David Bridges
Boman Martinez-Reid has always harbored dreams of launching his own TV series. In a remarkable turn of events, this talented Canadian actor and creator took the initiative to produce multiple shows himself. From creating content on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to landing a significant TV deal and being cast in an A24 show, Martinez-Reid’s journey showcases his profound understanding of reality TV. Each project he undertakes is a testament to his unique vision and creativity, making it clear that he is a formidable presence in the entertainment landscape.
With an impressive following of approximately 3 million on various social media platforms, operating under the captivating handle @bomanizer inspired by Britney Spears, Martinez-Reid has consistently gone viral for his brilliantly crafted and humorous parodies of reality television. One standout example is his 2020 video, “cough heard round the world,” which resonated widely. Additionally, his widely acclaimed, Kardashian-inspired TikTok series, The Bodashians, created in collaboration with his best friend Eden Graham, has captivated even those who typically don’t engage with The Kardashians.
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Currently, Boman is guest-starring in the A24 series Overcompensating and is the lead in his own show on Crave TV aptly titled Made For TV. His work exemplifies the emergence of new power players in entertainment, where creators and actors are seamlessly blending digital and traditional media while exploring diverse formats. In Made For TV, he portrays an exaggerated version of himself, immersing into various reality television genres, from dating shows to competitive drag, as he endeavors to master them all.
Credit: Boman Martinez-Reid
Mashable recently engaged in an insightful discussion with Martinez-Reid, exploring how he derives humor from appreciating format, his aspirations of becoming a pop star, the entertainment industry’s newfound acknowledgment of the internet’s influence, and how he manages his successful TikTok series, The Bodashians, which has developed its own distinctive universe.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Exploring Your Viral TikTok Series, The Bodashians, and Its Impact on Your Career
Indeed, many people recognize me from my TikTok series, The Bodashians, which is how I initially gained traction in the industry. Interestingly, I didn’t even start watching The Kardashians until I encountered your videos, which sparked my interest.
From TikTok Fame to Recognition by Celebrities: The Journey of Your Series
I’ve been on this creative journey for several years now. Back in high school, the dream of having my own TV show was always at the forefront of my mind. During that time, I was particularly captivated by The Real Housewives. One day, my brother suggested, ‘If you want your own TV show, why don’t you just create it?’ This genius idea propelled me to launch a YouTube series called Reid It and Weep, a clever play on my last name, showcasing my early marketing instincts. This series, inspired by The Real Housewives, featured me and my friends crafting dramatic narratives over 15-minute episodes, which we produced for four seasons. Although no one really watched it, it laid the groundwork for my future endeavors.
In 2019, I transitioned to TikTok. I pondered how to differentiate my content from others. I recalled my earlier work, Reid It and Weep, and recognized my knack for parodying reality TV formats. The challenge was to condense that concept into a one-minute video that was easily shareable. Thus, in 2020, I began producing the “but it’s reality TV” series, which laid the foundation for The Bodashians. In these videos, I would take everyday situations and amplify them into exaggerated, dramatic reality TV scenes that everyone could relate to, making the humor easily accessible.
As I continued creating this content, the dramatic elements resonated deeply with viewers, leading to a surge in my popularity. Two years into this journey, my friend Eden, who frequently appears in my videos, suggested we try a Kardashian-inspired voice. This idea coincided with the launch of The Kardashians on Hulu, but I was hesitant at first, as I hadn’t watched the show and wasn’t particularly invested in it. Nevertheless, I decided to embrace the challenge, and it turned out to be a fantastic decision. We’ve now reached episode 61, which is quite remarkable.
“Yes, I parody ‘The Kardashians,’ but ‘The Bodashians’ now is its own universe. It has its own rules. It makes no sense, but it makes so much sense at the same time.”
It’s been a fascinating experience continuously reinventing similar video concepts, yet I find immense joy in the process. Even now, two to three years into The Bodashians, I am still discovering new ways to engage with the material. Recently, I released a video about getting a wax figure, and I was particularly proud of how that piece felt unique. It’s true that while I am parodying The Kardashians, The Bodashians has evolved into its own distinct universe, with its own set of rules that might seem nonsensical but actually work cohesively. Interestingly, many viewers who don’t watch The Kardashians still enjoy The Bodashians, which is what truly matters to me.
Mastering the Art of Parody: Recognizing Unique Formats in Your Work
Absolutely, I believe that my comedy heavily relies on understanding formats. The structure of these formats is where I find the humor. Most of my comedic elements emerge during the editing process. I still personally edit all of my videos because I feel that’s where the essence of the comedy lives. Whenever I film a Bodashian video with my sister, mom, or Eden, they often don’t grasp the concept initially. Frequently, I find myself directing them on what to say, as I possess a keen understanding of how to manipulate phrases like “there’s something to be said” multiple times while maintaining viewer engagement. For me, it’s all about the format.
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Moreover, I have a genuine fascination with celebrity culture. It’s often absurd, and I find it entertaining to highlight the eccentricities of how celebrities behave in various videos. The Architectural Digest home tours, for instance, are presented in a manner far removed from reality. When friends show you their homes, it’s a much more relatable experience. However, we’ve come to accept these portrayals uncritically. I enjoy using humor to reflect this back to audiences, revealing what they are actually consuming.
Exploring Humor Through Silence: The Impact of Pauses in Your Series
Indeed, those lingering pauses are a hallmark of my work, notably in one of my favorite series, JayNeigh and Seighdruah and The Girls Room. The comedic depth in silence is crucial. There’s a memorable moment in one of our Girls Room videos where we simply stare at each other, attempting to cry. I ask, ‘Should we cry right now?’ Following that, she begins to cry, and I can’t help but poke fun at her. It’s just so absurdly funny.
Diving Into Diverse Reality TV Formats: Learning Through Your Series, Made For TV
That’s a fantastic question! During the production of Made For TV, we explored various genres, including sports, which was particularly challenging for me, as I’m not an athletic person. Each episode required me to embody the role of the genre’s star. For the sports episode, I realized that the commentary and narration are pivotal to the viewing experience. I aimed to emulate the skill of a sports announcer, but I quickly discovered how demanding that can be. Commentating on a children’s game might sound straightforward, yet it necessitates constant dialogue for two hours. Who can sustain that? It’s a real challenge!
Another demanding episode was centered around the news. I studied radio and television in school, where news was a significant focus. Throughout my upbringing, I always thought that being a news anchor would serve as a safety net if my acting career didn’t pan out; my parents often encouraged this path. Looking back, I realize that it’s not as simple as it seems.
Embracing Challenges: The Drag Episode in Made For TV
Exactly! But that was more challenging than I initially anticipated. Among all the episodes, the drag segment was the most difficult to execute. At the show’s inception, I confidently believed I would excel in that area. As viewers will see by the episode’s conclusion, I did possess that confidence, but what they might not realize is the underlying panic I felt. The prospect of performing in drag for my parents was daunting, a fear I hadn’t fully acknowledged. Yet, it became clear that, as drag queens often say, donning the makeup and transforming into a character is a powerful experience. It’s like a drug. Whatever makeup they used on me must have seeped into my skin, allowing me to embody the essence of a fierce drag queen. Drag is genuinely hard work; it’s not a walk in the park.
Transitioning to Film: Your Role in A24’s Overcompensating and Its Significance
This opportunity materialized incredibly fast. My primary passion is acting, and navigating this industry as a creator aiming to transition into acting has been intriguing. It often feels necessary to maintain an image that distinguishes me from influencers. I have immense respect for influencers; their job is incredibly challenging. However, my identity is rooted in being a creator and actor. Over the past few years, I have diligently auditioned and hustled, which I believe contributed to this breakthrough.
Additionally, Benny [Skinner] has a unique eye for recognizing creators and is committed to giving them a platform. I won’t presume to speak for him regarding his appreciation of my work, but we have collaborated previously. I like to think that when he viewed my audition tape, he recognized a way to incorporate me into the existing show. The entire process unfolded very swiftly. While my role isn’t enormous, I genuinely enjoyed every moment on set. The cast and crew welcomed me warmly, and I was thrilled to portray a character that defies expectations. I can’t wait for everyone to witness it!
Navigating the New Era of Entertainment: The Intersection of Digital and Traditional Media
There’s an intriguing shift occurring, akin to what you’ve mentioned. The entertainment industry is finally acknowledging and engaging with audiences on their terms, recognizing their viewing preferences. It’s refreshing to see actors and musicians actively promoting their work online, prioritizing this engagement, as it validates diverse mediums.
“Finally, the entertainment industry is meeting people where they are at and respecting what people are watching.”
Shows like Hot Ones have paved the way for this evolution, emphasizing the significance of these platforms. Moreover, numerous individuals I know have developed podcasts that attract major celebrities like Chappell Roan to participate. This phenomenon underscores the industry’s readiness to embrace new dynamics and indicates the exciting direction in which we are heading. Personally, I’ve always dreamed of being on television and acting, aspiring to fulfill that vision while also relishing the duality of my current success.
Embracing the Duality of Your Career: The Joys of Creating in a New Landscape
Exactly! I find myself navigating both realms, but there’s immense joy in this journey. It’s exhilarating to create in an environment where success feels attainable, especially on the internet, which is where so many people gravitate these days.
In my career, I aspire to explore every avenue. I recently shared with my team that I want to become a pop star. The goal is to figure out how to make that happen. At this point, it feels like anything is possible, especially given the current landscape of the internet. Last summer, I released a song titled “I Have a Thing.” I surrounded that release with a mock documentary, but now I’m exploring how to evolve that concept into a genuine project. With platforms like YouTube allowing for longer formats, there’s ample opportunity for character development. I’m curious about what the Bomanizer pop star persona will look like and how it can manifest in shows like Hot Ones or in its own documentary or podcast. The potential for creativity is thrilling, and I believe we are on the verge of breaking new ground in this digital age.
Celebrating Your Creative Journey: The Relatability of Your Latest Song
Thank you so much! I appreciate that you recognize the character I’ve created, but it’s also relatable to many.
Finding Freedom in the Message of Your Song
Sometimes, you just have to move on, and that’s the essence of what the song conveys.
Wrapping Up: Your Creative Path and Future Aspirations
Absolutely! We all share our unique journeys, and that’s what makes this experience so enriching.
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Daniel Mercer
Brandon Fletcher
