunity to reintroduce the stories, principles, and individuals that have shaped our nation.”
Coincidental Timing
Interestingly, while this comedy series is aiming for a more serious message, another America 250-themed show, created by Larry David, is set to release on HBO soon. Titled “Life, rallies, and the pursuit of misfortune,” it features guest stars like Jerry Seinfeld and Vince Vaughn, all while presenting outrageous tales rooted in American history.
In this show, David reprises his typical misunderstood character but in various historical situations. Fans can look forward to seeing him get worked up over his first flight, or critiquing a photograph of a soldier’s spouse during WWI trench warfare.
