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Hasan Minhaj and Greg Walloch Selected for The Sundance Institute’s New Frontier Story Labs

October 7, 2014

greg walloch, hasan minhaj, new frontiers, storytelling, sundance, sundance institute, sundance lab

For over 30 years, The Sundance Institute has found and fostered some of the best and most original voices in film. In just the last few years, they’ve started to expand their scope with their New Frontier Lab, helping artists in different mediums develop. This New Frontier Lab has even included a specific focus on storytelling since 2011.

The New Frontiers Storytelling Lab, this year, has selected two great comedic storytellers in Hasan Minhaj and Greg Walloch and Hasan’s solo show to be one of the few to be in this highly exclusive program.

Having seen plenty of Hasan and Greg’s stories, you should be on the watch for what will come from this.

Go Behind the Audio and Watch Superego at Work

October 7, 2014

andy daly, behind the scenes, comedy podcast, paul f tompkins, superego

While the sounds of the absurd stampede of fun that is Superego might sound like they are indeed concocted in a secret laboratory, the podcast is often recorded in a living room.

You can watch here and see what’s really going on during a recording of a sketch featuring Andy Daly as the infamous Don Dimello (i.e. all of them can’t help but bust up).

‘Vacation’ Reboot Coming Oct. 2015

October 7, 2014

ed helms, new line, reboot, vacation

(The Hollywood Reporter)

Twin Peaks isn’t the only thing coming back from the last millennium in the near future.

The New Line reboot of the ‘Vacation’ franchise starring Ed Helms has lined up its great cast also featuring Christina Applegate, Charlie Day, Keegan Michael-Key, and more.

Now, this new Vacation has a premiere date set for a year from now in Oct. 2015, which will happen well before Twin Peaks returns in 2016. So set reminders on your smartphone/calendar now.

Here’s Your Favorite New Cooking Show, “Funch Time” with Ron Funches

October 6, 2014

cooking show, funch time, funny or die, matt braunger, parody, ron funches

Ron Funches pretty much do anything is delightful and worth your time.

So, if he’s doing a cooking show, no matter what happens in it, it’s absolutely worth your time and you should start watching it right now.

Without further adieu, here’s the first episode of Funch Time with Ron Funches and guest Matt Braunger on Funny or Die.

NBC Having Eddie Izzard Adapt ‘Junior Bender’ Novels

October 6, 2014

eddie izzard, junior bender, nbc, pilot season, timothy hallinan

(via The Hollywood Reporter)

Timothy Hallinan’s novel series that follow private eye Junior Bender are not only getting adapting for TV, but are being done so by the amazing Eddie Izzard.

NBC has made a script commitment to the project thus far and we’d be curious to see it goes further as Junior Bender juggles being both a high class thief and a detective. If this ends up going to series, it might be act as a nice companion/foil to The Mysteries of Laura.

Interestingly enough, Izzard is not attached to star though the role seems pretty perfect for him.

Watch Daniel Sloss on The Late Late Show

October 6, 2014

craig ferguson, daniel sloss, late late show

The very funny Daniel Sloss from the UK is thankfully making the rounds on late night here in America. He’s gone from doing Conan to getting a set in at The Late Late Show before Craig Ferguson ends his run there.

Watch that very set from Sloss right here.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus Will Be Next to Receive The Charlie Chaplin Britannia Award from BAFTA LA

October 6, 2014

bafta, bafta la, charlie chaplin award, julia louis dreyfus

BAFTA LA are set to make a pretty good line of recipients for their Charlie Chaplin Britannia Award for Excellence in Comedy. Last year, Sacha Baron Cohen was honored with the distinction and it was just announced today that the one and only Julia Louis-Dreyfus will be the next in line to get the award.

If you’re not already watching Veep, hopefully this is another very forceful nudge in encouraging you to do so.

The Heart, She Holler Returns for Season 3 This December

October 6, 2014

adult swim, season 3, the heart she holler

Monday, Dec. 1st marks the return of one of the most awesomely bizarre shows on TV, The Heart, She Holler.

Adult Swim renewed the series for a third season earlier this year and announced that Scott Adsit is joining the cast.

So, that will be one Monday that we’re absolutely looking forward to. By the way, you can catch up on the whole series on Adult Swim right here.

LA Comedy Rundown 10/6/14

October 6, 2014

comedy shows, los angeles, open mics

ON THE HORIZON
Tig Notaro: A Benefit in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month @ Largo at the Coronet Theatre Mon. Oct. 13th $75
Jermaine Fowler @ Irvine Improv Wed. Oct. 15th 8PM $10/2 item min.

COMEDY CRAWL
Comedy Central’s “@midnight w/Chris Hardwick” @ Hollywood Center Studios 3:15PM FREE w/RSVP
Greg Proops Film Club: I Married a Witch @ Cinefamily 7:30PM $12
Hot Tub with Kurt Braunohler & Kristen Schaal @ The Virgil 8PM $5 in adv., $8 at door
Come to Papa Live! with Tom Papa & Friends @ Largo at the Coronet Theatre 8:30PM $30
The Business LA @ Little Joy 9PM FREE
Harmontown Screening @ Cinefamily 10:20PM $12
FRINGE with JC Coccoli @ 1739 Public House 10PM FREE
Crash Test @ UCB Theatre 11PM $5

OPEN MIC RUN
NERDMELT SHOWROOM 7522 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 5:30PM/Lottery/No purchase necessary
SAL’S COMEDY HOLE 7356 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 6PM/5 min./First come, first served
SARDO’S 259 N. Pass Ave., Burbank, CA/Sign-up 6PM/Starts 6:30PM/Ends 8:30PM/7 min./First come, first served/15 guaranteed spots/1 drink min.
ROCKPAPER COFFEE 7509 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 6PM/End 8PM/First come, first served/One item min.
IO WEST 6366 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 6:15PM/Starts 6:30PM/Ends 8PM/Lottery/3-5 min.
ANCHOR BAR 2675 Irvine Ave., Costa Mesa, CA/Starts 7PM/Sign-up at evan@dudelyjones.com/4-5 min.
THE WAREHOUSE LOUNGE 4499 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA/Starts 7PM/Ends 7:45PM/First come, first served/5 min./8 spots only/No purchase necessary
THE GOOD NIGHT 10721 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA/Sign-up 7:30PM/Starts 7:45PM/Ends 9:30PM/Lottery/3-5 min./1 item min./Hosted by Ever Mainaird, Lisa Laureta, Ryan Walker, and Caitlin Bergh
ECHOES UNDER SUNSET 1310 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 8PM/Starts 8:15PM/Lottery/One item min./Hosted by Jay Weingarten
TRIBAL CAFE 1651 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 7:30PM/no purchase necessary/first come, first served
BREWDOG PUB 8300 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 7:45PM/Starts 8PM/First come, first served/5-7 min./Hosted by Pamela/1 item min.
THE PALACE RESTAURANT 2112 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 8:45PM/Starts 9PM/3 min./Lottery/1 item min./Hosted by Meg Swertlow, Wanjiko Eke, Chloe McGovern
JAKE’S 38 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA/Sign-up 9:30PM/Starts 10PM/Lottery/3 min./No purchase necessary

Nick Offerman Is His Delightful Self, Per Usual, on Conan

October 6, 2014

conan, nick offerman

This week, Nick Offerman stopped by Conan and, as a Nick Offerman appearance would warrant, he campaigned against manscaping and told of his very “unique” experience in Catholic school.

On top of all that, you get to hear Nick laugh one of the world’s best laughs throughout the whole interview.

‘Mulaney’ Premieres Tonight on Fox

October 5, 2014

elliot gould, fox, john mulaney, martin short, mulaney, nasim pedrad, seaton smith, zack pearlman

John Mulaney, Martin Short, Nasim Pedrad, Seaton Smith, Zack Pearlman, and Elliot Gould will all come together tonight as one of most highly anticipated sitcoms this season unveils its series premiere.

Make sure to catch Mulaney at 9:30PM on Fox tonight and DVR everything else.

Jared Logan Coming Out with His First Album ‘My Brave Battle’ Next Week

October 5, 2014

a special thing, ast records, comedy album, jared logan, my brave battle, west virginia

AST Records is set for another roll of awesome releases in the coming weeks and they’re starting off with none other than Jared Logan, who is still raising money to have Hillary Clinton come to his D&D club, and his very first comedy album My Brave Battle.

Out on Oct. 14th, be sure to give a listen what type of comedian results from an ultra religious upbringing in the middle of West Virginia (hint: a pretty great one).

You can pre-order it here after you listen to a preview of it here.

In Order to Take Care of Her Father, Yvette Nicole Brown Has Gone From ‘Community’ to ‘The Odd Couple’ Reboot Full Time

October 5, 2014

cbs, community, matthew perry, odd couple, yvette nicole brown

Community is losing another one of its cast members as Yvette Nicole Brown announced earlier this week that she will be leaving the show in order to care of her father who has fallen ill.

Luckily, her fans won’t be left hanging as she has joined on to CBS’ reboot of The Odd Couple with Matthew Perry, beefing up their supporting cast.

Hopefully, she’ll drop by Greendale every now and again.

LA Comedy Rundown 10/5/14

October 5, 2014

comedy shows, los angeles, open mics

ON THE HORIZON
Roast Battle: Roastmaster’s Choice @ The Comedy Store Tues. Oct. 7th 9PM FREE
Bullseye with Jesse Thorn @ Hollywood Forever Cemetery Wed. Oct. 15th 8PM $20

COMEDY CRAWL
Harmontown Screening @ Cinefamily 4:45PM/7:30PM/9:50PM $12
2 Girls 1 Pup @ Tailwaggers LA 7:30PM $5 suggested donation
ASSSSCAT @ UCB Theatre 7:30PM FREE
Jamie Kaler with Patrolled by Radar @ Hollywood Improv 7:30PM $10/2 item min.
UnCabaret @ First and Hope 8PM $20-$30
Top Story Weekly! @ iO West 8PM $5
Chatterbox Comedy @ The Chatterbox 9PM FREE
Comedy Carnivale @ Hollywood Improv 9:30PM $10/2 item min.
French Toast @ Taix 9:30PM FREE
Gravid Water @ UCB Theatre 9:30PM $5 (stand by only)
Power Violence @ Theatre 6470 9:30PM FREE
Shitty Jobs @ UCB Theatre 11PM $5 (stand by only)

OPEN MIC RUN
ROCKPAPER COFFEE CO 7509 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 4PM/Ends 6PM/5 min./One item min.
SILVERLAKE LOUNGE 2906 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 4:30PM/Starts 5PM/Lottery/5 min./Hosted by Lizzy Pilcher
THE SATELLITE LA 1717 Silver Lake Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/SIgn-up 5PM/Starts 5:30PM/Lottery/Mixed in with booked spots/Hosted by Megan Koester and Alison Stevenson
SAL’S COMEDY HOLE 7356 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 5PM/Starts 6PM/5 min./First come, first served
THE LEXINGTON 129 E. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 6PM/First come, first served/5 min./No purchase necessary/Hosted by Mark Alexzandr
LIQUID ZOO 7214 Sepulveda Blvd., Van Nuys, CA/Sign-up 8:30PM/Starts 9PM/First come, first served/7 min./One drink min.
THE PALACE RESTAURANT 2112 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 8:30PM/Starts 8:45PM/Lottery/No purchase necessary/Hosted by Harry Moroz, Pedro Salinas, and Sarah Morisano
COCK N BULL 2947 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, CA/Sign-up 8:45PM/Starts 9PM/First come, first served/5 min./No purchase necessary
THE COMEDY STORE BELLY ROOM 8433 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 11:30PM/Lottery/3 min./Hosted by Erik Marino and Brian Moses

Here’s the Studio Version of Ricky Gervais/David Brent’s Single “Slough”

October 5, 2014

david brent, ricky gervais, the office, uk

While the rock mockumentary of David Brent’s go at being a rock star is in the works, enjoy a tribute to the city where the UK version of The Office‘s Wernham Hogg Paper Company is located, Slough.

It’s got full production behind it and benefits from Gervais having actually been in a pop group once before. Give it a listen here.

Jerrod Carmichael’s HBO Special “Love at the Store” Premieres Tonight

October 4, 2014

comedy special, hbo, jerrod carmichael, love at the store

The night is finally almost here when Jerrod Carmichael makes his worldwide TV stand up debut with an HBO special. That’s right, this will be Jerrod’s first time doing stand up on television and it’s an entire HBO special.

Don’t miss Love at the Store on HBO at 10PM tonight. Here’s a clip of it while you wait those few hours.

We were there for the taping and it was fantastic, so we really think you shouldn’t miss this.

Aubrey Plaza, Fred Armisen, and More Join ‘Fresno’

October 4, 2014

aubrey plaza, fred armisen, fresno, jamie babbit, judy greer, molly shannon, natasha lyonne, ron livingston

The upcoming comedy feature Fresno was already intriguing enough following Judy Greer and Natasha Lyonne as two dysfunctional sisters that are hotel maids attempting to dispose of a body.

Now, the likes of Aubrey Plaza, Ron Livingston, Molly Shannon, and Fred Armisen have joined the cast.

From the looks of it, Fresno has never been more appealing.

Amazon Orders ‘Red Oaks’ to Series, More Scripts for ‘The Cosmopolitans’

October 4, 2014

amazon, david gordon green, pilot season, red oaks, steven soderbergh, the cosmopolitans, whit stillman

(via The Hollywood Reporter)

After their latest user rated pilot season, Amazon has opted to take the Steven Soderbergh/David Gordon Green comedy pilot Red Oaks to series. This marks a streak for Soderbergh who has been gaining critical momentum for the Cinemax series he directs, The Knick.

Also, Whit Stillman’s The Cosmopolitans has received an order for an additional scripts, but whether they will go to series too has yet to be determined.

It’s clear that Amazon has built up plenty of its own momentum with Jill Soloway‘s Transparent and we’ll see if they can keep that going when Red Oaks and possibly The Cosmopolitans release their first season some time next year.

Simon Amstell Returns to Letterman

October 4, 2014

cbs, david letterman, late show, simon amstell

Almost a year ago, UK comedian Simon Amstell made a great American late night debut on The Late Show with David Letterman.

A year later, he’s back at Letterman offering another wonderful introspective stand-up set that also suggests that, no matter what, ego almost always has the upper hand despite getting what you wanted like another spot on Letterman.

LA Comedy Rundown 10/4/14

October 4, 2014

comedy shows, los angeles, open mics

ON THE HORIZON
The Audience Show with Dominic Dierkes @ UCB Theatre Thurs. Oct. 9th 9:30PM $5
Erik Charles Nielsen @ Hollywood Improv Fri. Oct. 10th 8PM $15/2 item min.

COMEDY CRAWL
Harmontown Screening @ Cinefamily 4PM/6:30PM $12
The Last Show I Do Before I Go on Medication @ Double Decker Bus that leaves from Pantages Theatre 7PM $25
Melissa Villasenor @ Flappers Claremont 7PM/9PM $20
Surprise! with Rob & Sofiya & Heidi Presents Rhythm Nation @ Santa Monica Art Studios 8PM $5
Charles Presents a Trip Through the Multiverse w/Special Guests Lost Moon Radio @ The Electric Lodge 8PM $15
Fresh Fish Variety Hour @ The Clubhouse 8PM FREE
Ithamar Has Nothing to Say @ Second City Hollywood 8PM $10
Jimmy Dore & Friends @ Hollywood Improv 8PM $15/2 item min.
Maronzio Vance @ Flappers Burbank 8PM/10PM $20/2 item min.
The Thrilling Adventure Hour @ Largo at the Coronet Theatre 8PM $30 (stand by only)
ASSSSCAT @ UCB Theatre 8PM $10 (stand by only)
Guy Branum Presents Talk Show: The Game Show @ Nerdmelt Showroom 9PM $10
BeerSharkMice @ iO West 9PM $10
Quick & Funny Musicals @ UCB Theatre 10PM $10
Ugh… A Comedy Show @ Neon Venus Theatre 11PM $5
12 Shiny Nickels @ Westside Comedy Theater 11:30PM $10
The Midnight Show @ UCB Theatre MIDNIGHT $5 (stand by only)
Tomorrow w/Ron Lynch Presents Tomorrow! Tonite! @ Steve Allen Theater MIDNIGHT $8

OPEN MIC RUN
TRIBAL CAFE 1651 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 2PM/Ends 4PM/First come, first served/Hosted by Trina Roderick
ROCKPAPER COFFEE CO 7509 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 3:30PM/Starts 4PM/Ends 6PM/5 min./One item min
TRIBAL CAFE 1651 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 4PM/Ends 7PM/First come, first served/5-10 min./Hosted by Marty Wurst and Jeanne Whitney
MAKAI COFFEE 2771 E. Broadway, Long Beach, CA/Sign-up 4:30PM/Starts 5PM/First come, first served/5-7 min./No purchase necessary
FLAPPERS BURBANK YOOHOO ROOM 102 E. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA/Starts 4:30PM/First come, first served
WESTSIDE COMEDY THEATER 1323-A 3rd St., Santa Monica, CA (in alley between 3rd St. Promenade & 4th St.)/Sign-up 5:45PM/Starts 6PM/Lottery/3 min./No purchase necessary/Hosted by Graham Rodgers and Scott Schnurr
THE LEXINGTON 129 E. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 6:30PM/Starts 6:45PM/First come, first served/5 min./No purchase necessary/Hosted by Kasey Koop and Jenny Young
GROUNDWORK COFFEE 1501 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA/Starts 7PM/Ends 10PM/First come, first served/5 min./One item min./Hosted by Raab
HOLLYWOOD HOTEL 1160 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA/Sign-up 6PM/Starts 7PM/https://www.facebook.com/ComedydeBasement/First 20 spots guaranteed on Facebook/Lottery for remaining spots/Hosted by Pablo Avion & Eric Bustamante/5 min./1 drink min.
FLAPPERS BAR 102 E. Magnolia Ave., Burbank, CA/Sign-up 11PM/Starts around 11:30PM/lottery/3-5 min.

Getting a Hold of Bill Murray Is Like Something Out of a Wes Anderson Movie

October 3, 2014

bill murray, bill murray story, st vincent

Bill Murray has no agent. In place of that, he has a lawyer and a 1-800 number where you can leave a voicemail. When a producer of the upcoming movie St. Vincent that Murray stars in wanted to reach Murray to see if he’d be interested, the process he went through was reminiscent of a montage in many a Wes Anderson movie that Murray himself was in.

International flights on a day’s notice, sending scripts to mysterious P.O. boxes, and more are just seemingly routine in Bill Murray’s world

Just read the rest of the journey here on Vulture.

Kurt Braunohler’s Comedy Central Talk Show Pilot “Gettin’ Some Strange” Tapes Next Week

October 3, 2014

comedy central, gettin some strange, kurt braunohler, pilot season, talk show, taping

A month ago, Comedy Central announced that it had ordered a talk show pilot from the amazing Kurt Braunohler entitled “Gettin’ Some Strange”. While details were scarce for the pilot, a description for the taping reads:

Gettin’ Some Strange with Kurt Braunohler, is a late-night talk show, in which comedian Braunohler (featured regular on Comedy Central’s @midnight) covers the strangest stories of the day, revealing just how beautifully insane our world actually is.

So, basically, we’re saying, go to the taping on Sun. Oct. 12th at Occidental Studios here in LA.

Steve Martin Is Getting an AFI Lifetime Achievement Award

October 3, 2014

afi, american film institute, lifetime achievement award, steve martin

Comedy legend and award winning bluegrass recording artist Steve Martin is getting honored by the American Film Institute, which will be aired on TV on TNT.

Not only is this a great honor that’s well deserved for Martin, but it’s probably a great chance for us all to see a great, funny speech from Steve once more.

Triumph the Insult Comic Dog Takes Over the Costume Characters at Times Square

October 3, 2014

conan, costume characters, impersonators, nyc, times square, triumph the insult comic dog

Such is a time and a place in either NYC’s Time Square or Hollywood and Highland here in LA these days that people can buy very good (or, in many cases, not so good costumes) of famous characters from TV and movies in order to make a living.

Leave it to Conan’s Triumph the Insult Comic Dog to shake down the whole take pictures with tourists for tips “industry”. Watch what one of the most famous costumed characters, Triumph, in late night does to Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Buzz Lightyear, Cookie Monster, and more.

‘Community’ Season 6 Tentatively Starting at the End of January

October 3, 2014

community, dan harmon, yahoo

(via Pop Culture Brain)

In Dan Harmon’s latest appearance on the Nerdist podcast, he teased that Community might be making it season 6 premiere on Yahoo at the tail end of January.

While the date has yet to be made official, the sooner that Community returns, the better, and closer to #sixseasonsandamovie.