JACK & DAN Heads to Dallas

Wade and I are currently writing on Matt Nix's awesome new Fox series called Jack & Dan.

Bradley Whitford and Colin Hanks as cops. They don't fight crime. Crime fights them.

It's gonna be incredible.

Read the Observer's announcement by clicking on the article below.

ON NEWSTANDS: Script Magazine (Nov/Dec 09)

The latest issue of Script Magazine is out!

For this issue, I decided to go way back into the recesses of our career horror stories to reminisce on the writing process of our first celebrity look-alike reality game show.

Yes, that's right, I said the FIRST.

Over the years, we were actually hired to write THREE different celebrity look-alike reality game shows: all were on different networks, with different producers... but, not surprisingly, all had exactly the same result: unmitigated disaster followed by subsequent (and immediate) cancellation.

But while working on the first of these masterpieces, Wade and I were truly inspired to strive for mediocrity thanks to the producer's motivating words.

Check out the full tale-- Aspiring To Passable --in this month's issue.

Buy your copy today or subscribe!

Illustration by my dear old friend, the incredibly talented Paul Pape.

Paul and I also collaborated on another little Easter Egg tucked away in this same issue. Enjoy!

VIGILS: The Reviews Are In!

Vigils has opened.
The reviews are in.

"shows off Haidle's almost uncanny sense of stage poetry - not just in the use of language but in every aspect of the theatrical experience...a haunting piece"
- Dallas Morning News


"It's a breathtaking, satisfying experience...director Aaron Ginsburg creates taut, unforgettable stage pictures while spinning his cast through rapid-fire exchanges and carefully choreographed repetitions.."
- Critical Rant & Rave

""strong, often moving, performances..."
- pegasusnews.com

"Directed by Aaron Ginsburg, the Kitchen Dog production is smart and ingenious, blessed with a remarkable cast..."
- KERA

"Ginsburg and his designers (Craig Siebels, scenic; Christina Dickson, costumes; Laura McMeley, lighting; John M. Flores, sound) succeed in creating a dreamscape of haunting images"
- Theater Jones

OPENING: Vigils at Kitchen Dog Theater

For the last six weeks, I've been directing an amazing play at the equally amazing Kitchen Dog Theater in Dallas, Texas.

Written by Noah Haidle (I also directed his play Mr. Marmalade in 2007 which earned me a DFW Theater Critics Forum Award for Best Direction), Vigils follows a widow who's firefighter husband is killed trying to rescue a baby from a blaze. However, instead of mourning his loss, she does what any normal person would do and locks his soul up in a box in her house. The play is beautiful, heartbreaking, surprising and... yes, a comedy.

The cast (the unrivaled quartet of Tina Parker, Ira Steck, Matthew Gray and Jim Kuenzer) will blow your mind, the technical team (genius extraordinaires Craig Siebels [set], John Flores [sound], Laura McMeley [lighting], Cristee Dixon [costumes], and Ruth Stephenson [stage management]) are brilliant, and my direction ain't half bad either.

It runs through October 10th, 2009 at Kitchen Dog Theater.

Check it out!

REAL HEROES: FIREFIGHTER - Out Now!

Real Heroes: Firefighter, the FPS game we wrote for the cool guys over at Epicenter, is OUT NOW for the Nintendo Wii. Check it out!

The game throws you into Engine Company 13 to battle dangerous blazes along side a ragtag crew of heroes voiced by James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), John DiMaggio (Futurama and Gears of War), Jaime Kennedy (Ghost Whisperer), Jenette Goldstein (Aliens), Jack McGee (Rescue Me) and Michael Jace (The Shield).

Featuring Epicenter's proprietary "Thinking Fire" technology, the blazes seem to have a mind of their own as the flames attack structures, potential victims and firefighters themselves.

The coolest part? A portion of the proceeds from the game sales will be donated to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.

Order your copy now at Amazon.com!

Become a fan on Facebook!

ON NEWSTANDS: Script Magazine (July/Aug 09)

The latest issue of Script Magazine is out!

For this issue, I wrote a heartwarming piece about the value of burning one's bridges in Hollywood. Sure, it's counter intuitive, but I feel I make a pretty compelling case. Sometimes, to protect yourself out here, it's best to simply light a match, take a step back and set a former business relationship ablaze.

All the names in the piece have been changed...

Oh, except for Craig's.

Buy your copy today or subscribe!

Burning Bridges

Illustration By: Lisa DiPaula

From the Forums

Several months ago, I had the fortune to interview Matt Nix, the creator of USA's hit, Burn Notice. We chatted about breaking show's twisty plot lines, Matt's writing process, and then we blew up a CIA outpost.

I was proud of the article (which appeared in the Jan/Feb 2009 issue of Script Magazine), and recently, my editor discovered it was the topic of a Burn Notice Forum thread.

Not only do the fans declare the article to be "THE best Burn Notice-related interview," but they also seem to think my name is Aaron Goldberg. Sure. Let's just call it an alias...

Read the full thread here.

Tiny Vaudeville #4 - Highlights!

Thank you so much to everyone who came down to the Echoplex Tuesday night to support 826LA.

Once again, the show was a huge success -- and we couldn't have pulled it off without the help (and boundless talents) of so many amazing artists: Ben Acker & Ben Blacker, Joel Spence, Dave (Gruber) Allen, Common Rotation, Derek Hughes, Brendon Walsh, Sean Watkins of Nickle Creek, Kat Parsons, John DiMaggio, James Urbaniak, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Ascott-Evans, Christina Galante, and all of the volunteers that help behind the scenes.

For those of you who couldn't make it, here are a few fun highlights of the evening:

The tremendous Kat Parsons brought the house down.

Brian Baumgartner, John DiMaggio and (not pictured) James Urbaniak
take on David Mamet in our ridiculous version of Glengarry Glen Ross.

Comedian Brendon Walsh hilariously pushes
the boundaries of good taste (you know, for the kids)

Common Rotation, phenomenal as always.

Dave (Gruber) Allen, James Urbaniak, and Brian Baumgartner

read selections from 826LA's latest collection of kids' thoughts on time travel.

Photos courtesy of incredibly talented LifeofReilly.

S.W.I.P.E. - Screen Grab

There is much news in the world of S.W.I.P.E.

Unfortunately, we're not allowed to discuss any of it. Top secret, and all.

In the meantime, our brilliant DP Tony Burns was kind enough to share this kick-ass screen grab of Agent Billdog Hicks (Max Hartman) doing what he does best: using excessive violence in the name of copyright protection. Enjoy!

More S.W.I.P.E. news to come.

Stay tuned...

Tiny Vaudeville #4

Yep, it's finally happening. We're bringing 826LA's hilarious Tiny Vaudeville back to Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 30th with comedy, magic, music and more! Wade and I are co-directing/producing and writing once again (along with the unrivaled brilliance of Acker & Blacker).

The one-and-only Joel Spence is back with house band Common Rotation to host another evening of guaranteed gut-busting side-splittery -- all done in the name of charity!

Who's starring this time, you ask? What amazing surprises do we have in store for you? Any cool celebrities? All good questions. For the answers, how about you come on down to the Echoplex on Tuesday night and FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF!

Past shows have included:
Appearances by Dave Foley, Buck Henry and Laraine Newman, Bob Odenkirk, Charlyne Yi, Kirsten Vangsness, Mark Gagliardi, Samm Levine, Martin Starr!

Musical Guests Pop Levi, Maria Taylor, Garfunkel and Oates, Claybo & Downs, Bhama Roget!

Performances by The Royal Shakespeare Company: This Week in Hagar and This Week in Beetle Bailey! Magic by Derek Hughes!

Jeremy Konner and Eban Schletter in the now-infamous battle known only as "Saw vs Theremin"!!

If that is the quality of evening we've consistently delivered, what are you worried about?! Tiny Vaudeville #4 will exceed your already high expectations! The first 200 to RSVP online with a donation of your choosing* will receive a receipt for your tax deductible donation.

* $10 minimum suggested, plus eventbrite fees. Receipts are issued only for pre-sale online donations - confirmation and receipt are sent automatically. All other tickets are $15 CASH ONLY at the door.

Check out this link to lock down seats => HERE

ON NEWSTANDS: Script Magazine (May/June 2009)

The latest issue of Script Magazine is out!

For this issue, I got to sit down to chat with John Brancato and Michael Ferris about their small, quirky indie film, Terminator Salvation. Maybe you've heard of it? Not only do I get their two cents on the infamous Bale Meltdown, corner them on the death of their wonderfully bizarre fake identity, but we also have a cool discussion about writing oneself into a serious corner. As in: what happens when you end your previous movie with the full blown Apocalypse... and then the studios ask for a follow up?

Also in this issue, another exciting adventure from The Case Files of The Unlawyer.

In "Your Leopard Is Stuck In Customs," I discover that masquerading as an entertainment attorney at a reputable firm in Los Angeles isn't all fun and games. In fact, even the smallest mistakes can quickly ripple through the globe. Just ask the leopard.

True story.

Get your copy today, or just subscribe!

Your Leopard Is Stuck In Customs

Illustration By: Lisa DiPaula

The Key Lazzi

I just returned from a brief stint in Dallas where I was co-directing (with Kitchen Dog Theater co-Artistic Director Tina Parker) an awesome new play by Yussef El Guindi called Jihad Jones and the Kalashnikov Babes.

In it, an Arab-American actor finally gets his big Hollywood break. Unfortunately, that break is playing Mohammed, the most grotesquely stereotypical Islamic terrorist ever conceived. So, how much is one's dignity really worth?

One of the scenes we worked on (for hours) is a massively farcical comic set piece. Michael Federico, the brilliant actor playing the smarmy talent agent, blogged about his experiences in rehearsal on KERA.org's website.

Read his hilarious version of The Actor's Nightmare here.

And hey, if you're in Dallas, don't miss the final production of KDT's 08/09 season.

Beware: S.W.I.P.E. is real...

In Dallas, the FBI recently busted into a business and confiscated "millions worth of computer servers."

An estimated 100,000 cell phone customers have lost portions of their service.

Companies like AT&T and Google were affected by the raid.

And why?

Because the FBI is after some dude who may have used his company's network servers to pirate movies and software. Hey, you want the new director's cut of The Other Boleyn Girl, you're gonna have to pay for it.

Beware, my friends, S.W.I.P.E. is real...

Read the full article here.

Tiny Vaudeville #3 - Highlights!

Okay, so you missed Tiny Vaudeville #3.

No big deal. It was only just super awesome. Don't believe me?

Use a magnifying glass to read this rave review on LA.COM, or just click the link and use your normal eyes.


Also, more fun press courtesy of Metromix.

While Bob Odenkirk was there in fine form, Metromix stole this picture of him from The Getty. Our curtains at Tiny Vaudeville are nice, but they're not that nice.

And finally, a nice mention on Flavorpill.

See? Aren't ya sad you missed the madness?

Well, our next Tiny Vaudeville is coming (but not 'til June!), but don't worry: we promise the wait will be worth it.

I'll post actual pics from the evening when I get 'em.

Tiny Vaudeville #3

Tonight, we will be presenting the 3rd Tiny Vaudeville for 826LA at the Echoplex. If you are in Los Angeles, or within --say-- a five hour drive of Los Angeles, then this is absolutely a show worth seeing.

What? Don't believe me?

Well, I'll set our trust issues aside for just a moment to shamelessly brag about our line up.

LOOK:

TINY VAUDEVILLE!

Hosted by Marc Evan Jackson & Joel Spence

With special guest stars:
Bob Odenkirk
(Mr. Show; Tom Goes to the Mayor; Breaking Bad)

Charlyne Yi
(Knocked Up; the forthcoming Paper Hearts)

Martin Starr
(Freaks & Geeks; Knocked Up; Adventureland)

and more!

Magician Arthur Trace
The Historic Country/Western Duo Claybo & Downs
Battle-of-the-bands winner The Pity Party
and many more surprises!

Orchestra led by Dan Bern
and featuring Common Rotation

See? I wasn't kidding about the show.

Now, seriously, let's talk about these trust issues...

S.W.I.P.E. - on Tubefilter!

This week, Tubefilter.tv ran a story about our forthcoming web series, S.W.I.P.E.

Never willing to miss an opportunity to shamelessly promote our work, we're throwing the link up here. We're thrilled to have contributed, in any way, to the possibly accurate internet rumor of "silent studio backing."

Enjoy!

ON NEWSTANDS: Script Magazine (March/April 09)

The latest issue of Script Magazine is out!

This time around, I was thrilled to learn that my feature interview with Susannah Grant about her script for Joe Wright's upcoming drama, The Soloist, made the cover story. Susannah is an amazing writer, and our fantastic conversation delved beyond process and into the writer's responsibility to protect truth in storytelling.

Also in this issue, I share yet another dazzling tale of Hollywood douche-baggery!

In my article, Additional Writing, I ask the question: Just how much would it suck if you wrote a film that went to Sundance and the director took your name off of it?

Answer: A shit ton.

True story.

Get your copy today, or just subscribe!

Additional Writing
Illustration By: Lisa DiPaula

S.W.I.P.E. - Trailer

Our new webseries about the people who keep us safe...

from piracy and copyright infringement.

Full Episodes Coming Soon.

Tiny Vaudeville #2 - Highlights!

Thanks to everyone who came out for the second Tiny Vaudeville.

It was a great evening, full of amazing performances. If you didn't make it out to the Echoplex, here are some flashy production stills to really rub your face in everything you missed.

Kirsten Vangsness, Laraine Newman and Buck Henry
in a sketch we wrote about SNL's The Coneheads

Music by singer-songwriter Maria Taylor

Eddie Pepitone as Willy Loman.

Co-Host Joel Spence backed by Common Rotation

Co-Host Marc Evan Jackson backed by Glass of Scotch.

Next Tiny Vaudeville is coming, March 30th!

More awesome acts and surprises...

See you then!

Tiny Vaudeville #2

After the amazing success of our very first Tiny Vaudeville, the question now looms: how on earth will we ever top it?

Well, get ready to see the answer to that very question... live, on stage, in Tiny Vaudeville #2.

Stop reading this, open iCal, and add a new event for this coming Monday, February 23rd at 8PM. You can thank me later.

For McIntyre and I have once again teamed up with Acker & Blacker to pack the proceedings full of undeniable hilarity. And, as always, I'll be directing this utter madhouse of talent.

Check out what yer 12 bucks gets ya (other than the nice, warm feeling that accompanies the knowledge that your cash goes to a charity that helps children, ya scrooge!):

TINY VAUDEVILLE
#2

Hosted by Joel Spence and Marc Evan Jackson
***
with The Dan Bern Orchestra backed by Common Rotation
***
and musical guest Maria Taylor
***
featuring Eban Schletter, Bhama Roget, Lauren Rogers, Eddie Pepitone, Mark Gagliardi, Kirsten Vangsness, Jeremy Konner, Annie Savage, Sascha Rothchild
***
Laraine Newman & Buck Henry!
***
and a reading from the latest 826LA student publications:
I Love You But I Have to Wash My Hands and Make It Punk

And much more!

TICKETS AVAILABLE: http://826la.org/store-tickets/

See you at the show!

REAL HEROES: More Cast News!

As promised, here's some more info on the insanely awesome cast we have filling out the crew of Real Heroes: Firefighter, the Wii game we wrote for Epicenter Studios.

First up, one of our leads, Mr. James Marsters. Yeah, that's right, Spike.

Marsters plays wild card firefighter Jimmy "Match" Morris.

Rough around the edges, Match rarely follow orders and his decisions are consistently reckless, but he gets the job done and makes sure everyone comes home safely. For every commendation he’s received (and he’s received plenty), there’s a demerit as well. Might be why, after 22 years of service, Match has never been promoted.

Lieutenant Dylan Scott is played by The Shield's Michael Jace.

Lt. Scott is the product of a military family, so “home” for him has a different definition than for most people. He moved around a lot in his youth, and now considers the firehouse crew his true family. He's fiercely protective of his firefighters, and is one of the few who will even stick his neck out for wild card Morris.


The stern, humorless leader of the firehouse is Captain Kotaka is played by our good friend, the one and only, John DiMaggio. (aka: Bender!)

Kotaka holds every person under his command to the strictest of standards, often to everyone’s frustration. When Captain’s nearby, there’s no fooling around, no joking. The man means business.

Look for the game to hit shelves sometime this spring/early summer... TBA!

REAL HEROES: Cast News!

We just finished the nearly 200 page script for the upcoming Nintendo Wii game Real Heroes: Firefighter and the cast is really shaping up.

Here's a sneak peak at some of the voices who'll be battling blazes alongside the player.

The one and only Jack McGee (FX's Rescue Me) plays Engineer Ed "Big Ed" Martin. Jovial and talkative, Big Ed's got a penchant for driving the engine way too fast. He's the house cook, and the heartburn you get from his chili is more famous than the chili itself.

The role of Firefighter Marc Cameron is played by Jamie Kennedy. Cameron isn't the sharpest halligan in the firehouse: he originally planned on attending the police academy but in a mix-up he accidentally signed up for the fire academy. His squad never lets him live that one down, but he takes their ribbing in stride. He stuck it out because chicks dig firefighters (besides, no one in their right mind would ever trust him with a firearm).

More cast news to come. Stay tuned.