For a long time the place for up-and-coming comics to get a real chance at breaking into the public’s consciousness was a five-minute stand-up feature on a late-night show.
An entire generation of the biggest-name comics—Letterman, Leno, Crystal, Seinfeld, Shandling, Pryor, Williams, DeGeneres—recognized that a shot in front of the national audience drawn nightly to Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show was, in success, a golden ticket to a celebrated career.
Is that still true?
The answer is more complicated than it used to be because comics now have the opportunity to build a following solely on social media, doing sets on You Tube or Tik Tok, etc.
And younger comics, much more raised on the attraction of those social media sites, often look to score there rather than on TV, because many contemporary comedy clubs now book more often based on number of followers than a single hot set on late night.
An entire generation of the biggest-name comics—Letterman, Leno, Crystal, Seinfeld, Shandling, Pryor, Williams, DeGeneres—recognized that a shot in front of the national audience drawn nightly to Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show was, in success, a golden ticket to a celebrated career.
Is that still true?
The answer is more complicated than it used to be because comics now have the opportunity to build a following solely on social media, doing sets on You Tube or Tik Tok, etc.
And younger comics, much more raised on the attraction of those social media sites, often look to score there rather than on TV, because many contemporary comedy clubs now book more often based on number of followers than a single hot set on late night.
- 6/1/2024
- by Bill Carter
- LateNighter
What do Cannes competition films “Kinds of Kindness,” “American Horror Story,” “The Iron Claw,” “Hit Man” and “Pitch Perfect” have in common? These are just a smattering of the projects that have utilized Louisiana’s production resources over the decades thanks to the state’s robust incentive program.
In the early 1990s, the state recognized the power of Hollywood and started luring productions to the South with all it had to offer. The program was revitalized in 2002 and continues to grow, encompassing everything from pre- to post-production.
The dollars make sense in Louisiana. The state offers a base 25% production credit, with options to add on from there. A Louisiana-set screenplay nets 10% more credit, with 5% extra tacked on for filming outside of New Orleans. The incentives transfer to post-production, too, with an extra 5% if 50% of the VFX work is completed in state or there’s a $1 million spend. The current rates...
In the early 1990s, the state recognized the power of Hollywood and started luring productions to the South with all it had to offer. The program was revitalized in 2002 and continues to grow, encompassing everything from pre- to post-production.
The dollars make sense in Louisiana. The state offers a base 25% production credit, with options to add on from there. A Louisiana-set screenplay nets 10% more credit, with 5% extra tacked on for filming outside of New Orleans. The incentives transfer to post-production, too, with an extra 5% if 50% of the VFX work is completed in state or there’s a $1 million spend. The current rates...
- 5/15/2024
- by Zoe Hewitt
- Variety Film + TV
Some of the greatest comedic actors in Hollywood are known best for their un-shying and generous humor with Robin Williams standing on a pedestal above them all. No matter who the actor encountered, they were all left in an uplifted mood because of his ability to make anyone in the room laugh. No matter how serious the mood, Williams always had a way to bring back the smiles on people’s faces.
Josh Charles in The Veil (2023) | Image via FX
Although comedians are more used to making people laugh, there are rare instances when they too find themselves in a fit of laughter because of one reason or another. Making Williams laugh would be another feat of its own, one that many could have only dreamt of achieving. However, Dead Poets Society star Josh Charles found a way.
Josh Charles Practiced Stand Up Comedy
During an interview on the Rich Eisen Show,...
Josh Charles in The Veil (2023) | Image via FX
Although comedians are more used to making people laugh, there are rare instances when they too find themselves in a fit of laughter because of one reason or another. Making Williams laugh would be another feat of its own, one that many could have only dreamt of achieving. However, Dead Poets Society star Josh Charles found a way.
Josh Charles Practiced Stand Up Comedy
During an interview on the Rich Eisen Show,...
- 5/12/2024
- by Adya Godboley
- FandomWire
One of the major themes of Kendrick Lamar’s new Drake diss “euphoria” is the accusation that his rap foe is a “scam artist” and “a master manipulator and habitual liar too.” As it turns out, the seemingly jumbled audio in the intro lays the groundwork by sampling dialogue from the 1978 film The Wiz.
Shortly after the song’s release on Tuesday, multiple fans clipped the brief sample and played the line backward, revealing it to be dialogue from the movie in which The Wiz (played by Richard Pryor) says, “Everything they say about me is true.” Scroll down for the reversed audio below.
For full context, Pryor’s line is taken from a scene in which his character is exposed to be Herman Smith, a washed-up politician from Atlantic City. Admitting to the deception, he says, “Everything they say about me is true. I’m a phony.”
The Genius...
Shortly after the song’s release on Tuesday, multiple fans clipped the brief sample and played the line backward, revealing it to be dialogue from the movie in which The Wiz (played by Richard Pryor) says, “Everything they say about me is true.” Scroll down for the reversed audio below.
For full context, Pryor’s line is taken from a scene in which his character is exposed to be Herman Smith, a washed-up politician from Atlantic City. Admitting to the deception, he says, “Everything they say about me is true. I’m a phony.”
The Genius...
- 5/1/2024
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Music
One of the major themes of Kendrick Lamar’s new Drake diss “euphoria” is the accusation that his rap foe is a “scam artist” and “a master manipulator and habitual liar too.” As it turns out, the seemingly jumbled audio in the intro lays the groundwork by sampling dialogue from the 1978 film The Wiz.
Shortly after the song’s release on Tuesday, multiple fans clipped the brief sample and played the line backward, revealing it to be dialogue from the movie in which The Wiz (played by Richard Pryor) says, “Everything they say about me is true.” Scroll down for the reversed audio below.
For full context, Pryor’s line is taken from a scene in which his character is exposed to be Herman Smith, a washed-up politician from Atlantic City. Admitting to the deception, he says, “Everything they say about me is true. I’m a phony.”
The Genius...
Shortly after the song’s release on Tuesday, multiple fans clipped the brief sample and played the line backward, revealing it to be dialogue from the movie in which The Wiz (played by Richard Pryor) says, “Everything they say about me is true.” Scroll down for the reversed audio below.
For full context, Pryor’s line is taken from a scene in which his character is exposed to be Herman Smith, a washed-up politician from Atlantic City. Admitting to the deception, he says, “Everything they say about me is true. I’m a phony.”
The Genius...
- 5/1/2024
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
The talented Wayne Brady will appear in an iconic role this month as he suits up for his latest adventure in entertainment.
Brady, best known for hosting TV’s Let’s Make a Deal, and his improv comedy skills on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, has also had plenty of unique roles on stage.
Now, he will appear in the Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz as the title character.
He recently addressed what it’s like to take on that role as he admired a larger-than-life image of himself as the character.
“Does it really sink in when you see your face on the wall?” CBS Sunday Morning’s interviewer asked him.
“I think it sinks in. This never gets old,” he admitted, adding, “I mean, come on. It’s my big old head on Broadway.”
Brady talks about the ‘the energy to live up to’ the role of The Wiz...
Brady, best known for hosting TV’s Let’s Make a Deal, and his improv comedy skills on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, has also had plenty of unique roles on stage.
Now, he will appear in the Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz as the title character.
He recently addressed what it’s like to take on that role as he admired a larger-than-life image of himself as the character.
“Does it really sink in when you see your face on the wall?” CBS Sunday Morning’s interviewer asked him.
“I think it sinks in. This never gets old,” he admitted, adding, “I mean, come on. It’s my big old head on Broadway.”
Brady talks about the ‘the energy to live up to’ the role of The Wiz...
- 4/10/2024
- by Matt Couden
- Monsters and Critics
In a decision that has raised eyebrows and fueled allegations of favoritism, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has appointed Crystal Clanton, a former employee of his wife, as a law clerk.
Clanton, a 29-year-old conservative activist who transitioned into a legal career, has secured a coveted position as a law clerk for the October term of the Supreme Court. Her selection has been met with criticism, as she had previously faced accusations of sending racist text messages. Despite these allegations, Clanton had been closely connected to the Thomas family, often referred to as their “nearly adopted daughter.”
As reported in The New Yorker in 2017, Clanton had texted, “I Hate Black People. Like f‑‑‑ them all … I hate blacks. End of story.”
When the messages surfaced at the time, Clanton said she had “no recollection,” of the texts. She stepped down from her position at Turning Point USA in the wake...
Clanton, a 29-year-old conservative activist who transitioned into a legal career, has secured a coveted position as a law clerk for the October term of the Supreme Court. Her selection has been met with criticism, as she had previously faced accusations of sending racist text messages. Despite these allegations, Clanton had been closely connected to the Thomas family, often referred to as their “nearly adopted daughter.”
As reported in The New Yorker in 2017, Clanton had texted, “I Hate Black People. Like f‑‑‑ them all … I hate blacks. End of story.”
When the messages surfaced at the time, Clanton said she had “no recollection,” of the texts. She stepped down from her position at Turning Point USA in the wake...
- 3/29/2024
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
X-Men ‘97, which is a revival of the popular 90s animated series, is currently streaming on Disney+ and is receiving a lot of love and praise from all corners. Apart from giving fans many nostalgic moments from the 90s, the execution of the storyline and the character sketches are being appreciated across the board.
A still from X-Men ‘97
Currently, 3 episodes of a total of 10 episodes have been released, and excited fans have been finally introduced to the inimitable Madelyn Pryor, aka Goblin Queen. This intimidating villain is a complex character from the X-Men comics who made her appearance in the closing moments of episode 2. But who is this powerful mutant, and why is she an integral part of the franchise?
Here’s What You Need to Know About Goblin Queen
The 2nd episode of X-Men ‘97 ended on an exciting note with fans being introduced to a deadly lookalike...
A still from X-Men ‘97
Currently, 3 episodes of a total of 10 episodes have been released, and excited fans have been finally introduced to the inimitable Madelyn Pryor, aka Goblin Queen. This intimidating villain is a complex character from the X-Men comics who made her appearance in the closing moments of episode 2. But who is this powerful mutant, and why is she an integral part of the franchise?
Here’s What You Need to Know About Goblin Queen
The 2nd episode of X-Men ‘97 ended on an exciting note with fans being introduced to a deadly lookalike...
- 3/28/2024
- by Sharanya Sankar
- FandomWire
Spoilers for "X-Men '97" to follow.
"X-Men '97" episode 2, "Mutant Liberation Begins," ended with a shocking cliffhanger; a Jean Grey duplicate showed up at the door of the X-Mansion, shocking the X-Men — including the other Jean, who had only just given birth to her and Scott's son Nathan. Episode 3, "Fire Made Flesh," picks up here.
If I can brag for a moment, I called this twist from the trailer (alongside some other Marvel Comics Easter eggs). The Jean (re)introduced at the beginning of "X-Men '97" is a clone, created by Mister Sinister, while he held the original captive (Beast confirms which Jean is the original by dating the pair's cells to determine which is older).
Sinister has long wanted to combine Cyclops and Jean's DNA to create the ultimate mutant; Nathan is that experiment come to fruition. So, he confronts his "daughter" (who's feeling susceptible after her entire life...
"X-Men '97" episode 2, "Mutant Liberation Begins," ended with a shocking cliffhanger; a Jean Grey duplicate showed up at the door of the X-Mansion, shocking the X-Men — including the other Jean, who had only just given birth to her and Scott's son Nathan. Episode 3, "Fire Made Flesh," picks up here.
If I can brag for a moment, I called this twist from the trailer (alongside some other Marvel Comics Easter eggs). The Jean (re)introduced at the beginning of "X-Men '97" is a clone, created by Mister Sinister, while he held the original captive (Beast confirms which Jean is the original by dating the pair's cells to determine which is older).
Sinister has long wanted to combine Cyclops and Jean's DNA to create the ultimate mutant; Nathan is that experiment come to fruition. So, he confronts his "daughter" (who's feeling susceptible after her entire life...
- 3/27/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Plot: The life and career of Gene Wilder are remembered by his friends and colleagues.
Review: Gene Wilder was a one-of-a-kind talent. While it seems like he’s mostly remembered these days for playing Willy Wonka (with his performance inspiring Timothee Chalamet’s recent take), there was a lot more to him than just that one film. For one thing, his cinematic partnership with Mel Brooks resulted in three all-time classics: The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. Plus, he and Richard Pryor made an iconic mismatched duo in a slew of films (some better than others), while Wilder directed several highly successful films on his own.
In this loving tribute to the late icon, director Ron Frank pulls back the curtain to dip into both Wilder’s creative process and sometimes tragic life. Pulling from an audiobook he recorded of his memoirs, the film is distinguished because Wilder himself tells much of the story.
Review: Gene Wilder was a one-of-a-kind talent. While it seems like he’s mostly remembered these days for playing Willy Wonka (with his performance inspiring Timothee Chalamet’s recent take), there was a lot more to him than just that one film. For one thing, his cinematic partnership with Mel Brooks resulted in three all-time classics: The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. Plus, he and Richard Pryor made an iconic mismatched duo in a slew of films (some better than others), while Wilder directed several highly successful films on his own.
In this loving tribute to the late icon, director Ron Frank pulls back the curtain to dip into both Wilder’s creative process and sometimes tragic life. Pulling from an audiobook he recorded of his memoirs, the film is distinguished because Wilder himself tells much of the story.
- 3/22/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
X-Men ’97 ended its second episode with a sizable cliffhanger. As the team pondered over Storm’s parting words, before the former mutant decided to leave the team, the X Mansion saw a red-headed woman, identical to Jean, entering the mansion, looking for the X-Men.
Jean and Scott in X-Men ’97
This character is expected to be Madelyne Pryor, a discarded clone of Jean Grey constructed by Mister Sinister and brought to life by the Phoenix Force. Mister Sinister uses Pryor to manipulate Scott, who at the time was reeling from the death of Jean Grey. However, given that Pryor (or Jean) has been introduced while the other one is alive, the show could have accidentally shot itself in the foot.
Cyclops abandons Madelyne in the comics Cyclops, as he appears in Marvel Comics
In the comics, Cyclops never had the chance to marry Jean Grey before meeting Madelyne Pryor,...
Jean and Scott in X-Men ’97
This character is expected to be Madelyne Pryor, a discarded clone of Jean Grey constructed by Mister Sinister and brought to life by the Phoenix Force. Mister Sinister uses Pryor to manipulate Scott, who at the time was reeling from the death of Jean Grey. However, given that Pryor (or Jean) has been introduced while the other one is alive, the show could have accidentally shot itself in the foot.
Cyclops abandons Madelyne in the comics Cyclops, as he appears in Marvel Comics
In the comics, Cyclops never had the chance to marry Jean Grey before meeting Madelyne Pryor,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Anuraag Chatterjee
- FandomWire
Ryan Reynolds started the Deadpool franchise in 2016, re-introducing the Merc with the Mouth to the wider audience. After the success of the first movie, Deadpool 2 was released in 2018, with new characters joining the fray – including a very important mutant – Cable, played by Josh Brolin. But Cable’s real identity – his origin – was never clearly defined in the movie.
Josh Brolin as Cable in Deadpool 2
Cable aka Nathan Summers is actually the son of Scott Summers and Jean Grey in the Marvel Comics. Or at least he shares DNA with these two mutants. He gets infected by a techno-organic virus, becaue of which, his parents send him to the future to be cured. It is much later, in Cable Vol. 1 #6, that his real identity finally came to light.
The Origin of Cable’s Identity in the Marvel Comics
Cyclops and Jean Grey are two of the biggest names among the X-Men.
Josh Brolin as Cable in Deadpool 2
Cable aka Nathan Summers is actually the son of Scott Summers and Jean Grey in the Marvel Comics. Or at least he shares DNA with these two mutants. He gets infected by a techno-organic virus, becaue of which, his parents send him to the future to be cured. It is much later, in Cable Vol. 1 #6, that his real identity finally came to light.
The Origin of Cable’s Identity in the Marvel Comics
Cyclops and Jean Grey are two of the biggest names among the X-Men.
- 3/21/2024
- by Swagata Das
- FandomWire
This X-Men ’97 article contains spoilers.
“I need the X-Men!” declares a frightened and bruised Jean Grey at the end of the X-Men ’97 two-episode premiere before passing out in front of the team. An injured Jean is distressing enough, but add to that the fact that this Jean Grey is not the Jean Grey we’ve been following for the first two episodes. It’s a second one, while the first is standing by Cyclops, watching this doppelganger in shock. For casual viewers, this cliffhanger may require an X-plainer.
When we catch up with the team at the start of the first episode of X-Men ’97, Marvel’s animated revival of the hit 90s cartoon series, a pregnant Jean contemplates leaving the team with Cyclops, where the couple can raise their son together. But that decision is delayed when Magneto shows up to honor Charles Xavier’s will and take over the mutant team.
“I need the X-Men!” declares a frightened and bruised Jean Grey at the end of the X-Men ’97 two-episode premiere before passing out in front of the team. An injured Jean is distressing enough, but add to that the fact that this Jean Grey is not the Jean Grey we’ve been following for the first two episodes. It’s a second one, while the first is standing by Cyclops, watching this doppelganger in shock. For casual viewers, this cliffhanger may require an X-plainer.
When we catch up with the team at the start of the first episode of X-Men ’97, Marvel’s animated revival of the hit 90s cartoon series, a pregnant Jean contemplates leaving the team with Cyclops, where the couple can raise their son together. But that decision is delayed when Magneto shows up to honor Charles Xavier’s will and take over the mutant team.
- 3/20/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
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