The Table || FilmCow Audio Theater

[@filmcow]

Hello everyone, a few important notes! First of all, if using the KZbin Mobile app I highly recommend clicking the gear symbol, then clicking “Additional settings” and turning off “Stable volume” for the optimum audio experience. Second, this is ultimately a comedy production but there are a number of dark subject matters that come up, so content warning for: alcoholism, depression, brief discussions of an accidental drowning (specifically of someone’s adult daughter), guns, and Christian cults. The Table is a story about many things, and one of those things is the ways in which an artist may become haunted by their own art. It’s a highly metaphorical, exaggerated, and ultimately very silly portrayal of that sort of haunting, as well as the ways in which said haunting can amplify other personal struggles. This is all to say that art is, sometimes, exactly like a spooky ghost. I have a pretty good relationship with my own art these days, but on some nights I swear I can still see a shimmering presence floating upon the gusty moors… Robert Benfer was the perfect star for this sort of project, as he and I both grew our art on the same platforms at the same time, and we have both had similar successes and failures. He is one of my favorite artists and performers, and his performance in The Table is maybe my favorite thing we’ve collaborated on. The Table’s Robert is not the real Robert, and The Table’s Jason is not the real Jason. They are beings unkindly filtered through a sinister lens for a mundane purpose: to create the world’s most inscrutable Klay World fan fiction. I hope you enjoy! If you’re not familiar with Robert’s work and find yourself not understanding some of the references, here are a few of his projects mentioned in The Table: Klay World: Pancake Mines kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqfUm32wqsaBiac Klay World: Secret Sniper kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6Cvq4pnhNaplZo Klay World: Giant Klayman kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqjUZmVqorF-n7c Klay World: All Gone kzbin.info/www/bejne/omPEqoF3e8iNqcU Benfer Time Episode 4 kzbin.info/www/bejne/poDWnX59r7iiadE Job Interview kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2HZd4d9ga6CiqM One more thing! While working on this project I got the chance to talk with Robert longer than we had in years, and one of the things we talked about was the failed release of the Klay World Complete DVD Set. In 2013 Robert began working on the finale to his long-running series Klay World, titled “All Gone.” Around the same time he began taking pre-orders for a complete DVD set of the series, which was to include the finale. I myself was one of the people who pre-ordered that set! Production on “All Gone” took considerably longer than he expected, and the extended production time, combined with changes in his living situation and life, began to drain the money he had set aside to produce the DVDs. I ran into a similar problem with the Detective Heart of America movie-because production went so over schedule, by the time it was finished I no longer had the cash to produce a number of the promised Kickstarter rewards. I was lucky to have very good credit at the time, and I was able to solve that problem by taking out a personal loan and using it to deliver all of the promised rewards. Robert attempted to solve his own problem in a number of ways, including by doing more pre-orders, but he never ended up with enough cash to place the bulk-order required to get the DVDs printed. He held on to all of the finished assets and order information, but ultimately could not deliver on what people had purchased. While working on The Table I came to the realization that I could help him finally make good on those orders. I’ve manufactured and shipped more than 13 thousand pieces of FilmCow merchandise over the life of the channel, and sales were good enough this holiday season that I’m able to cover Robert’s cash deficit and personally print and ship those Klay World DVDs. Given the many years that have passed I imagine most people have moved since pre-ordering, so if you were one of the people who pre-ordered the Klay World Complete Series please send an e-mail to: klayworldshipping at gmail dot com Include whatever proof-of-purchase you might still have (screenshots of your order confirmation e-mail or PayPal transaction, etc) along with the address you’d like your DVD set mailed to. If you no longer have any sort of proof-of-purchase I can check your name against the list. I’m currently in the process of manufacturing the DVDs and plan to begin shipping in January (although it might take a few months to get the entire lot shipped!) I'm also working out how to best do a larger announcement about this. I love the Klay World series, and although it’s years late I’m excited to help finally give its biggest fans the collection they ordered. JANUARY UPDATE: The DVD sets have all been mailed to everyone who got in touch. I'll be keeping the e-mail address open for anyone seeing the news late.

[@ABlackRainbow]

Holy shit, I was familiar with the whole saga. A lot of people were super pissed, thinking the whole DVD fiasco was an intentional scam. Hearing what actually happened, that makes a lot more sense, and serious props for finally working to get those people what they bought. I sincerely hope Robert is doing well for himself nowadays, he was a big influence on me when I was younger, and I know he was for a lot of other creators as well.

[@Grand_History]

This is a very good thing you’re doing. Robert benfer was the first person I subscribed to on KZbin, and through a video blog he made traveling to see some KZbin friends, I was introduced to your channel and you were the second channel I subscribed to. That was maybe 16 years ago, insane how the time flies. I was a big fan of Klay world and I never bought the box set but I bought the Off the Table movie. Mine delivered just fine. But I heard of the issues with fans not getting their orders delivered, and that ruined their and my view of Robert. I’m happy to see him involved in video making against however, and it’s great that you’re setting things right. Everyone deserves a chance at redemption. Would love to see him return to making content in the future.

[@LastResortHumor]

That’s really cool that you’re doing that!

[@Squadalahman]

With all sincerity, thank you for this, my day was rather glum but listening to this brought me back to a time when life was simpler, brought me back to the skits you 2 would do on the old knoxkast podcast, but leagues better and with excellent royalty free sound design! I was one of the many people that felt scammed back in the day, it eventually left my headspace until a little while ago which soured my opinion of Robert all over again, but knowing what's transpired, and that I may actually receive the collection is blowing my mind, you're a good person, and here's hoping everything works out. 🙂

[@Keldorah]

I was only tangentially aware of Klay World, but it does warm my heart seeing you help out a friend clear his name like this, and help him give quite a send-off to his series, after the end. Very Llamas With Hats aftermath vibes, but perfectly tailored to the content. I did not expect this kind of story to feel heart warming, but it really was. Kudos to all involved, hopefully with all the DVDs sent out the Table will be sated.

[@RegularTetragon]

I am infinitely happy hearing you two in audio drama format. You both had an massive impact on my childhood, sense of humor, and career. Knoxkast and Chaos Pony are ingrained into my soul. On that note this audio drama is delightful, and the thought of no follow up is repugnant 💖💖💖💖

[@filmcow]

Thank you so much! I am very happy with how it turned out and definitely plan on doing more projects like this in the future.

[@FunkMcLovin]

Im glad someone else knows about Chaos Pony.

[@johne2404]

I loved this! All the meta references worked into the fictionalized version of Jason (obsession with royalty-free music, sound libraries, etc) and that beautiful piano interlude to mark the passage of a year. Great writing, acting, and -- of course -- sound design! Now I absolutely have to check out Klay World and see all the stuff I missed.

[@fissionphoenix4995]

Fantastic work on every aspect of this. I really would love to see (hear) more stories made like this by this whole crew.

[@filmcow]

Thank you! The views aren't great but I love the format and it's a good way for me to do long-form writing projects without them taking years to produce. And the whole voice cast really knocked it out of the park.

[@SeanStClair-cr9jl]

The art is worth it! Listened to the whooole thing. ⭐⭐ for me@@filmcow

[@SANs-u5j]

@@filmcowI love your work especially lamas with hats I see the humor

[@jadenedaj]

THATS OUR ROBERT

[@lukekirkpatrick3668]

Almost 20 years since “The Library,” wow. Great work, I would love to see more of these audio stories (if you’d enjoy making them), but I know they wouldn’t do numbers like the animations. The “Steele-Benfer Audio” arc has to be one of the most niche things on the Internet that I have been a fan of.

[@Lamp8799]

Thank you Jason and Robert for making another thing together, your duo is a uniuqe and special one, and the videos and podcasts you've made have brought me laughs since like 2007. I hope you guys do some more collaborative work, even if it's not for a while again.

[@ArtezzGaming]

I laughed really hard at the royalty free music on the phone bit hahaha

[@SongsandActs]

One day Jason will be heralded as one of the great American artists.

[@xaark]

This Robert guy has potential

[@aestevalis0]

This is the best Christmas present I could ever get. Thank you, Jason.

[@EyelashSnail]

Missed your guys collabs so much. Was an avid listener of Knoxkast and Chaos Pony back in the day.

[@TheThundercow]

I dont think I know of an artist that can touch so many different mediums but still maintain an iconic style. This was exactly what I needed to fall asleep after a stressful Christmas.

[@AnAngryMonk]

KNOX'S KORNER IS BACK LETS GO

[@jansonshrock2859]

That was my first thought when seeing the thumbnail too

[@zanspancakes1913]

Seeing Klay World on the thumbnail was a nostalgic whiplash

[@LimeyLassen]

Yes! It's back, you know.

[@zacharyjordan399]

Came here after Titanic II, these audio theatre projects are so up my alley. Love this stuff, shame they don't do the same numbers as the animations! But know that we appreciate the work you put into these.

[@jasonstucker2102]

I got really sucked in. Thanks Jason, Robert, Scuffy and more!

[@ethanreynolds4942]

I deeply hope there is more content like this from Jason and peeps. This is such an amazing little project with so much good stuffed into it.

[@Atombombz7]

Wow the nostalgia. This is amazing.

[@SiinTV]

Sokwispy here! I love this, please make another, this was a real treat! Thank you for making this.

[@filmcow]

I’m glad you liked it! It was a great project to work on and I’m definitely going to do similar stuff in the future.

[@SiinTV]

@@filmcow I love hearing that. It was very well written and hit on different levels. I can't wait to see what what else is to come.

[@crisis_ishere9522]

Jason I’m 22 minutes and love this already your an amazing visual storyteller AND YOI BROUGHT BACK SOMEONE THAT IVE BEEN WANTING TO HEAR FROM FOR SO LONG great video thank you

[@chrisstevens2]

Wow, Robert Benfer. What a Christmas treat! Klay World is a KZbin legend!

[@EricGudmundson-n3j]

Totally. A Yotube and Newgrounds legend.

[@PuncakeLena]

Oh so this is what you needed all those sound effects for

[@polymerspammer]

HOLY CRAP THIS IS INCREDIBLE I AM A HUGE FAN OF ROBERTS WORK

[@EricGudmundson-n3j]

Yeah me too man

[@OneSecretPerson]

I listened to this a week ago but only just remembered to say how much I enjoyed it! This is one of my favorite spooky ghost stories yet to be honest. Robert Benfer also gave a very good performance throughout! The setting of this cult compound was described in an engaging way too, and I liked the depiction of it throughout. The ensuing cult that forms under Robert is so good too. It's both very funny but still felt pretty damn sinister, especially considering how many minor celebrities basically wind up forming "cults of personality" like this except way-less on the nose. Like I found the scenes where Connor first arrives at the compound and the sermon to be very funny, but I still felt uneasy with it too. Overall this conflict kept the story very engaging for me. Also I loved the way podcast character Jason talked to everyone too, especially his first phone call to Connor and how he establishes their "familiarity." Then near the ending when Jason shows up at the compound, I just loved the way that dialogue played out. The de-escaloratory way Podcast Jason talked with Robert was very funny. And also your voice performance was great here, with the bits of nervousness in the tone of voice while still trying to act non-chalant about the whole "shooting people from a helicopter" deal playing out. Anyway I'll stop rambling, this was super fun. Thanks for making this Audio Show!

[@lymb3914]

This was wonderful and very inspirational to me as an aspiring creator, but I can also tell it was deeply personal for both you and Robert in ways I'll never understand. I respect this project very much, thank you ❤

[@crustman5839]

Robert Benfer liked one of my tweets and it was the highlight of my life

[@crocky_1]

This was absolutely phenomenal. Hilarious, captivating, and beautifully vibrant. I don't normally listen to Audio Theater stuff, but this was amazing because it was so easy to picture what was happening - thanks to the marvelous sound design, it all sounded so good and real! I laughed every time Robert drank the snoop wine because seriously that glugging sound was insanely grotesque! The story was great and all the voice acting (especially Connor's) was authentic and believable!! This was incredible and wonderfully written. Fantastic work! 10/10

[@robertwagstaff1126]

Sometimes I pretend that, when Robert's talking to the table, he's actually talking to me, and we're best friends.

[@TheAdv0cate42]

As a lifelong knoxcast listener and clay world viewer this piece was masterful and I loved and giggled through every moment of it. Thank you guys for making this :3 Robert, I hope you are doing well and it was so great to hear your voice again doing something silly and horrifying for us :)

[@loganj.9482]

I'm glad we're finally getting more from the "Month of" series from Jason. I wasn't expecting a prequel, but I'll take it.

[@WakingUpThirsty]

Always loved Robert's work; I still remember you and him trying to make the deep sea fishing bit work in your podcast all those years ago. :')

[@TheQueso67]

This was such a cool thing to hear after listening to Knoxkast when I was like, 13. Except this was so much better in every regard. Please do more.

[@arthilleusnemu4272]

Amazing! Awesome to hear Robert again, hope you guys can do more together in the future. Really like the audio experience! Also really cool of you Jason to take care of Robert's DVD problem. I can understand that sometimes in life we run in situations where we see no good solutions and as a fan, now that it's cleared up, I just want Robert to get back to making us laugh!

[@fissionphoenix4995]

I wish this had more than 15k views. Algorithm, go!

[@BakaBroadcast]

I think I am the only Film Cow fan who had to go and search out what the hell Klay World was 😂. Enjoyed the audio theatre style though, certainly played to many of the Filmcow strengths and was beautifully executed. If they're easier to produce, I would be excited for more of these! :)

[@johne2404]

Same. I delved into the whole Klay World dvd fiasco too. Really sad what happened and now many of his fans think he is a scummy scam artist. Glad Jason could set the record straight and even take on the financial burden of making things right so many years later. I just wish it was more widely known that it wasn't an intentional scam. Still, from what I can gather Robert shot himself in the foot by not communicating better.

[@lindsaycanham9836]

@@johne2404 Just found this video now, I was one of the few caught up in the fiasco. While I understand now it was not an intentional scam, I agree it was really shitty thing to just leave us on hook. I made multiple attempts to try and contact him privately and then went online to ask for any sort of communication. While I wasn't hounding him, maybe 3 posts total, all my questions ended up getting deleted and I got banned from his socials. If he had said he was in a tough place, heck I might have paid more to help get it done, but all I got was silence and a ban so it was pretty dirty of him. And after that he kept trying to do more pre-sales of more box sets for years after, it just looked like he was trying to get as much suckers as possible. I do feel bad for the guy, but all he had to do was just talk. Feeling a bit better now today learning that after 11 years I might finally be able to get that box set. It was originally going to be a 2013 Christmas gift for my boyfriend who was a huge fan. I think he'll still be happy to get it.

[@Redbook6]

Man I would love to hear more of this kind of stuff!

[@TheGamingPolitician]

Robert making a cameo in “Shadowstone Park” gave me hope for his return. I’m 15 mins in and loving this. Common Benfer W

[@Suchomimus65]

Laughed out loud several times. So good to hear Robert and Connor, always loved their stuff.

[@Sainty-0]

It took me a while to get around to listening to, but man this is REALLY good.

[@DementedDuskull]

I recently watched all of Klay World just cuz, and I didn't realize this video existed 'til now, and I am being weirdly rewarded for my media literacy by listening to this, since I happen to know enough about Klay World to get it.

[@adamsuniverse]

A Jason Steele & Robert Benfer Audio Skit in 2023? Pinch me, I'm dreaming.

[@ArtezzGaming]

this is absolutely lovely. I had a very fun time with this

[@rikolasdf]

Jason, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love this. It gave me vivid flashbacks to Christmas break 2006, when you guys dropped KnoxKast Episode 30: Operation Santa. I was 12 and my world basically revolved around you and Robert and your content and forums. I hear so much KnoxKast in this piece. I discovered Knox’s videos on Newgrounds in 2004 when I was in 4th grade, and to say I was obsessed would be an understatement. I had my own ✨klay table✨ and I made several clay animations of my own. I had many of my inaugural experiences with the internet through your and Robert’s forums during the ensuing years. I often tell people I grew up on your forum, and I was truly obsessed with KnoxKast in particular. It was the first podcast I ever heard, and I’m still a big podcast enjoyer. I’m almost 30 now, and my sense of humor to this day is highly influenced by you in particular. It was pretty disheartening learning of the situation with the Klay World DVD in the last several years. I looked up to you guys more than anyone back then, and it kinda soured the memories to learn that Robert had effectively scammed people, so even though I wasn’t one of affected people, for you to have resolved the situation the way you have means so much to me. KZbin makes it really hard to type long comments on mobile so I’m gonna leave it there. Thanks again Jason.

[@chairshoe81]

maaan i miss robert posting stuff.

[@pacotaco1246]

It hasnt been the same since Robert Benfer up and died for our sins

[@jadenedaj]

He streams on twitch sometimes

[@MajoraWaffle]

fr tho what is he up to atm

[@Robert_Benfer]

I’m uploading to KZbin regularly again really soon!

[@chairshoe81]

@@Robert_Benfer Ive been watching your stuff since the matrix dubs, used to make my own clay men when i was a wee tot back in like 2005. i hope youre doing well, everything youve made has meant a lot to me and tons of other people

[@HoovyFilms]

God I miss your podcast. I still vividly remember the Twisty Treat thing you did similar to this. I'd love to see you two do more of this or even just bring the podcast back in the future! Also I thought Robert died or something, glad to see he's alive.

[@Lucas43434]

Knoxkast and Chaos Pony were amazing. The long form skits were so entertaining. This is the throwback I needed.

[@cruxreturns]

Shoutout to 'The Library'

[@BrenJeebus]

Holy fuck a Christmas miracle. What an incredible friend and artist Jason is. So happy and excited to listen to this so many years after so many relistens of the KKR audio plays. (I still think about The Library to this day) Also just love Roberts storied history as an artist online getting some more closure through art. All Gone was fantastic, but this makes me smile even more.

[@Brantdrangus8489]

That was awesome. I gotta go get me some Fiilm Cow Royalty free samples

[@iismouse]

Wonderful work Jason, reminded me of The Shining! Great to see you and Robert working together again

[@themultifish]

I never expected another radio production from these two. I devoured the Knoxkast when I was younger - the first podcast I ever really listened to unless you count pre-podcast boom radio dramas. Episodes like "The Library" where you strayed towards more improv radio drama always stuck with me, and have been foundational in my taste in media. Excited to give this a listen and see the two of you working together again! I also love how you included links in the description to some of Benfer's early work - it's always great to see artists get metatextual and reflective on their own work in new productions.

[@BunkerFox]

That's Our Robert!

[@daytwaqua]

Who's the guy running 'round, having fun in the sun? Who's the guy with the cult compound? That's our Robert!

[@Maddok3d]

I already commented but I came back to say in more detailed that the audio effects were wonderfully atmospheric and it was an absolute joy to hear Robert and Jason's voices together again as a fan of both who used to fall asleep to KnoxKast and Chaos Pony. Connor too obviously, he was amazing, RIP. Hilarious line delivery from everybody and I love how twisted but absolutely goofy your works always are.

[@ethanreynolds4942]

Clay world! ITS BACK!! thank you so much jason and crew. This was such an awesome listen!

[@michaelmaage]

Can't believe it's actually back. I have waited so long.

[@MoreLikeMagicMan]

This was a masterpiece

[@markgaydosh4249]

I never would have expected to listen to something like this, but I found it surprising and intriguing.

[@CyborgX7]

Damn, I need to come back to this when I have the time, and the right conditions.

[@carolime13]

THE TABLE! now i get it! this is a lovely piece of audio engineering. great work all around

[@Thefrogking15]

This was a beautiful extra sendoff to klayworld, i couldnt have wished for anything better

[@BathroomTile]

Holy shit, I was in Robert's stream when him and Jason were casually joking about making something like this. I remember them talking about making a whole movie about Robert and something about him being a cult leader or something. Crazy how it was just like a few months ago, if that long.

[@PandaMoniumReviews]

Needless to say, this was very well done. Thanks for making this.

[@jumpysalmon]

Wow! Blown away! The sound is incredible!

[@seaandstone1]

I saw Knox's lil clay guy and happy memories from a decade ago came flooding back. Well done.

[@talljoke]

Thank you for this unsettling piece of work!

[@jovishark]

i think besides being a masterpiece, this audio drama is a very good representation of early youtubers and the way fame affects you. it makes a really good point about how the way things that were largely received by a public can stick with you for decades after the fact. i could say more but i need to go listen to this again and again and again. theres a million little details in here that i enjoy so much. roberts delivery feels just like a casual guy having a good time. its so fun!

[@Friesnchip]

I didn't know what to expect going in, but what an experience; I was gripped the entire duration. Would love to see more in this format, great work to all involved.

[@Armadill0h]

Cannot WAIT to experience this after Christmas.

[@Trinst777]

Excellent work to everyone involved!

[@baba_beda]

this found me in such a perfect moment (post christmas hang out baked in the dark of my room with two candles and a creaky old warehouse) thank you so much it was beautiful, i danced to the royalty free music

[@Nazgul100]

This was really great guys. The Audio was super clean and really added so so much to the experience.

[@Fanatism]

I'm about to listen, but The Library blew my mind back in the day and expect nothing less of this ;)

[@LennyTheGhoul]

Guess I'm chilling here for the next hour.

[@StarCrusher.]

I wouldn't mind more videos in this style. I loved this. Great story telling and funny to boot!

[@mr_spider]

FilmCow venturing into the world of podcasting? What a great christmas gift.

[@_Stagnate_]

My friend do I have something for you to discover: Knoxkast Radio / Chaos Pony. Podcasts from YEARS back staring Knox and Jason.

[@Grand_History]

Clearly you’ve never heard of Chaos Pony

[@vanledbelly]

Or KnoxKast@@Grand_History

[@crandria2001]

Been a long time since I thought about Klay World. That stuff was amazing back in the day and stuck with me

[@boyhowdy74]

This was mind blowing in its scope and revelation. Beautifully told, and connecting the dots that "That's our Robert" was THAT Robert was like discovering that Neil Cicierega was responsible for Lemon Demon/Potter Puppet Pals/etc. outstanding job everyone!

[@pealcrusher3166]

A thrilling tale with self-inserts that would make Sam Lake blush. I knew when I heard that ringing at 24:20 this was going to go the "House That Jack Built" route... KLAY WORLD IS BACK!

[@LeafYesOk]

Holy moly I really don't believe it! I listened to every single one of your guys' podcasts when I was younger and recently have been revisiting them lol. Super cool to see you guys working together like this again!

[@mirthfulmiasma]

the sound design is immaculate, everything sounds so meaty

[@morgantrias3103]

That's our Jason. He really loves Royalty Free Music.

[@XxThatGuyOverTherex1]

I remember watching Klay World on my iPod nano. Times are different but we are allowed to stay the same.

[@PurbleDragon]

That was a wild ride! Unsettling, weird and compelling all at once! Bravo

[@Arcade_Cat_]

That was really well done! Reminds me of radio dramas my grandmother would have on. The foley and sound design were fantastic!

[@andr0oS]

Clayworld is back baybee

[@VapeKidJr]

the sound design is great. in fact your sound design is always such a highlight for me would you ever consider talking briefly about your process?

[@EndThusIAm]

No freaking way! Knox?! God I grew up with his work! Miss those days!

[@privatesniffles1607]

I should've listened to this way sooner, I thought I wouldn't like the format, but I love everything you do Jason, shouldn't have been skeptical, this is great.

[@Chronische]

I would be very happy to see more Klay World. It's been so, so long!

[@Neogenum]

I cannot express how delighted I am to hear this ❤ Its has been my greatest wish to hear one more Chaos Pony, I can only hope there will be more content like this in the future! 😊

[@MaximanLP]

That was awesome. I didn't know much of Robert's work before watching (and only watched pancake mines during it), and I still felt like I understood the idea behind a lot of the references. Really solid writing and humor throughout. Loved it.

[@Walt117]

This is fantastic, never experienced anything like this before. I’ll be patiently waiting for the next audio theater!

[@CamCommand99]

This was really awesome. Im always impressed with how many different things come out of this channel.

[@AndroidOO3]

You continue to be one of my favorite writers ever ❤

[@michaelmaage]

I'm no expert in compounds, but 27 min. in I like where this is going. what a pleasant surprise this was.

[@basaringaron]

I've been duped, this is an ad for klay world!

[@yuarentlucky]

Now THIS is class.

[@derlumpenhund]

That's our Robert!

[@jacobgingerich4196]

The sound effects in this are great! You must have paid a PREMIUM!

[@BIGWUNuvDbunch]

This was amazing - absolutely love the audio format. CLAY WORLD IS BACK, BABY

[@AcidFlorist]

What a lovely time I had listening to this, thanks for making it, I needed it