The Light Switch

A mysterious red light switch allows unsuspecting New Yorkers to turn on over 50,000 Christmas lights.
Full Story: improveverywhere.com/2015/12/0... SUBSCRIBE: bit.ly/iesub
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For our latest mission, we placed a 7-foot-tall light switch in New York City's Father Demo Square. When a random New Yorker flipped the switch, the entire square lit up with Christmas lights. In addition to lights on the trees, benches, and fences around the park, a mob of performers wearing lights wrapped around their clothes lit up as well. The performers were instructed to turn on their lights and freeze in place when the switch was flipped on.
Once again this year our Christmas video was made possible by Target. Find out more about Wonderpacks: tgt.biz/j8du
Created and Directed by Charlie Todd
improveverywhere.com/
Produced by Deverge
deverge.com/
Music: by Tyler Walker
tylerwalkermusic.com
FULL CREDITS
Created and Directed by: Charlie Todd
Executive Producers: Charlie Todd, Andrew Soltys, Justin Ayers, Juan Cocuy, Alan Aisenberg
Produced by: Andrew Soltys
Co-Producers: Aleks Arcabascio, Katie Young
Production Coordinator: Isabel Lopez
Production Manager: Dave Szarejko
Director of Photography Justin Ayers
Video Technical Director: Sarah Harrison
Camera Operators: Eric Laplante, Jon Simmons, Greg Harriott, Ben Carey, Mike Doyle, Chloe Smolkin, Spencer Thielmann
GoPro Technician: Kraig Adams
Assistant Camera: Amy Obarski, Christie Leitzell, Dan Rodenhizer
Still Photography: Arin Sang-urai
Gaffer: Ted Maroney
Best Boy Electric: Conor Murphy
Production Sound Mixer: Kyle Porter
Props Master: Zelda Vyssotsky
Props Assistant: Kat Kilcullen
Location Manager: Kristen Mink
Music: Tyler Walker
Edited by: Denis Cardineau
Assistant Editor: Ryan Connors
Post Sound Mixer: Harris Karlin
Production Assistants: Brian Bonacci, Daven Falconer, Chris Jobson, Alex Tymchak, Tom Fenaille, Rob Petrarca, Chris Kelly, Andrew Tyma, Alex Romanski, Rob Romanski, Lauren Renzulli, Carlos Morales
The Lighting Design Group: Billy Albertelli, Mike Grabowski, Aurora Warfield
Mr. Holiday Lighting: Brendan McCaffrey
Ready Set: Dan Haskett, Alex Bellerud
Special Thanks: David Gruber, Father Demo Square, Friends of Father Demo Square, Carmine Street Block Association, Our Lady of Pompeii Church, 3Phase, Anthony Henderson
Full story at Improv Everywhere
improveverywhere.com/2015/12/0...
This is one of over 100 different missions Improv Everywhere has executed over the past ten years in New York City. Others include Frozen Grand Central, the Food Court Musical, and the famous No Pants Subway Ride, to name a few. Visit our website to see tons of photos and video of all of our work, including behind the scenes information on how this video was made.
improveverywhere.com
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[@improveverywhere]

For the record, we were hoping someone would switch it on and off quickly.

[@ZepG]

+Improv Everywhere Thank you for acknowledging that, I saw the joy in those kids faces and the laughter that ensued. In no way were these kids being brats as so many people said, they were doing normal kid stuff, let kids be kids people because it doesn't last long. BTW my first thought was to flick it on and off quick and I'm almost 50!

[@geyck]

+Improv Everywhere Yup. I thought it was bound to happen

[@torontomapleleafer]

+Improv Everywhere All you needed was a bit of techno and you have yourself an instant rave. *Starts beatboxes a techno beat: Unce Unce Unce Unce Unce Unce Unce*

[@ajroses4267]

We were too. 😂

[@stopfidgetting]

+Toronto Maple Leafer Boots And Cats And Boots And Cats And....

[@improveverywhere]

Fun fact: One of the participants frozen in place eating a Cheeto every single time. His decision.

[@jimmysgameclips]

+Improv Was he okay after the two girls came along? XD

[@sonicdudeatdawn2]

waka waka waka waka waka

[@candyqueenify]

+sanicxshulk LMAO!!!!!!!!

[@macho844]

+Improv Everywhere I would never be able to

[@scoutkirby144]

Every time the light was turned on and off, I took a drink of soda. When the two girls came along, I finished my drink.

[@denique_x]

this is what I like to call a prank where you surprise people and make them happy.

[@Jatt2613]

+MC-Disent I guess that's why no one watches any of Improv Everywhere's videos, since that's all they do. Oh wait ...

[@zeusflores7339]

More like an amusement...

[@Jatt2613]

***** You really have no idea what you're talking about. Read their About page on this very channel. "Massively organized pranks in public places. We are a New York City-based prank collective that causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places."

[@kuroyuki6254]

people tend to forget that. or they're not creative enough

[@denique_x]

i say this because so many "prankers" on youtube will do things that are just unthinkable. Roman Atwood - I killed my kid, Vitaly - Ebola prank, Sam Pepper - Murdering someones best friend in front of them prank.

[@improveverywhere]

We used over 3 miles of Christmas lights on this one.

[@alittlebitintellectual7361]

Nöt Bad spreading 3 miles of glowing cable on strangers :D

[@fionabrownlow5151]

Where can I sign up to do this 😻

[@improveverywhere]

+Fiona Brownlow right here: improveverywhere.com/email-lists/

[@ashleydean5970]

+Improv Everywhere 3 miles of joy and happiness. ^-^

[@Maddie46]

+Improv Everywhere Whoa! That's crazy!

[@digitamamon3828]

i would be that person that would try to find the halfway point on the switch

[@SweRaider1993]

For some reason I still do this with my fridge door at times... :3

[@sage2168]

Sunapi Thnati YES!

[@ThatGuyWithSomeSubs]

SAME

[@seaglasssisters9459]

Sunapi Thnati same

[@sosa9220]

Bruh same

[@letzUploadit]

why is this not viral seriously

[@chandrashekarnagaraja4513]

LETZUPLOADIT good things.. Take time.. Don't you think so?? Maybe a lot of time

[@FragileBadger]

adithya shukapuri maybe next Christmas? :)

[@lestermorsink]

Because these pranks are actually fun

[@princessramonah21]

Let's make it viral this Christmas 💜😃👍

[@NoodleFlames]

There is no click bait title or thumbnail, without that it makes it hard to go viral

[@ClayburnGriffin]

It was a lot of fun being a part of this. A bit cold, but still fun!

[@improveverywhere]

+Clayburn Griffin Thanks for being a part of it Clayburn!

[@Novak2611]

+Clayburn Griffin how much time did you stay their ?

[@Novak2611]

+Clayburn Griffin how much time did you stay their ?

[@ClayburnGriffin]

Username It was about 4 hours total, but only 2 spent outside in the park during the event.

[@Tainami_]

Your lucky it's cold during Christmas, here In New Zealand it's summer 😔

[@AlejandroXFilms]

Dear KZbin Pranksters, This is how you prank people. Not with harassment nor hurting anyone but with happiness. Happy Holidays

[@kakakayce9542]

AlejandroXFilms kill em with kindness! 😁😊

[@shimmySchermerhorn-dk1gi]

Kind, generous, and a good sport. Give it a try !

[@bre4kd0wn1]

You make them confused and then laughed, not abused and then be laughed at.

[@sealdew5348]

I always hated those so caled pranks where they just take it too far *cough*

[@saloosh777]

I knew some annoying kid was going to start switching the light on and off quickly.

[@SHODAN-TriOptimum]

You are pathetic

[@uiomi]

+saloosh777 They're just having fun...they're children

[@ZVEKOfficial]

Well fun has its limits too. No one should fuck around with lights like that. The parents are at fault here not the kids

[@Rexoris]

+Uiomi Might have to be careful for people who have epilepsy

[@ChrisPMuffin]

+saloosh777 Lol i wanted to do it too XD

[@adele2952]

...I can't be the only one who'd be like "On! Off! On! Off!" for ages.

[@adele2952]

Aaaand as I watched a few seconds more, those 2 girls did it. Do excuse me.

[@adamwalker7754]

You're annoying fuck

[@Jaydon05]

Yeah and keep on dreaming Riada!

[@starstrangledmanwithaplan8148]

@@adamwalker7754 Learn how to spell, Adam. You're a disgrace to humanity.

[@OndrikusMC]

Jacksfilms would love that

[@nickzadrafieha5940]

you stole my comment

[@OndrikusMC]

jacksfilms

[@CopperSucks]

Lmao

[@Jamaleum]

Damn it to late!

[@romansoldier813]

Beat me to it by 2 hours.

[@micwang]

I was one of the people who signed up for this project but wasn't selected to participate. It looked like so much fun, I wish I could have been there!

[@improveverywhere]

+micwang Thanks! There will be more soon I hope!

[@michaelsos8327]

Still have hope...

[@omnia9348]

Michael SoS still?

[@harshbirbrar2830]

yup still should

[@hasmituchil5214]

@@harshbirbrar2830 Still?

[@NickEh30]

Lol everyone is commenting about the "annoying" kid. Fun fact: I'm 20 years old and I would've done the exact same thing haha!

[@l_miester456]

Nick Eh 30 Whoa I didn't expect to see you in this comment section! I hope you see this cause i agree with you :)

[@user-vz3ms7fj1v]

Not “haha”.. they are annoying.

[@EmmaMarieThomas]

UGH I WAS THERE AND THEY SAID IT WAS FOR A STUDENT PROJECT AND I DIDN'T SEE THE LIGHT SWITCH AND I JUST DON'T HAVE ANY WORDS TO DESCRIBE HOW I AM FEELING

[@improveverywhere]

+Emma Marie Thomas haha, sorry about that Emma. Join our email list and come out on the next one! improveverywhere.com/email-lists/

[@mr.bluesky1683]

H dude poggers!

[@sweet_sounds_asmr]

@@improveverywhere I just signed up!!!! cant wait lol

[@JoeytheJoeyX3]

Some videos are pranks, some videos are jokes, but this... it kind of just makes everyone there smile. And that's pretty special. Good on you guys and gals.

[@fy8776]

Early! Time to make a pun That was a bright idea, got me light-headed

[@nickzadrafieha5940]

this video turns me on

[@aali7742]

Let me bring the light in your lives and give your face that shine

[@fy8776]

+Nickzad Rafieha I might switch sides..

[@sartanko]

Your comments are enlightening!

[@adflicto1]

I'm deLighted

[@MestizoFilipino]

Yes! haha I;m glad those girls just went on off on off haha I was hoping someone would do that hehe

[@michaelwang6325]

Yes, that was my favorite part! Made me laugh.

[@Super-jr2pc]

Yes

[@Dominik-td9pd]

Nooooo! It was totally annoying

[@samaiyah3387]

@@Dominik-td9pd no u

[@user-vz3ms7fj1v]

Very annoying..

[@linasuperdina994]

For some reason this almost made me cry. You gus are awesome. All pranks should be like this

[@remys927]

linasuperdina Me too I don't know why! :)

[@mind_11]

Those kids who were flipping the switch had the right idea :D

[@iDevil360]

Jacksfilms, anyone?

[@-Dezhen]

Same thought m8

[@nth460]

+iDeViL360 you literally had the exact same fucking idea as me, I commented exactly that just now before scrolling down.

[@kittycake1294]

iDeViL360 Me 😂

[@shaggar]

From which video have you guys come?

[@fionn4252]

Sagar S none, it's a meme. jack has a light switch meme

[@VivaLaSky]

Came for the inevitable child that would start flicking the light up and down... was not disappointed

[@baileycohen7775]

This is my favorite Improv Everywhere video. The whole thing feels truly magical in a way that only christmas can feel, and the laughter and joy in both the kids and adults faces were like the icing on the cake. Keep doing what you're doing Improv!

[@WeddingFilmSchool]

Happy to have helped with the go pros!

[@AndrewBarsky]

Genuine smiles, genuine joy. Our world could use much more of this.

[@samagrasingh1418]

0:42 lucky guy to freez in that pose xD

[@CloudiaTsang]

I absolutely love this improv! It was so magical, and the children that got to witness, and play with the switch will probably remember this magical moment for the rest of their lives. :)

[@angelahomic5249]

This was incredibly fun, so glad we were able to be a part of it - LOVED every second!

[@brandenadams701]

I woulda tried to make the switch Balance in the middle

[@jbprasad4477]

Are u trying to make an electric shock?? Lol😂

[@AsitorCorporation]

I knew some young kids would be irritating like that at the end. Nobody seemed to care, but I'm sure inside they all wanted to slap them after the fifth time.

[@saloosh777]

+Captain Capellini I knew some annoying kid was going to start switching the light on and off quickly as soon as the video started lmao

[@AsitorCorporation]

Yeah I saw it coming, I didn't think they would keep going. Annoying spoiled children.

[@MAAZ_Music]

Srsly those kid gave cancer

[@ribby9069]

+Mr. EGG you have no soul. I thought it was cute.

[@mariusperiwinkle6587]

What? They are just playful! They are kids! If I had the opportunity I would do the same.

[@Kasino80]

The smiles on people's faces are priceless. Love love love their reactions.

[@Racingirl911]

LMAO!!! I wondered what you would do if a kid came along and started flipping the switch off and on several times. I totally lost it when it actually DID happen!! I can't get enough of your videos!! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!

[@1Ripstik]

I would totally be the girl at 1:52

[@AsitorCorporation]

Sooo you're admitting you're an ass?

[@syaza01]

same

[@ribby9069]

+Cameron McIver yep :)

[@ribby9069]

+Captain Capellini You have no sense of humour... This wasn't some kind of super serious performance art.... They weren't 'spoiling' it.

[@mariusperiwinkle6587]

+Captain Capellini You must be fun at parties

[@Doc937]

You guys always put a smile on my face. Been tough recently with things and this really brightened my day.

[@TheSavant23]

It brings me to tears to see how easiely you can make people happy, laugh and smile and that there are people out there who put the affort to making those amazing things...I adore your videos and wish you all the best things in the world - thanks for everything

[@janirwin2862]

I would love for my grandson, Maximus, to do this! He is severely disabled, deaf, legally blind, but he love switching light switches on and off. His absolutely favorite pastime. This is awesome.

[@sindyhernandez5713]

I couldn't help but smile every time someone flipped the switch. I love these videos.

[@Ceruin]

1:50 *light . exe stopped working*

[@vvvhhhii]

The best thing about this is how happy everyone is made

[@DrPotatoMD]

Just in case you haven't heard it before - your group makes the world a better place. Keep it up and help people understand what it means to be alive.

[@Damaris1034]

So nice to see people doing something to make others smile. Needed to see this today. Thank you for all you do.

[@beeblesheep]

I feel like you guys make a lot of people so happy, and I love that. Thanks for doing what you do! ^-^

[@Poncho5rc]

I approve this video.

[@AudioTestsNReviews]

Fake. lol

[@Poncho5rc]

ATNR. Thanks, DAD!

[@cardiacmyxoma4073]

This channel honestly brings joy to my heart. Thank you for all you do.

[@1971speedbump]

My favorite thing about watching I.E. videos is seeing adults faces light up like children.😊

[@CaptainZhariff]

the two little kids are my fav xD On off on off on off on off on off on off on off

[@MAAZ_Music]

I hate those kids

[@SHODAN-TriOptimum]

+Mr. EGG you seem to have a serious problem, so why don't you just fuck off.

[@CaptainZhariff]

Chill, i dont want any fight to occur here huhu

[@MAAZ_Music]

Eric Cartman well no one likes ur reply and some people agree with me so u can stfu

[@SHODAN-TriOptimum]

Mr. EGG dosn't matter, you said you would punsh those kids,m so someone has to tell you and everyone who thinks this is right to fuck off.

[@ribby9069]

Wow... So many of you are being massive jerks about those two little girls... What is wrong with y'all? The fact that they're in the thumbnail suggests that Improv Everywhere doesn't agree with you.

[@OGPatriot03]

+Ribby What would the channel "agreeing" with anyone have to do with anything? Now I agree they're being harsh but I just don't understand why you mentioned that last bit. Be self determining in life.

[@ribby9069]

Patriot 03 Well because they were all acting like it's obvious and everyone would agree that the kids were being awful, I was just pointing out that not everyone would

[@OGPatriot03]

***** That makes no sense.

[@notallwhowanderarelost548]

Patriot 03 I think Ribby is saying that people think the kids are being rude/disrespectful/annoying, but Improv Everywhere was okay with it. People didn't meed to react the way they did. Why am I responding this was 2 years ago.

[@johneastmond9092]

The kids rapidly flipping on and off was something I was totally predicting! Elegantly, you designed for that. Nice touch!

[@howedelamitri]

Thank you for making the world a happier place! I see real social value in gestures like this

[@KatchRocketman]

The kids at the end were the best part.

[@compilethemVines]

How i wish i could be part of this. This channel is beautiful

[@SteelmanChristmas]

"girl frantically turns lights on and off" Me: This was bound to happen eventually. Yes same.

[@chelseacyc3734]

This is so amazing, seeing all the lights, smiling faces and happy kids is just so beautiful!

[@kidohx]

Look at the smile on the people's faces :D

[@glencoconut]

2:15 THIS KID

[@Thaedryk]

I found myself with an idiotic grin on my face by the end of this video. Thanks, I really needed that.

[@vg6774]

I've been using KZbin for years and I watch all sorts of interesting stuff, but have never once in my life subscribed to anyone till today you are the first

[@AudioTestsNReviews]

1:56 Am I the FIRST one to notice people constantly teleporting between point A and point B inside the park?

[@hackjilton]

I thought this was a Jacksfilms video when I read the title

[@tyslady]

I love seeing the delight in everybody's eyes! Thank you Improv Everywhere!

[@faolanthealpha5827]

I love when everyone flips the switch they have a child like sense of wonder in their eyes.

[@MadCatAttack123]

The thing I love about this channel: Even someone as cynical and pessimistic as me cannot find a single negative thing about these videos. PS. Must... resist... urge to smile...

[@reversal]

I thought the guy at 0:51 was FouseyTube.

[@EricaElly]

+Reversal | Boom Beach & Clash Of Clans lol me too for a sec

[@JadenJFilms]

+Reversal | Boom Beach & Clash Royale I thought it was at first too. He could seriously be a convincing doppelganger though.

[@Dragolfy]

OMG This was so beautiful and amazing! Loved it! Thank you Target and Improv Everywhere! ^^

[@Hello-tp3xd]

This channel puts in real work. Amazing job!!

[@sionmarak1916]

This is the best.

[@gw5479]

"a light switch" Jacksfilms.

[@paradisewon]

One of the biggest things I miss about living in NYC is being part of all the fun Improve Everywhere "missions". You guys need to come to Boston!!

[@NY2Vegas]

Thanks for bringing smiles and joy to everyday NYer's lives and those who visit the city. I wonder if there is an Improv Everywhere here in Las Vegas (where I just moved)

[@joycezhang6633]

wish my life was like this....

[@nataliescott4697]

+Joyce. Z same!! lol

[@SalamanderMagic]

Jacksfilms would be annoyed hahaha

[@AudioTestsNReviews]

Why? lol. What's up with so many people thinking Jack would have such an intense reaction to this?

[@SalamanderMagic]

+ATNR. Its a big joke his fans play on him. Any chance they get they say something about a light switch and its been going on for a couple months now

[@AudioTestsNReviews]

Good to know lool, I need to watch Jacksfilms much more often

[@SP3NC3RXD]

You guys should've had an explosion and electric effect for when people keep flipping the switch non-stop to make them think they fucked it up xD

[@theemilygabrielle]

I love how everyone ends up smiling as they watch! This was awesome!

[@justinzhen8543]

WHAT IF ITS THE DETONATOR FOR A BOMB

[@Mr.5ame]

Improv Everywhere! (In New York)

[@yeceniahernandez7297]

I just can't stop smiling when I watch these videos

[@red2121]

Their looks of joy were so pure

[@chinesemimi]

I would have done what the two kids have done at the end, I'm an adult. Why does everyone hate me ):

[@adamwalker7754]

Mish. Michelle maybe because you're irresponsible childish fuck

[@realmserver-mcbeforce5256]

@@adamwalker7754 no. Flicking the switch on and off doesn't mean that it only can be done by kids because they see it fun. The adults also do this sometimes, they are no age limits for that action. If you like to do that then expect doing it. If you wish not, then stop being a kill joy. She wished to do it because she wants to do it. Tf do u care if she wants to do that? Quit being a dumb person who responded a nonsense bs. Only a uneducated bs would respond like a brat.

[@fusionXTR18]

who else fell for the girl at 1:10 when she giggled ?

[@joshg9745]

Never a disapointing video. :) Your work is always great.

[@man_on_wheelz]

This was brilliant! Anything to make the kids happy is always awesome! They're never gonna stop talking about this one haha!

[@TheMinecraftMan4Ever]

+jacksfilms

[@jacob7960]

+MolotovPiggy lolol!

[@mountainmonkey15]

🚫Happy Holidays🚫 ✔️Merry Christmas✔️

[@GBart]

+You Can't Stop Us Christians You mean Happy Saturnalia.

[@GBart]

+You Can't Stop Us Christians Or Yule

[@SalamanderMagic]

The fuck is wrong with happy holidays. The people who say that instead of merry christmas are just trying to respect everyone because they dont know someones religion. Theyre just trying to be a nice person

[@hannahuddleston8350]

You mean happy pagan holiday rip-off

[@GBart]

Do Christians even have any original holidays? They ripped everything off from Pagans ...of course, those pagan sects ripped off earlier cults, and they ripped off even earlier traditions, etc. because every new idea is really just two or more old ideas put together.

[@ivetalad9263]

It's such a brilliant idea! I shared this with all of my friends cause you guys deserve more views.

[@kenheart7096]

This channel deserves a 10 million subscribers because of a lot of effort

[@xXanimapleXx]

everyone needs to live a little, y'all act like the 2 girls at the end murdered a person.

[@BboyChileVerde]

god damn why does everyone hate kids in the comments?

[@Sam-tf9ip]

They are just kids. Most of them would have done that too.

[@someperson3154]

They didn't have childhoods. Sad sad people

[@lapis.lazuli0]

I love you Improv Everywhere.You really bring happiness to everyone ^-^

[@thelostrouge9226]

Those girls turning it on and off again was awesome and hilarious!

[@OneHellOfANight]

And of course there are some shitty kids who have nothing better to do than keep switching it...

[@xmiax5712]

OneHellOfANight calm down they hoped someone would do that

[@samaiyah3387]

How is that shitty they are having fun

[@ai-qk3vu]

Their smiles are precious and amazing. 😄

[@aaliyahbrooks1073]

Thanks Improv Everywhere for putting a smile on people face :-)

[@Ricky-ke5qc]

I seriously crying out of joy because of their smiles

[@shebagal12]

The smiles on the people's faces were so precious :3

[@redrock3751]

Wow this so great.Thank you Improv Everywhere for sharing this.

[@JosephDavies]

That was delightful. The looks of pure wonder and joy on their faces make events like this the best ones to watch. :D

[@laracroft003]

Those little blond girls flicking the switch on and off at the end were the best!!

[@jurassicsushi]

Made me Smile ~ Happy Holidays Everyone' Be super thankful for what you have & don't worry about what you don't have. Be Well.

[@aripocki]

This is the new kind of magic. Someone once said that magic isn't about defying death or being gross - it's about creating a sense of wonder and amazement. This is magic! Imagine the feeling as you turn on all the lights in a park!

[@OAleathaO]

This is so similar to what the crew of _Just For Laughs_ does. So nice that everyone has fun, no one gets hurt and everyone has a good laugh in the end.

[@AnneloesF]

The two girls in the end...so much fun! It reminded me of being that age :-D You were all such good sports. And it was a beautiful display.