On a November episode of "The Colbert Report," Colbert accused the Decemberists for copying his epic Greenscreen Challenge concept as a basis for their mtvU-sponsored "Re-Animate the Decemberists" contest which encourages music fans to submit video content for "O Valencia." He asked his fans to submit his own lightsaber footage to the band's contest. "Let's see how well they perform their trademark brand of hyper-literate prog-rock when I'm slicing off their legs at the knee," Colbert says in the aired segment. "Oh yes, they will feel the pain."
Not to be outdone, the Decemberists responded with a counter challenge in an online interview in Pitchfork magazine. "We'd like to announce the very first 'Decemberists vs. Stephen Colbert Guitar Solo Challenge.' Put down the pen, Colbert, and pick up the axe! Let's see what kind of man you really are -- Let's shred."
Colbert accepted the challenge, replying "Decemberists, I accept your counter-counter challenge. At last we'll see who reigns supreme."
While Colbert brushes up on his power chords, Decemberists keyboardist and die-hard Star Wars fan Jenny Conlee reveals a bit behind the greenscreen challenge, and why she hopes fans submit their own Force-sensitive entries for their hit song "O Valencia."
"We had an idea for a video with animation growing up around us," Conlee says. "We had a video company give it a shot and then thought it would be fun to see what the fans would come up with. Honestly, we got the idea from Stephen Colbert's original greenscreen challenge. We are officially riding his coat tails."
Colbert encouraging his followers to submit footage of him wielding a lightsaber for the Decemberists challenge doesn't phase Conlee one bit. As an avid Star Wars fan herself, she's happy to see a few Sith-Jedi battles submitted as entries. "I think it is hilarious," Conlee laughs. "I can't wait to see what comes out of it. We are all big fans of his and Star Wars."
And just as Industrial Light & Magic, on behalf of George Lucas, competed in Colbert's challenge, Conlee encourages the CG gurus to give fans a run for their money in the Decemberists' greenscreen challenge as well. "ILM would come up with some great ideas," Conlee says. "I am sure George would have a good chance; the Force seems to be strong with him."
For the rest of the Star Wars fan community, Conlee has plenty of suggestions to help their chances to make it to the final round. "Be as creative as possible -- the wackier, the better!" Conlee says. "Any outer space scenes would be a plus in my book. I would love to see Chewie dancing around my piano, or maybe Max Rebo could be sitting on my bench with me."
"I would love to have a chance to whack Colbert with a lightsaber," Conlee smiles. "We bought a couple at Skywalker Ranch when we visited last year. Chris and I practiced our technique a lot on that tour."
The Colbert/Decemberists Challenge airs Dec. 20 episode on "The Colbert Report," on Comedy Central at 11:30 pm ET/PT (check local listings).
Be sure to check out the Re-Animate the Decemberists Contest on mtvU.com and Colbert's counter challenge on Colbertnation.com.
Read more about Conlee and her love for Star Wars in The Decemberists Take Chewie on Tour.
