David Michael Koechner is a famed American actor and comedian who began his career in improv in 1987. He is best known for his distinct roles as Champ Kind in the Anchorman films and Todd Packer on NBC’s renowned American sitcom The Office.
David Koechner Biography: Age, Early Life, Family, Education
David Koechner was born on August 24, 1962 (David Koechner age: 60) in Tipton, Missouri, to Margaret Ann and Cecil Stephen Koechner. He has three sisters, Mary-Rose, Cecilia and Joan, as well as two brothers, Joe and Mark.
Koechner was raised Catholic and is of German, Irish and English descent. He studied political science at Benedictine College and at the University of Missouri, before eventually deciding to relocate to Chicago in order to try and pursue a career in improvisational comedy. After attending Chicago’s ImprovOlympic and studying under renowned improvisation instructor Del Close, Koechner joined The Second City comedy troupe in Chicago,...
David Koechner Biography: Age, Early Life, Family, Education
David Koechner was born on August 24, 1962 (David Koechner age: 60) in Tipton, Missouri, to Margaret Ann and Cecil Stephen Koechner. He has three sisters, Mary-Rose, Cecilia and Joan, as well as two brothers, Joe and Mark.
Koechner was raised Catholic and is of German, Irish and English descent. He studied political science at Benedictine College and at the University of Missouri, before eventually deciding to relocate to Chicago in order to try and pursue a career in improvisational comedy. After attending Chicago’s ImprovOlympic and studying under renowned improvisation instructor Del Close, Koechner joined The Second City comedy troupe in Chicago,...
- 7/21/2023
- by Trevor Hanuka
- Uinterview
You may have seen the piece in Variety that America’s leading fanboy with a late night talk show Stephen Colbert is joining the team that is adapting Roger Zelazny’s “The Chronicles of Amber” for television as an executive producer of the potential series under his Spartina production banner, joining with Skybound Entertainment and Vincent Newman Entertainment. “The Chronicles of Amber” follows the story of Corwin, a prince who awakens on Earth with no memory who soon discovers that he is a member of a royal family that has the ability to travel through different dimensions of reality and rules over the one true world, Amber.
The Variety article also notes: “The search is currently on for a writer to tackle the adaptation.” The story of Amber is complex and requires a writer who can navigate different worlds, characters, and timelines.
Stephen, bubullah, we have just the guy for you: John Ostrander.
The Variety article also notes: “The search is currently on for a writer to tackle the adaptation.” The story of Amber is complex and requires a writer who can navigate different worlds, characters, and timelines.
Stephen, bubullah, we have just the guy for you: John Ostrander.
- 1/20/2023
- by Glenn Hauman
- Comicmix.com
Chris Farley may have died too soon -- he was only 33 years old when he passed away on December 18, 1997 from a drug overdose and heart disease -- but he left us a great comedy legacy. Born in Madison, Wisconsin on February 15, 1964, Farley developed a reputation from a young age as someone who loved to entertain those around him. Entertainment was something that he pursued later in his education, as he studied theater in college, along with communications. He further developed his comedy chops with numerous performing troupes, including the Second City theater, where he learned from improv instructor Del Close, the teacher of such comedy icons as Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, and John and James Belushi.
It wasn't long before Farley got his first big break. Lorne Michaels, the producer and co-creator of "Saturday Night Live," took notice of his talent and cast him on the show in 1990. Farley was...
It wasn't long before Farley got his first big break. Lorne Michaels, the producer and co-creator of "Saturday Night Live," took notice of his talent and cast him on the show in 1990. Farley was...
- 1/20/2023
- by Joe Garza
- Slash Film
A new episode of The Arrow in the Head Show has just been released, and in this one hosts John “The Arrow” Fallon and Lance Vlcek are looking back at one of the coolest remakes ever made – the 1988 version of The Blob (watch it Here)! To find out what they think of this take on The Blob, check out the video embedded above.
A remake of the 1958 sci-fi horror classic, the ’88 version of The Blob was directed by Chuck Russell from a screenplay he wrote with Frank Darabont. Reaching theatres just one year after Russell and Darabont brought us the awesome A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, the Blob remake told the following story: In a tiny California town, high school students Brian, Meg, and Paul discover a strange, gelatinous substance that melts the flesh of any living creatures in its path. The deadly substance gets into the town’s sewer system,...
A remake of the 1958 sci-fi horror classic, the ’88 version of The Blob was directed by Chuck Russell from a screenplay he wrote with Frank Darabont. Reaching theatres just one year after Russell and Darabont brought us the awesome A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, the Blob remake told the following story: In a tiny California town, high school students Brian, Meg, and Paul discover a strange, gelatinous substance that melts the flesh of any living creatures in its path. The deadly substance gets into the town’s sewer system,...
- 1/7/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Horror fans have seen a lot of remakes of classics come and go over the years, but occasionally one will come along that achieves classic status on its own. One of those classic remakes is the 1988 version of The Blob (watch it Here), and we’re going to tell you all about it in the new episode of our Best Horror Movie You Never Saw video series. Check it out in the embed above!
A remake of the 1958 sci-fi horror classic, this take on The Blob was directed by Chuck Russell from a screenplay he wrote with Frank Darabont. Reaching theatres just one year after Russell and Darabont brought us the awesome A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, the Blob remake told the following story:
In a tiny California town, high school students Brian, Meg, and Paul discover a strange, gelatinous substance that melts the flesh of any living creatures in its path.
A remake of the 1958 sci-fi horror classic, this take on The Blob was directed by Chuck Russell from a screenplay he wrote with Frank Darabont. Reaching theatres just one year after Russell and Darabont brought us the awesome A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, the Blob remake told the following story:
In a tiny California town, high school students Brian, Meg, and Paul discover a strange, gelatinous substance that melts the flesh of any living creatures in its path.
- 8/17/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
There are people in this world that are mad and they know it, but they don’t care. Then there are those that watch those people and try to figure them out, only to realize that they can’t always tell when that person is going to turn, juke, or sit still. Del Close was one of those people, and a great number of comedians and actors out there remember what he was like, and this documentary only shows a brief bit of what he could do and what he was about. Trying to figure out a man like Del Close is
For Madmen Only: The Stories of Del Close...
For Madmen Only: The Stories of Del Close...
- 6/30/2022
- by Tom Foster
- TVovermind.com
This big screen, big star crowd-pleaser is a whopping entertainment yet too disjointed to satisfy as a gangster movie. It can ignore history to make its points, but what is gained by killing off the only characters we really love? Audiences didn’t feel shortchanged: Sean Connery and Robert De Niro deliver strong characterizations and Ennio Morricone’s music is ideal. Brian De Palma’s visual instincts are at full strength too; the show is marvelous to look at. It’s a real winner, at least when its not running in knee-jerk Scarface overkill mode.
The Untouchables 4K
4K Ultra HD + Digital
Paramount
1987 / Color / 2:40 widescreen / 119 min. / Street Date May 31, 2022 / Available from Amazon / 25.99
Starring: Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Charles Martin Smith, Andy Garcia, Robert De Niro, Richard Bradford, Jack Kehoe, Brad Sullivan, Billy Drago, Patricia Clarkson, Steven Goldstein, Del Close, Clifton James.
Cinematography: Stephen H. Burum
Art Director: William A.
The Untouchables 4K
4K Ultra HD + Digital
Paramount
1987 / Color / 2:40 widescreen / 119 min. / Street Date May 31, 2022 / Available from Amazon / 25.99
Starring: Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Charles Martin Smith, Andy Garcia, Robert De Niro, Richard Bradford, Jack Kehoe, Brad Sullivan, Billy Drago, Patricia Clarkson, Steven Goldstein, Del Close, Clifton James.
Cinematography: Stephen H. Burum
Art Director: William A.
- 6/4/2022
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
In Mike Myers’ new six-part Netflix series, “The Pentaverate,” the Canadian comedy legend plays eight new characters. Add them to a repertoire that includes such beloved weirdos as Wayne Campbell, Austin Powers, Dieter, Dr. Evil and Shrek, and the streamer seems eager to tout their partnership with the actor, pairing him with director David O. Russell for an hour-long mutual-appreciation session at the Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival.
Asked by Russell to describe the idea that inspired the new show, Myers — who showed up, despite having lost his voice to seasonal allergies — flashed back to his 1993 feature “So I Married an Axe Murderer,” in which he played both main character Charlie Mackenzie and his dad, a cuckoo conspiracy nut who ranted about a secret society of the five wealthiest people in the world who run everything.
“In the last six years, just seeing the rise of all the weird...
Asked by Russell to describe the idea that inspired the new show, Myers — who showed up, despite having lost his voice to seasonal allergies — flashed back to his 1993 feature “So I Married an Axe Murderer,” in which he played both main character Charlie Mackenzie and his dad, a cuckoo conspiracy nut who ranted about a secret society of the five wealthiest people in the world who run everything.
“In the last six years, just seeing the rise of all the weird...
- 5/5/2022
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Warning: The following review contains major spoilers from the season one finale of Moon Knight “Episode 6” and also Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
There’s a moment in the season one finale of Disney+/Marvel’s Moon Knight when the good guy God Khonshu (F. Murray Abraham) tells the bad-girl god Ammit (Sofa Danu) in the midst of their battle, “I only punish those who have chosen evil!”
Clearly Khonshu forgot to mention the innocent Disney+ viewers who’ve been lost in what is arguably been Marvel’s most confusing series to date.
In this great multiverse thread that Marvel has set up between last year’s movies like Spider-Man: No Way Home and TV series WandaVision and Loki, the studio has moved beyond those measured, pristine orchestral movements to utter, Byzantine chaos in regards to storytelling. Despite the lush production value of Moon Knight, its exotic locales,...
There’s a moment in the season one finale of Disney+/Marvel’s Moon Knight when the good guy God Khonshu (F. Murray Abraham) tells the bad-girl god Ammit (Sofa Danu) in the midst of their battle, “I only punish those who have chosen evil!”
Clearly Khonshu forgot to mention the innocent Disney+ viewers who’ve been lost in what is arguably been Marvel’s most confusing series to date.
In this great multiverse thread that Marvel has set up between last year’s movies like Spider-Man: No Way Home and TV series WandaVision and Loki, the studio has moved beyond those measured, pristine orchestral movements to utter, Byzantine chaos in regards to storytelling. Despite the lush production value of Moon Knight, its exotic locales,...
- 5/4/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Before Bob Odenkirk stepped into the role of a scamming lawyer, his career was all about making people laugh, either by writing or acting. In fact, before he landed the iconic “Breaking Bad” part in 2009, he’d never seen an episode of the critically acclaimed drama. He always believed he’d remain in comedy.
“I loved writing comedy so much that I figured I’d stay in that corner. I loved it and I still do love it,” he tells Variety. While currently in production on the final season of “Better Call Saul,” Odenkirk is already looking to what’s next: A “pure comedy” project with David Cross, a longtime friend and collaborator.
Just over a decade after taking the “Bad” part, Odenkirk — who won two Emmys for his work in comedy — has earned 13 Emmy nominations for his drama work in “Better Call Saul.” And on April 18, he’ll receive...
“I loved writing comedy so much that I figured I’d stay in that corner. I loved it and I still do love it,” he tells Variety. While currently in production on the final season of “Better Call Saul,” Odenkirk is already looking to what’s next: A “pure comedy” project with David Cross, a longtime friend and collaborator.
Just over a decade after taking the “Bad” part, Odenkirk — who won two Emmys for his work in comedy — has earned 13 Emmy nominations for his drama work in “Better Call Saul.” And on April 18, he’ll receive...
- 4/8/2022
- by Emily Longeretta
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The Ucb Theatre is coming back as Mosaic founder Jimmy Miller and former CEO/Owner of The Onion Mike McAvoy have acquired the legendary comedy brand with the financial support from Elysian Park Ventures.
As part of the acquisition, their plan is to reopen theaters in the coming months as well as completely rebuilding the Upright Citizens Brigade’s business, including providing additional support and opportunities for comedic talent and continuing the brand’s efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive environment. The venue reopening, I’m told, includes Ucb’s black box theater at 5919 Franklin Ave. in Hollywood.
Miller will serve as chairman and McAvoy will serve as CEO of the new Ucb entity, which is not part of Mosaic. A rep to several big names in comedy, Miller brings a long history of success in entertainment to the future of Ucb.
The esteemed comedy theater, which...
As part of the acquisition, their plan is to reopen theaters in the coming months as well as completely rebuilding the Upright Citizens Brigade’s business, including providing additional support and opportunities for comedic talent and continuing the brand’s efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive environment. The venue reopening, I’m told, includes Ucb’s black box theater at 5919 Franklin Ave. in Hollywood.
Miller will serve as chairman and McAvoy will serve as CEO of the new Ucb entity, which is not part of Mosaic. A rep to several big names in comedy, Miller brings a long history of success in entertainment to the future of Ucb.
The esteemed comedy theater, which...
- 3/25/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Writer/director Adam McKay kicks off Season 5 by discussing a few of his favorite movies with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Don’t Look Up (2021)
Parasite (2019) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
The Big Short (2015)
Vice (2018)
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s 4K Blu-ray review, Tfh’s 30th anniversary links
The Second Civil War (1997) – Glenn Erickson’s trailer commentary, Joe Dante revisits the movie
Network (1976) – Chris Wilkinson’s trailer commentary
Broadcast News (1987)
To Die For (1995) – Illeana Douglas’s trailer commentary
The Hospital (1971) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Ace In The Hole (1951) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Dr. Strangelove (1964) – Michael Lehmann’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Over The Edge (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
The Warriors (1979)
River’s Edge (1986)
Tex (1982)
Rumble Fish (1983) – Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Don’t Look Up (2021)
Parasite (2019) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
The Big Short (2015)
Vice (2018)
Gremlins (1984) – Glenn Erickson’s 4K Blu-ray review, Tfh’s 30th anniversary links
The Second Civil War (1997) – Glenn Erickson’s trailer commentary, Joe Dante revisits the movie
Network (1976) – Chris Wilkinson’s trailer commentary
Broadcast News (1987)
To Die For (1995) – Illeana Douglas’s trailer commentary
The Hospital (1971) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Ace In The Hole (1951) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
Dr. Strangelove (1964) – Michael Lehmann’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Over The Edge (1979) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
The Warriors (1979)
River’s Edge (1986)
Tex (1982)
Rumble Fish (1983) – Adam Rifkin’s trailer commentary, Charlie Largent’s Criterion Blu-ray...
- 1/18/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
You’re undoubtedly familiar with comedians like Stephen Colbert, Chris Farley, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, Bill Murray, John Belushi, Amy Poehler, Will Ferrell, Sarah Silverman, Bob Odenkirk, and more. But what about Del Close (pictured in the referee shirt above), the eccentric improv genius who taught and influenced every single one of them? Now you can […]
The post ‘For Madmen Only’ Trailer: Meet the Improv Genius Who Taught John Belushi, Tina Fey, Bob Odenkirk & More appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘For Madmen Only’ Trailer: Meet the Improv Genius Who Taught John Belushi, Tina Fey, Bob Odenkirk & More appeared first on /Film.
- 7/29/2021
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
Utopia is pleased to announce that For Madmen Only, a feature documentary that places improv guru Del Close front and center, is set for release on Altavod & Apple TV in the USA and Canada on July 27th, 2021. Here’s the trailer:
Synopsis: Comedy guru Del Close, mentor to everyone from Bill Murray to Tina Fey, sets out to write his autobiography for DC Comics. As he leads us through sewers, mental wards, and his peculiar talent for making everyone famous but himself, Close emerges as a personification of the creative impulse itself. He’s a muse with Bo and dirty needles, offering transcendence despite (or because of) the trail of wreckage behind him.
In this at once hilarious and poignant look at the life of the godfather of improv comedy, Del Close, Festival alum Heather Ross (Girls on The Wall) tracks the trailblazer from “human torch” sideshow act to his...
Synopsis: Comedy guru Del Close, mentor to everyone from Bill Murray to Tina Fey, sets out to write his autobiography for DC Comics. As he leads us through sewers, mental wards, and his peculiar talent for making everyone famous but himself, Close emerges as a personification of the creative impulse itself. He’s a muse with Bo and dirty needles, offering transcendence despite (or because of) the trail of wreckage behind him.
In this at once hilarious and poignant look at the life of the godfather of improv comedy, Del Close, Festival alum Heather Ross (Girls on The Wall) tracks the trailblazer from “human torch” sideshow act to his...
- 7/28/2021
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
"If you've never heard of Del Close, that means you're not a comedian – which is probably good news for you..." Utopia has released an official trailer for the documentary For Madmen Only, from filmmaker Heather Ross. The full title is For Madmen Only: The Stories of Del Close, and this premiered at the Chicago and Calgary Underground Film Festivals last year. Comedy guru Del Close, mentor to everyone from Bill Murray to Tina Fey, sets out to write his autobiography for DC Comics (called "Wasteland"). As he leads us through sewers, mental wards, and his peculiar talent for making everyone famous but himself, Close emerges as a personification of the creative impulse itself. "We knew that to make the definitive movie about this icon/unknown, we would need to take the same kind of creative risks that he was famous for. As someone known for breaking down genres and experimenting...
- 7/6/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Del Close isn’t a name that many film fans will recognize. However, when you find out that he was the mentor of folks like Bill Murray, Chris Farley, Tina Fey, and many more, Del Close is someone you should probably learn about. Thankfully, there’s a new documentary, “For Madmen Only” that helps put the spotlight on this comedic legend.
Read More: ‘This Way Up’ Season 2 Trailer: Aisling Bea And Sharon Horgan Return In Hulu’s BAFTA-Winning Series
As seen in this exclusive trailer for the new documentary, “For Madmen Only,” Del Close was a one-of-a-kind comedic visionary.
Continue reading ‘For Madmen Only’ Exclusive Trailer: New Doc Sheds Light On Comedy Guru Del Close & His Influential Legacy at The Playlist.
Read More: ‘This Way Up’ Season 2 Trailer: Aisling Bea And Sharon Horgan Return In Hulu’s BAFTA-Winning Series
As seen in this exclusive trailer for the new documentary, “For Madmen Only,” Del Close was a one-of-a-kind comedic visionary.
Continue reading ‘For Madmen Only’ Exclusive Trailer: New Doc Sheds Light On Comedy Guru Del Close & His Influential Legacy at The Playlist.
- 7/1/2021
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
Better Call Saul star Bob Odenkirk is writing a memoir that his publisher Random House says will address “the highs and lows of showbiz, his legendary cult status as a comedian, and what it’s like to reinvent a showbiz career after fifty and scale new heights.”
Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama: A Memoir will be published January 18, 2022, the publisher announced today.
Random House describes the book as a “hilarious, heartfelt new memoir” from the star of Mr. Show, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and action thriller feature Nobody.
North American rights to the memoir were acquired by Vice President and Executive Editor Ben Greenberg from William Morris Endeavor, Odenkirk-Provissiero, and Ziffren-Brittenham Llp. Random House will publish Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama in hardcover and digital formats. An audiobook, read by Odenkirk, will be released simultaneously by Penguin Random House Audio.
Odenkirk’s comedy career began with a chance meeting with Second...
Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama: A Memoir will be published January 18, 2022, the publisher announced today.
Random House describes the book as a “hilarious, heartfelt new memoir” from the star of Mr. Show, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and action thriller feature Nobody.
North American rights to the memoir were acquired by Vice President and Executive Editor Ben Greenberg from William Morris Endeavor, Odenkirk-Provissiero, and Ziffren-Brittenham Llp. Random House will publish Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama in hardcover and digital formats. An audiobook, read by Odenkirk, will be released simultaneously by Penguin Random House Audio.
Odenkirk’s comedy career began with a chance meeting with Second...
- 4/28/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Photo: The Second City Oh, what a night. Opening its doors on December 16th, 1959 at 1942 N. Wells Street in Chicago, right in the midst of a comedy boom, the Second City was born. Stemming from the genius acting techniques of Viola Spolin; Bernie Sahlins, Howard Alk, and Paul Sills co-founded the theater together and invented a novel and revolutionary approach to creating art; improvisation.. It worked tremendously and has made Second City one of the most attended and most reliable breeding grounds for talent for decades. Related article: Who Are The Groundlings, and What Makes Them So Famous? Related article: A Tribute to Ben Stiller: Respects Paid to Comedy Legend and Critically Acclaimed Writer-Director Just two years after The Second City opened, one of the most influential improvisation instructors in history, Del Close, started at the Second City, but was fired due to substance abuse and didn’t return until the 1970s,...
- 3/24/2021
- by Armando Brigham
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
Chicago – The mercurial genius of filmmaker Stanley Kubrick is a cinephile’s dream, and his films continue to influence. A new documentary, “Kubrick by Kubrick,” directed by Gregory Monro, uses Kubrick’s actual words from past interviews.
The film is available to download during the virtual and online 56th Chicago International Film Festival through October 25th.
Stanley Kubrick remains one of the most audacious and misunderstood directors in film history, mostly because of his perceived reclusiveness. Through an amazing cache of interview tapes from film scholar Michel Ciment, Kubrick himself goes over his career, and illuminates many of the thought processes and filmmaker methods that have thrilled and challenged audiences for three generations. Director Monro has created a visual symphony to go along with Kubrick’s own words, in a remarkable 75 minute package. (click here).
The 56th Chicago International Film Festival Celebrates Day Eight of the movie extravaganza, with films available for 2020 virtually and online.
The film is available to download during the virtual and online 56th Chicago International Film Festival through October 25th.
Stanley Kubrick remains one of the most audacious and misunderstood directors in film history, mostly because of his perceived reclusiveness. Through an amazing cache of interview tapes from film scholar Michel Ciment, Kubrick himself goes over his career, and illuminates many of the thought processes and filmmaker methods that have thrilled and challenged audiences for three generations. Director Monro has created a visual symphony to go along with Kubrick’s own words, in a remarkable 75 minute package. (click here).
The 56th Chicago International Film Festival Celebrates Day Eight of the movie extravaganza, with films available for 2020 virtually and online.
- 10/21/2020
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – One of the prime Chicago-centric documentaries at the 56th Chicago International Film Festival is “For Madmen Only: Stories of Del Close.” Del Close was a legendary instructor in the Chicago comedy improv scene, and director Heather Ross created this multi-layered doc of his comic force.
This is the feature documentary debut for Ms. Ross as director, after working as a producer and creator of short documentaries. This lifeline of Del Close starts with his childhood in Kansas (and the legends therein), through his initial work as a performer in New York City and Chicago, to his status as an iconic instructor in Chicago-style improv at both The Second City and Improv Olympics (iO). His first generation of students included John Belushi, Bill Murray and Gilda Radner, the second had Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Chris Farley, and subsequently it has been the continued instruction of his techniques that are...
This is the feature documentary debut for Ms. Ross as director, after working as a producer and creator of short documentaries. This lifeline of Del Close starts with his childhood in Kansas (and the legends therein), through his initial work as a performer in New York City and Chicago, to his status as an iconic instructor in Chicago-style improv at both The Second City and Improv Olympics (iO). His first generation of students included John Belushi, Bill Murray and Gilda Radner, the second had Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Chris Farley, and subsequently it has been the continued instruction of his techniques that are...
- 10/19/2020
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Exclusive: Utopia Distribution has acquired worldwide distribution rights to the documentary For Madmen Only: The Stories of Del Close directed by Heather Ross (Girls on the Wall). The film chronicles the titular comedy trailblazer who became an improv comedy legend. The film is slated for a digital release in 2021.
The film will feature interviews with Bob Odenkirk and Jason Sudeikis as well as never-before-seen interviews with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. For Mad Men Only made its debut at SXSW earlier this year and spotlights Close’s journey from his “human torch” sideshow act to his influential and contentious rise at The Second City, mentoring such greats as Bill Murray, John Candy, and the aformentioned Fey, as well as the founders of the Upright Citizens Brigade (Ucb), among many others.
Inspired by his semi-autobiographical DC Comics anthology Wasteland, the docu delves into the inner workings of Close’s eccentric mind...
The film will feature interviews with Bob Odenkirk and Jason Sudeikis as well as never-before-seen interviews with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. For Mad Men Only made its debut at SXSW earlier this year and spotlights Close’s journey from his “human torch” sideshow act to his influential and contentious rise at The Second City, mentoring such greats as Bill Murray, John Candy, and the aformentioned Fey, as well as the founders of the Upright Citizens Brigade (Ucb), among many others.
Inspired by his semi-autobiographical DC Comics anthology Wasteland, the docu delves into the inner workings of Close’s eccentric mind...
- 10/7/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Hillarious and well researched, Heather Ross’ For Madmen Only is an American Splendor-esque portrait of Del Close, a genius that is likely little known outside of the niche world of comedy geekdom. His impact is far and wide, working with legends like Bill Murray (who isn’t in the picture) to Adam McKay, all influenced by his revolutionary improvisational style which he called “Harold” for no good reason at all.
Ross traces the stations of his life using interviews, archival footage, animations (inspired by his stint writing DC Comics’ Wasteland in the late ’80s), audio recordings, and recreations of certain moments in Close’s life played mostly straight by James Urbaniak, Matt Walsh, Patton Oswalt, and Paul Scheer. Narrated by Michaela Watkins, the film bounces around somewhat maddeningly in the spirit of the talent, first starting late in life as he looks back with Wasteland editor Mike Gold on insane stories that often baffle readers.
Ross traces the stations of his life using interviews, archival footage, animations (inspired by his stint writing DC Comics’ Wasteland in the late ’80s), audio recordings, and recreations of certain moments in Close’s life played mostly straight by James Urbaniak, Matt Walsh, Patton Oswalt, and Paul Scheer. Narrated by Michaela Watkins, the film bounces around somewhat maddeningly in the spirit of the talent, first starting late in life as he looks back with Wasteland editor Mike Gold on insane stories that often baffle readers.
- 3/25/2020
- by John Fink
- The Film Stage
You may not know the name Del Close, but you are undoubtedly familiar with the comedians he taught. Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Stephen Colbert, Rachel Dratch, Mike Myers, Gilda Radner, Bob Odenkirk, Amy Sedaris, Chris Farley and many more all received improvisational comedy training from Del Close, but in a rather […]
The post ‘For Madmen Only’: Meet Del Close, The Insane Comic Genius Who Taught Almost Every Comedian You Love [SXSW] appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘For Madmen Only’: Meet Del Close, The Insane Comic Genius Who Taught Almost Every Comedian You Love [SXSW] appeared first on /Film.
- 3/22/2020
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
3rd Update, Saturday Am: Horror films in the wake of New Line’s It Chapter Two ($91M opening) have been in a frightening free fall at the domestic box office and for various reasons.
They were either too long or based off of a non-mass appealing piece of source material (i.e. Warner Bros.’ truly sublime Doctor Sleep which went into a coma with $31.6M domestic final), so cheap that their distributors believed that there was no reason to spend any more money than what was necessary, or just flat out awful (the F-graded Grudge and The Turning plus the D+ Cinemascore pic Black Christmas). After seeing broad comedies get swallowed up whole by streaming and minimized at the box office, the last thing major studio executives need is for another crowd-appealing genre, in which moviegoers have a great shared experience,...
They were either too long or based off of a non-mass appealing piece of source material (i.e. Warner Bros.’ truly sublime Doctor Sleep which went into a coma with $31.6M domestic final), so cheap that their distributors believed that there was no reason to spend any more money than what was necessary, or just flat out awful (the F-graded Grudge and The Turning plus the D+ Cinemascore pic Black Christmas). After seeing broad comedies get swallowed up whole by streaming and minimized at the box office, the last thing major studio executives need is for another crowd-appealing genre, in which moviegoers have a great shared experience,...
- 2/29/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: We hear that Blockers filmmaker and Pitch Perfect franchise scribe Kay Cannon will direct the biopic Del & Charna about Charna Halpern and her partnership with the late legendary improv maestro Del Close. Together they built Chicago’s Improv Olympic, a prestigious comedy training ground for Saturday Night Live players and scribes, as well as the New York and Hollywood showbiz scene that boasts an all-star award-winning alum roster of Mike Myers, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Chris Farley, Jon Favreau, Adam McKay, Stephen Colbert, Rachel Dratch, Cecily Strong, Seth Meyers, Matt Walsh, Vanessa Bayer, Bob Odenkirk, David Koechner, Andy Dick, Cannon herself and many more.
Del & Charna will follow the unlikely pairing and tumultuous 19-year relationship of Close and Halpern, the latter who continues to own, run and teach at the Io theater. Together as friends, saviors and soulmates, the duo helped each other overcome his addiction, financial ruin, and...
Del & Charna will follow the unlikely pairing and tumultuous 19-year relationship of Close and Halpern, the latter who continues to own, run and teach at the Io theater. Together as friends, saviors and soulmates, the duo helped each other overcome his addiction, financial ruin, and...
- 11/4/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Kay Cannon, who directed Blockers and wrote the Pitch Perfect movies, is set to direct the upcoming comedy industry biopic film Del & Charna for Red Crown Productions.
Rich Talarico and Alex Fendrich will pen the screenplay about the unlikely pairing of Chicago improv legend Del Close and comedy theater owner Charna Halpern. The film will recall the partners overcoming adversity to establish improv comedy in Chicago as an art form and launching the careers of many Second City comedy performers, writers and directors.
Del & Charna will be produced by Daniel Crown, Yoni Liebling, Cannon and Laverne McKinnon and executive produced ...
Rich Talarico and Alex Fendrich will pen the screenplay about the unlikely pairing of Chicago improv legend Del Close and comedy theater owner Charna Halpern. The film will recall the partners overcoming adversity to establish improv comedy in Chicago as an art form and launching the careers of many Second City comedy performers, writers and directors.
Del & Charna will be produced by Daniel Crown, Yoni Liebling, Cannon and Laverne McKinnon and executive produced ...
- 11/4/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kay Cannon, who directed Blockers and wrote the Pitch Perfect movies, is set to direct the upcoming comedy industry biopic film Del & Charna for Red Crown Productions.
Rich Talarico and Alex Fendrich will pen the screenplay about the unlikely pairing of Chicago improv legend Del Close and comedy theater owner Charna Halpern. The film will recall the partners overcoming adversity to establish improv comedy in Chicago as an art form and launching the careers of many Second City comedy performers, writers and directors.
Del & Charna will be produced by Daniel Crown, Yoni Liebling, Cannon and Laverne McKinnon and executive produced ...
Rich Talarico and Alex Fendrich will pen the screenplay about the unlikely pairing of Chicago improv legend Del Close and comedy theater owner Charna Halpern. The film will recall the partners overcoming adversity to establish improv comedy in Chicago as an art form and launching the careers of many Second City comedy performers, writers and directors.
Del & Charna will be produced by Daniel Crown, Yoni Liebling, Cannon and Laverne McKinnon and executive produced ...
- 11/4/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Even though HBO’s Succession isn’t specifically about media dynasty the Murdochs, man, it surely feels that way. But there’s various reasons why the Jesse Armstrong-created series opted to wink, instead of specifically point at them, explains Adam McKay on today’s Crew Call.
McKay was Emmy nominated in the drama series category for directing the pilot episode of Succession, one of Primetime noms he counts this season in addition to best drama for the series he executive produces, as well as nods for I Love You, America; Drunk History (both in the best variety series categories), and Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons’ (in live variety special slot).
True, Armstrong wrote the spec script Murdoch which McKay read, and which a lot of events seep into the pilot episode “Celebration”, but as McKay explains, “The...
McKay was Emmy nominated in the drama series category for directing the pilot episode of Succession, one of Primetime noms he counts this season in addition to best drama for the series he executive produces, as well as nods for I Love You, America; Drunk History (both in the best variety series categories), and Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear’s ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons’ (in live variety special slot).
True, Armstrong wrote the spec script Murdoch which McKay read, and which a lot of events seep into the pilot episode “Celebration”, but as McKay explains, “The...
- 8/7/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Previous | Image 1 of 12 | NextHonoree George Wendt gets ‘roasted.’ Norm!
Chicago – On September 9th, 2017, it seemed like the whole of The Second City theater on Wells Street in Chicago let out a collective cry of “Norm!” The favorite barfly of TV’s “Cheers,” George Wendt, came back to his old comedy stomping ground at The Second City to participate in “I Can’t Believe They Wendt There: The Roast of George Wendt.”
The roasters included the hottest current TV and movie stars, including Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”), Keegan-Michael Key (“Key & Peele”) and Jason Sudeikis (“Saturday Night Live”), along with The Second City alumni and celebs Julia Sweeney, Betty Thomas and Joel Murray. The roast was a benefit for Gilda’s Club Chicago, the cancer support community named for the late comic legend, Gilda Radner.
In Part One of the Red Carpet interviews, honoree George Wendt does some reminiscing with Jason Sudeikis,...
Chicago – On September 9th, 2017, it seemed like the whole of The Second City theater on Wells Street in Chicago let out a collective cry of “Norm!” The favorite barfly of TV’s “Cheers,” George Wendt, came back to his old comedy stomping ground at The Second City to participate in “I Can’t Believe They Wendt There: The Roast of George Wendt.”
The roasters included the hottest current TV and movie stars, including Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”), Keegan-Michael Key (“Key & Peele”) and Jason Sudeikis (“Saturday Night Live”), along with The Second City alumni and celebs Julia Sweeney, Betty Thomas and Joel Murray. The roast was a benefit for Gilda’s Club Chicago, the cancer support community named for the late comic legend, Gilda Radner.
In Part One of the Red Carpet interviews, honoree George Wendt does some reminiscing with Jason Sudeikis,...
- 10/8/2017
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Scènes à faire. Ever heard of it?
It’s an interesting concept that writers and artists encounter when they work, although they may not know what it’s called. It’s French for “scene to be made” or “scene that must be done”. In practical terms, it refers to a scene in a creative work that’s pretty much obligatory for the genre.
If you’re doing a story about a doctor, you will sooner or later have a dramatic shot of a patient on a cart pushed through swinging hospital doors. If you’re doing a story about a lawyer, sooner or later there will be an impassioned speech in front of a judge. If you’re doing a story about a little old lady in Maine who writes mysteries, sooner or later there will be a dead body. If there’s an evacuation, there will be a...
It’s an interesting concept that writers and artists encounter when they work, although they may not know what it’s called. It’s French for “scene to be made” or “scene that must be done”. In practical terms, it refers to a scene in a creative work that’s pretty much obligatory for the genre.
If you’re doing a story about a doctor, you will sooner or later have a dramatic shot of a patient on a cart pushed through swinging hospital doors. If you’re doing a story about a lawyer, sooner or later there will be an impassioned speech in front of a judge. If you’re doing a story about a little old lady in Maine who writes mysteries, sooner or later there will be a dead body. If there’s an evacuation, there will be a...
- 9/20/2017
- by Glenn Hauman
- Comicmix.com
Just after dropping out of the Del Close biopic when the movie lost its funding, Mike Myers has lined up another gig in a different biopic. According to Deadline, he’s “negotiating” for a role in Bohemian Rhapsody, Bryan Singer’s movie about Freddie Mercury and Queen. We don’t know who Myers will be playing, but…
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- 9/12/2017
- by Sam Barsanti
- avclub.com
Bad news for fans of Del Close and/or Mike Myers: The biopic about the legendary improv teacher that would have starred the Saturday Night Live alum has lost its funding. According to Deadline, the dire financial straits have forced Myers to quit the project. The film, Del, follows “an aspiring comedian who is taken…
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- 9/11/2017
- by Danette Chavez
- avclub.com
Del, the biopic about Second City’s Del Close in which alum Mike Myers was to set star, is on hold due to financing for the film falling apart. Myers has exited the pic, and producers now will regroup and recast the lead as they figure out their next moves. But the film will not go forward this year. It is known that John Malkovich had shown interest in playing Close, the feared taskmaster of Chicago’s Second City comedy troupe whose alumni also include Betty Thomas (who…...
- 9/11/2017
- Deadline
One of the biggest weekends in comedy got started in 1998 with a simple premise: Honor the complicated guru that championed a new art form and taught the improvisers who would become some of comedy’s biggest names in years to come.
Now, 19 years later, the Del Close Marathon (a three-day event with a weekend full of straight improv) has become one of the best places to catch stars like Amy Poehler and Veep‘s Matt Walsh back in the place they started — sweaty improv theaters.
“Del Close was the improv guru in Chicago that trained all of us that started the Ucb,...
Now, 19 years later, the Del Close Marathon (a three-day event with a weekend full of straight improv) has become one of the best places to catch stars like Amy Poehler and Veep‘s Matt Walsh back in the place they started — sweaty improv theaters.
“Del Close was the improv guru in Chicago that trained all of us that started the Ucb,...
- 6/30/2017
- by Ale Russian
- PEOPLE.com
Ferris Bueller's Day Off celebrated its 30th birthday last year, but the John Hughes' teen-comedy classic is forever a fan favorite. Enough so that Stranger Things star Joe Keery re-enacted iconic scenes from the film for a recent Domino's Pizza ad campaign.
To capitalize even more on that eternally cool teen mojo, the pizza chain has teamed up with Epix, the premium cable network owned by MGM, to offer up a free live stream of Ferris, Cameron and Sloane having the best day ever playing hooky from school and avoiding the bumbling Edward R.
To capitalize even more on that eternally cool teen mojo, the pizza chain has teamed up with Epix, the premium cable network owned by MGM, to offer up a free live stream of Ferris, Cameron and Sloane having the best day ever playing hooky from school and avoiding the bumbling Edward R.
- 6/9/2017
- Rollingstone.com
When it comes to inspiration and influence, you’d be hard pressed to find someone mentioned by today’s famous comedy talents more than Del Close. You may not know the man by name, but he’s been responsible for mentoring some of the biggest names in comedy today, pushing them to see comedy as more than just […]
The post Mike Myers to Play Legendary Improv Comedy Coach Del Close in New Movie appeared first on /Film.
The post Mike Myers to Play Legendary Improv Comedy Coach Del Close in New Movie appeared first on /Film.
- 2/9/2017
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
This is a case of when the student literally becomes the teacher: According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mike Myers will play improv pioneer Del Close in a biopic titled Del. The film—written by Nick Torokvei and set to be directed by Betty Thomas— reportedly follows Close as he “takes an aspiring comedian under his wing.”
Close is known for inventing the long-form improv technique known as the Harold, and over the years worked with generations of comedy stars. Myers cited Close in a 2003 interview with MTV, saying: “He had a great expression, which is ‘The master weaver take the mistakes of his students and weaves them into the grand design.’ What you can’t fix, you feature. And mistakes are great happy accidents.”
Myers—who hasn’t appeared, at least corporeally, in a film since 2009—also has an upcoming role in the Margot Robbie film Terminal.
Close is known for inventing the long-form improv technique known as the Harold, and over the years worked with generations of comedy stars. Myers cited Close in a 2003 interview with MTV, saying: “He had a great expression, which is ‘The master weaver take the mistakes of his students and weaves them into the grand design.’ What you can’t fix, you feature. And mistakes are great happy accidents.”
Myers—who hasn’t appeared, at least corporeally, in a film since 2009—also has an upcoming role in the Margot Robbie film Terminal.
- 2/9/2017
- by Esther Zuckerman
- avclub.com
Mike Myers has signed on to play legendary comedy coach Del Close in the movie “Del,” Covert Media announced Thursday. In the film, being directed by Betty Thomas (“28 Days”), an aspiring young comedian comes to Del for tutelage in the art of laughter, but soon finds that his infamous reputation for driving his students up the wall is well earned. Despite a disastrous start to their relationship, they soon a lot about their craft through each other. Also Read: 'Thank You Del' Stars Reflect on Their Demanding Comedy Mentor (Video) “Mike Myers is a comedy genius and the perfect actor to.
- 2/9/2017
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Mike Myers is set to star as his mentor Del Close in the comedy Del from director Betty Thomas. The film follows an aspiring comedian who is taken under the wing of Close, a legendary teacher notorious for pushing his students to their limit. What begins as a disastrous relationship ultimately transforms each of them. Covert Media is producing alongside the Second City, State Street Pictures and Thruline Entertainment. Covert is fully financing the film and handling…...
- 2/9/2017
- Deadline TV
Mike Myers is set to star as his mentor Del Close in the comedy Del from director Betty Thomas. The film follows an aspiring comedian who is taken under the wing of Close, a legendary teacher notorious for pushing his students to their limit. What begins as a disastrous relationship ultimately transforms each of them. Covert Media is producing alongside the Second City, State Street Pictures and Thruline Entertainment. Covert is fully financing the film and handling…...
- 2/9/2017
- Deadline
In a new film called Del, Mike Myers will portray one of his own mentors, Del Close, an early influencer of improv comedy who also was known for training many notable comic actors.
Betty Thomas (Private Parts, 28 Days) will direct the comedy, in which Myers plays the legendary teacher notorious for pushing his students to their limit. Close takes an aspiring comedian under his wing, and the relationship, which is first disastrous, eventually transforms each of them.
in the 1970s, Close coached many aspiring comedians at the Chicago improv powerhouse Second City, and in the early 1980s he served...
Betty Thomas (Private Parts, 28 Days) will direct the comedy, in which Myers plays the legendary teacher notorious for pushing his students to their limit. Close takes an aspiring comedian under his wing, and the relationship, which is first disastrous, eventually transforms each of them.
in the 1970s, Close coached many aspiring comedians at the Chicago improv powerhouse Second City, and in the early 1980s he served...
- 2/9/2017
- by Rebecca Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The comic will star as his own mentor and legendary teacher Del Close in the comedy Del.
Covert Media CEO Paul Hanson announced the casting at the Efm on Thursday. The company is fully financing and has launched sales in Berlin.
Hanson and Covert will produce alongside the project’s director Betty Thomas, The Second City’s Diane Alexander, Robert Teitel of State Street Pictures, and Thruline Entertainment’s Ron West.
Andrew Alexander of The Harold Ramis Film School / The Second City, Covert’s Elissa Friedman, Media Content Capital’s Sasha Shapiro and Anton Lessine, and Thruline’s Chris Henze are on board as executive producers.
Del centres on an aspiring comedian who comes under the wing of Close, the teacher at Chicago’s improv powerhouse Second City who earned notoriety for pushing his students to their limit. Nick Torokvei wrote the script.
Besides Myers, Close’s students include John Belushi, Chris Farley, [link...
Covert Media CEO Paul Hanson announced the casting at the Efm on Thursday. The company is fully financing and has launched sales in Berlin.
Hanson and Covert will produce alongside the project’s director Betty Thomas, The Second City’s Diane Alexander, Robert Teitel of State Street Pictures, and Thruline Entertainment’s Ron West.
Andrew Alexander of The Harold Ramis Film School / The Second City, Covert’s Elissa Friedman, Media Content Capital’s Sasha Shapiro and Anton Lessine, and Thruline’s Chris Henze are on board as executive producers.
Del centres on an aspiring comedian who comes under the wing of Close, the teacher at Chicago’s improv powerhouse Second City who earned notoriety for pushing his students to their limit. Nick Torokvei wrote the script.
Besides Myers, Close’s students include John Belushi, Chris Farley, [link...
- 2/9/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Trailers are an under-appreciated art form insofar that many times they’re seen as vehicles for showing footage, explaining films away, or showing their hand about what moviegoers can expect. Foreign, domestic, independent, big budget: What better way to hone your skills as a thoughtful moviegoer than by deconstructing these little pieces of advertising? This week […]
The post This Week In Trailers: The Ardennes, This Was The Xfl, The Family, Thank You Del: The Story of the Del Close Marathon, State Of Play appeared first on /Film.
The post This Week In Trailers: The Ardennes, This Was The Xfl, The Family, Thank You Del: The Story of the Del Close Marathon, State Of Play appeared first on /Film.
- 12/24/2016
- by Christopher Stipp
- Slash Film
Chicago – When comedian/writer/director Mike Birbiglia is in his element, as during the interviews he conducted at The iO Theater in Chicago, he is relaxed and ardently philosophical. He has written and directed a new film, “Don’t Think Twice,” which is about a improvisation comedy troupe, but it’s also about life.
“Don’t Think Twice” – besides being a clever play on the famous Bob Dylan song title – is essentially about the stages of life, and how we react to our own ambitions. The members of the comedy troupe – portrayed by (clockwise in the picture below, starting top left) Mike Birbiglia, Kate Miccuci, Chris Gethard, Gillian Jacobs, Keegan-Michael Key and Tami Sagner – are at a crossroads in their professional and personal lives, and have to deal with the sudden uptick of fame to one of their members. As Birbiglia did with his first feature, ‘Sleepwalk with Me,’ he...
“Don’t Think Twice” – besides being a clever play on the famous Bob Dylan song title – is essentially about the stages of life, and how we react to our own ambitions. The members of the comedy troupe – portrayed by (clockwise in the picture below, starting top left) Mike Birbiglia, Kate Miccuci, Chris Gethard, Gillian Jacobs, Keegan-Michael Key and Tami Sagner – are at a crossroads in their professional and personal lives, and have to deal with the sudden uptick of fame to one of their members. As Birbiglia did with his first feature, ‘Sleepwalk with Me,’ he...
- 7/27/2016
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
It’s getting to be the Fourth of July and so it’s apropos to think about this country, what it is, what defines it, what makes it America. Those are somewhat large topics for an essay of 500-700 words (which is where I usually clock in) so we’ll just confine ourselves to one small area.
We deal with pop culture here at ComicMix so let’s think of pop culture icons, those things that we use as symbols of this country. We’re going to focus on one – American movie star/icon John Wayne. Marion Robert Morrison (Wayne’s borth name) made gobs of movies, usually westerns, war movies and detective films. He was a star in the old fashioned Golden Age of Hollywood sense of the word. No one was bigger.
Everybody and his/her brother does an impression of Wayne. My brother does one and I have different versions.
We deal with pop culture here at ComicMix so let’s think of pop culture icons, those things that we use as symbols of this country. We’re going to focus on one – American movie star/icon John Wayne. Marion Robert Morrison (Wayne’s borth name) made gobs of movies, usually westerns, war movies and detective films. He was a star in the old fashioned Golden Age of Hollywood sense of the word. No one was bigger.
Everybody and his/her brother does an impression of Wayne. My brother does one and I have different versions.
- 7/3/2016
- by John Ostrander
- Comicmix.com
Seeso has renewed its popular original series The Ucb Show from Upright Citizens Brigade founders Amy Poehler, Matt Walsh, Ian Roberts and Matt Besser. Season 2 begins shooting today at the 18th Annual Del Close Improv Comedy Marathon in NYC. The Ucb Show is a weekly variety showcase for the best sketch, characters and stand-up homegrown at the Ucb Theatres in L.A. and NYC. Besser, Poehler, Roberts, and Walsh executive produce with Bart Coleman and Lou Wallach. In…...
- 6/24/2016
- Deadline TV
One of the interesting facets of talking about writing is the contradictions you find in the craft. For example: All your characters are you. All your characters are not you.
All of your characters are you.
Every character you write must have some of you in it. All of them. Not just the ones you like to identify with. All of them. The large and the small, the good and the bad, male and female, no matter what age, race, or nationality. If you’re going to write honestly about the character, you must be in the mix.
This can get uncomfortable. Once, when I was writing a white supremacist in an early issue of Suicide Squad, I had to look into myself and ask, “What in me is like this man?” Look, I’m an aging white guy; there’s going to be something there. No matter how much...
All of your characters are you.
Every character you write must have some of you in it. All of them. Not just the ones you like to identify with. All of them. The large and the small, the good and the bad, male and female, no matter what age, race, or nationality. If you’re going to write honestly about the character, you must be in the mix.
This can get uncomfortable. Once, when I was writing a white supremacist in an early issue of Suicide Squad, I had to look into myself and ask, “What in me is like this man?” Look, I’m an aging white guy; there’s going to be something there. No matter how much...
- 5/15/2016
- by John Ostrander
- Comicmix.com
Our series on big-screen remakes continues with a cult horror film that kickstarted the illustrious career of Steve McQueen. This week, Cinelinx looks at The Blob (1958 vs. 1988). Come inside to see how these two films stack up.
The original version of The Blob was a low-budget monster film made for $110,000. The titular creature was originally supposed to be called The Molten Meteor Monster, which then was changed to The Mass, which turned into The Glob, and Finally The Blob. The film's tongue-in-cheek title song was written by Burt Bacharach and Mack David, which became a hit. The movie was directed by Irvin Yeaworth who specialized in directing motivational educational and religious films, so this was a departure for him. The film was a moderate success, grossing over $4 million, although the critics weren’t overly kind. It has a 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite its cheesiness, its reputation has grown over...
The original version of The Blob was a low-budget monster film made for $110,000. The titular creature was originally supposed to be called The Molten Meteor Monster, which then was changed to The Mass, which turned into The Glob, and Finally The Blob. The film's tongue-in-cheek title song was written by Burt Bacharach and Mack David, which became a hit. The movie was directed by Irvin Yeaworth who specialized in directing motivational educational and religious films, so this was a departure for him. The film was a moderate success, grossing over $4 million, although the critics weren’t overly kind. It has a 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite its cheesiness, its reputation has grown over...
- 4/25/2016
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Rob Young)
- Cinelinx
Most people may not recognize the name Del Close, but if you’ve ever enjoyed Bill Murray, Amy Poehler, or Stephen Colbert, you have him to thank for mentoring many of today’s top comedians until he died in 1999. The documentary “Thank You Del: The Story of the Del Close Marathon” aims to pay homage to the legendary performer by following many of his acolytes as they reunite for the Del Close Marathon, an annual improv festival hosted by the Upright Citizens Brigade. Also Read: 'Rainbow Time' Cast, Filmmaker Discuss Emotional Lives of Special Needs Families (Video) Matt Walsh, one of the stars of.
- 3/31/2016
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Improvisational comedy is all about finding character, story, and humor in the heat of an unknown moment – but is that not life, too? As Del Close (a founding improv mind) once said, “Fall, and then figure out what to do on the way down.” That wisdom resonates through Mike Birbiglia’s sophomore effort, Don’t Think Twice, as he explores the perils of personal passion through middling “stagnation.” Life is passion, but passion is also pain, so, by association, doesn’t that mean life also equals pain? Birbiglia doesn’t shy away from the glamourless hardships of navigating New York City’s competitive artistry talent pool, which will be a wake up call that some people might not want to hear…but need.
The film follows an improv collective called The Commune, as they deal with the looming reality of their club’s closure. Over the course of a few weeks,...
The film follows an improv collective called The Commune, as they deal with the looming reality of their club’s closure. Over the course of a few weeks,...
- 3/16/2016
- by Matt Donato
- We Got This Covered
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