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...