Dave

Dave

TV-MA, (2020 – ), Comedy/Music, 30m

Table of Contents

What Is Dave About?

A neurotic rapper becomes a viral sensation and tries to navigate the challenges of fame while staying true to himself and his relationships.

The Cast of Dave

  • Dave Burd as Dave (aka Lil Dicky) – The main protagonist of the series who is a neurotic and insecure rapper with aspirations of becoming a successful artist.

 

  • Taylor Misiak as Ally – Dave’s girlfriend who is also his biggest supporter and motivator.

 

  • Andrew Santino as Mike – Dave’s manager and best friend who helps him navigate the music industry.

 

  • GaTa as GaTa – Dave’s hype man and best friend who provides comedic relief and emotional support.

 

  • Christine Ko as Emma – Dave’s childhood friend who is also a professional graphic designer.

 

 

The Filmmakers of Dave

  • Dave Burd (also known as Lil Dicky) – Creator, star, and executive producer
  • Jeff Schaffer – Creator, executive producer, and director
  • Saladin K. Patterson – Executive producer
  • Kevin Hart – Executive producer
  • FXP – Production company
  • Greg Mottola – Director
  • Dapo Adeola – Director (also credited as “The Director”)
  • James Van Der Beek – Director (Season 2)
  • Sam Littenberg-Weisberg – Producer
  • Rob McElhenney – Producer (Season 2)

The Cinematography of Dave

The cinematography in Dave uses a lot of handheld camera work, which adds to the show’s improvisational and realistic feel. The camera is often positioned close to the characters, which creates an intimate and personal experience for the audience. The use of close-ups also allows the viewers to pick up on subtle facial expressions and body language, which are essential for the show’s comedic and emotional beats.

 

The show also uses a lot of natural lighting, which enhances the realism of the scenes. The camera work is generally steady, but it also utilizes some subtle movements to create a sense of movement or energy. For instance, the camera will often follow characters as they move through spaces, creating a sense of momentum and flow.

 

One of the most noticeable aspects of the show’s cinematography is its use of color. Dave has a very distinct color palette, which is used to support the show’s overall mood and tone. For example, many of the interior shots in the show have a yellowish hue, which creates a warm and welcoming feel. In contrast, the outdoor shots often have a cooler, bluer tone, which creates a more introspective and reflective feel.

 

The Soundtrack of Dave

The soundtrack in the TV show Dave is an essential part of its overall vibe and energy. The show’s creator and star, Dave Burd (also known as Lil Dicky), is a rapper, and his music features prominently throughout the series. The soundtrack of the show is diverse, including a mix of hip hop, rap, pop, and R&B songs from different artists, as well as original music from Dave himself.

 

The show’s opening theme song is “My Dick” by Lil Dicky, which sets the tone for the series and reflects Dave’s comedic and satirical approach to hip hop music. Throughout the show, many other Lil Dicky songs are used, such as “Freaky Friday,” featuring Chris Brown, and “Earth,” featuring many different artists, which reflects Dave’s satirical style.

 

 

In addition to Lil Dicky’s music, the show features a diverse range of other artists, including A$AP Rocky, Megan Thee Stallion, Young Thug, and Anderson .Paak, to name a few. The music is often used to set the tone for scenes, with certain songs chosen to reflect the mood or emotion of a particular moment.

 

The show also uses original music created specifically for the series. For example, in season 1, Dave collaborates with his friend and producer, GaTa, on a song called “My Love,” which is featured in one of the episodes. The music in Dave is often used to add depth to the characters and their relationships, with certain songs reflecting the emotional journey of the characters throughout the show.

 

  • “My Dick” by Lil Dicky (Opening theme song)
  • “Freaky Friday” by Lil Dicky featuring Chris Brown
  • “Earth” by Lil Dicky featuring various artists
  • “Molly” by Lil Dicky featuring Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco
  • “Pillow Talking” by Lil Dicky featuring Brain
  • “I’m The One” by DJ Khaled featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, and Lil Wayne
  • “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio featuring L.V.
  • “Drop It Like It’s Hot” by Snoop Dogg featuring Pharrell
  • “The Next Episode” by Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg
  • “You’re the One” by Kaytranada featuring Syd
  • “Money Longer” by Lil Uzi Vert

 

You can listen to popular songs from the show below.

 

The Theme of Dave

Identity: One of the central themes of Dave is the exploration of identity. The show’s main character, Dave, struggles to balance his personal and professional identities as he navigates the music industry. He is constantly questioning who he is and whether he is being true to himself as an artist. This theme is also explored through the character of GaTa, Dave’s friend and hype man, who is dealing with his own issues of identity and mental health.

 

Friendship: Another important theme of Dave is friendship. The show highlights the importance of having a support system of friends who believe in you and encourage you to pursue your dreams. Dave’s friends are a crucial part of his creative process and are always there for him when he needs them. The show also explores the challenges that can arise in friendships, such as jealousy and miscommunication.

 

Mental Health: Daveis a show that also explores mental health issues, particularly those related to anxiety and depression. Both Dave and GaTa struggle with mental health issues, and the show depicts the challenges they face in trying to manage these issues while pursuing their careers. The show also highlights the importance of seeking help and support when dealing with mental health problems.

 

 

Creativity: Another key theme of Dave is creativity. The show explores the process of creating music and the challenges that come with being an artist. Dave is constantly searching for inspiration and trying to find his unique voice as a rapper. The show also explores the importance of taking risks and pushing creative boundaries in order to be successful.

 

Pursuit of Success: The pursuit of success is a central theme of Dave. The show depicts the challenges that come with trying to make it in the music industry and the sacrifices that are often required to achieve success. Dave is determined to make it as a rapper, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to get there. The show also explores the darker side of the pursuit of success, such as the pressures of fame and the toll it can take on mental health.

 

 

Why You Should Watch Dave

Dave is a refreshing and clever TV series that has managed to capture the attention of viewers with its mix of humor, heart, and relatable characters. Created by and starring comedian Dave Burd, also known as rapper Lil Dicky, the show follows the life of a neurotic and self-doubting rapper named Dave, who aspires to become one of the greatest rappers of all time.

 

The show is witty, irreverent, and deeply insightful, taking on important topics such as mental health, race, and fame in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It explores the complexities of the music industry and the struggles that artists face in trying to stay true to themselves while navigating the expectations and demands of their fans and the media.

 

 

One of the strongest aspects of the show is its cast, who bring their characters to life with authenticity and humor. Dave, played by Burd himself, is a lovable yet flawed protagonist who is equal parts relatable and absurd. His best friend and hype man, GaTa (played by Dave’s real-life friend and collaborator, GaTa), provides a valuable perspective as a person living with bipolar disorder and struggling to balance his mental health with his aspirations for success.

 

The supporting cast is equally strong, with standout performances from Taylor Misiak as Dave’s girlfriend Ally, and Andrew Santino as Dave’s often exasperated manager, Mike. The show also features several memorable guest stars, including Justin Bieber, who appears in a hilarious episode where Dave tries to prove that he can rap as well as the pop superstar.

 

One of the things that makes Daveso compelling is its willingness to tackle difficult subject matter with both humor and sincerity. In one episode, Dave struggles with his identity as a white rapper and the accusations of cultural appropriation that come with it. The show handles this topic with sensitivity and nuance, acknowledging the real issues at play while also poking fun at the absurdity of the debate.

 

Another episode sees Dave grappling with a sudden spike in fame after a video of him freestyling goes viral. The show does an excellent job of exploring the ups and downs of celebrity culture, from the euphoria of being recognized to the crushing weight of constant scrutiny and criticism.

 

Dave is also notable for its strong visual style, with innovative camerawork and editing that give the show a distinctive look and feel. The use of split-screen, fast cuts, and dream sequences all add to the show’s unique tone and help to elevate the storytelling.

 

Company Chicken

Company Chicken

Inspiration

Dave’s Mom’s Company Chicken