From Bill Hader on last night's SNL...
Alternate Best Supporting Actor 2005: Ed Harris in A History of Violence
Ed Harris did not receive an Oscar nomination for portraying Carl Fogarty in A History of Violence.Ed Harris portrays the Philadelphia gangster who comes looking for diner owner Tom Stall who recently killed two men trying to rob his diner..
Best Supporting Actor 2011: Nick Nolte in Warrior
Nick Nolte received his third Oscar nomination for portraying Paddy Conlon in Warrior.Warrior details a winner take all mixed martial art tournament whose two main combatants are estranged brothers (Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton) fighting for their own difficult reasons.
Alternate Best Actor 2011
And the Nominees Were Not:Ryan Gosling in DriveRobert Wieckiewicz in In DarknessMichael Fassbender in ShameMichael Shannon in Take ShelterBrendan Gleeson in The Guard..
Sunday, October 31, 2010
My idea for a really cool slasher movie!
I must admit I never got into those slasher movies. Seems to me they’re all the same story. The popular kids who were too good to ever go out with you in high school all frolic off to a cabin for some holiday and some disfigured skeesix in a goalie’s mask terrorizes and one-by-one graphically slices them up. Yes, it’s grizzly and horrible but isn’t that sorta what they deserve? Would it kill them
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Katey Sagal sings
Here's an episode of the MARY series that David Isaacs and I created for Mary Tyler Moore in 1985. Thanks to reader Benson for posting it on YouTube. This is the episode that features Katey Sagal singing. We knew she was a terrific singer (she was one of Bette Midler's Harlettes) but the character she played in the show was a real curmudgeon, not the kind of person who would just break into
Merrill Markoe's Book of Genesis
Finally, some actual PROOF of the Book of Genesis, compliments of esteemed theologian, Merrill Markoe.
How a baseball is made
As the World Series continues, I'm always looking for baseball posts for people who don't give a crap about baseball. Here's one for anyone just curious or that entrepreneur looking to start his own sweat shop. How a baseball is made. This is from the Discovery Channel and it's pretty fascinating. Before you can "play ball" you gotta "make ball".
Friday, October 29, 2010
What is the best spec to write?
Working through these Friday questions as fast as I can. Here are a bunch more.
Ajjjj asks:
What show do you recommend to spec? You’ve mentioned 30 Rock, but since it's in its fifth season, is it maybe getting long in the tooth?
Is it wiser to write for a young show with promise (Raising Hope, Modern Family) or to write for a show that might be too stale in a year or so (Always Sunny, 30
Ajjjj asks:
What show do you recommend to spec? You’ve mentioned 30 Rock, but since it's in its fifth season, is it maybe getting long in the tooth?
Is it wiser to write for a young show with promise (Raising Hope, Modern Family) or to write for a show that might be too stale in a year or so (Always Sunny, 30
Thursday, October 28, 2010
One of the true idiots I've ever worked with
Early in my directing career I did a couple of episodes of ASK HARRIET for FOX. It actually was not a bad show and I worked with some wonderful actors like Willie Garson, Ed Asner, and Julie Benz. But one of the producers was maybe the worst writer I’ve ever encountered in the business. And he really stuck out because the rest of the staff was terrific.
For purposes of this piece let’s
For purposes of this piece let’s
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Charlie Sheen, the World Series, the Kardashians, and Crusader Rabbit
Random this and thats…
So Charlie Sheen was found naked and drunk and trashed a hotel room in the Plaza in New York. The naked hooker he was with was screaming from inside a closet. And what was the spin this time? Why it was merely an allergic reaction to medication. I dunno. On all those drug commercials when they list the possible dangerous side effects I’ve never heard them say “may
So Charlie Sheen was found naked and drunk and trashed a hotel room in the Plaza in New York. The naked hooker he was with was screaming from inside a closet. And what was the spin this time? Why it was merely an allergic reaction to medication. I dunno. On all those drug commercials when they list the possible dangerous side effects I’ve never heard them say “may
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
How to avoid the "casting couch"
One would have to be incredibly naive to believe that the “casting couch” does not exist in Hollywood (or more correctly -- East Hollywood). Gwyneth Paltrow, in a recent edition of ELLE magazine (I never miss an issue) said that early in her career, despite her parents’ stature in the industry, she was propositioned during a casting session. She quickly bolted but said she could see how
Monday, October 25, 2010
Reaction to my airline rant. They hate me more than when I blasted Katherine Heigl
Usually I don’t respond to comments. It’s your forum and I’m the hockey referee. I just drop the puck, get out of the way, and let you guys go at it. But my Sunday post on airline treatment has sparked such a heated and bizarre debate that I just had to chime in.
So to some of my dear commenters, and I say this with the greatest respect, are you fucking nuts?! You’re DEFENDING the
So to some of my dear commenters, and I say this with the greatest respect, are you fucking nuts?! You’re DEFENDING the
Here's how you can watch all of your favorite shows all at once!
Yesterday I was introduced to the Red Zone channel. For those unaware, this is the NFL on crack. RED ZONE cuts from game to game to game while an offstage announcer (impressively) sets up what you’re about to see. But it’s impossible to follow anything because you blink and you’re on to another one. There are not as many quick cuts in the BIG BANG THEORY opening titles. At one point a
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Open letter to airlines: We hate you
RANT WARNING: Sometimes I really go off. This is one of them.
Here's just the latest example. I'm up in the Bay Area this weekend. On Friday I tried to check in on line on Southwest Airlines. Pre-check-in site was down, but it said if this continues to call and they provided a number. So after three hours of trying I called the number. Had to wait fifteen minutes. When I finally got
Here's just the latest example. I'm up in the Bay Area this weekend. On Friday I tried to check in on line on Southwest Airlines. Pre-check-in site was down, but it said if this continues to call and they provided a number. So after three hours of trying I called the number. Had to wait fifteen minutes. When I finally got
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Here's the team that should win DANCING WITH THE STARS
On DANCING WITH THE HOPE-TO-STARS Monday night, "teen activist" Bristol Palin attempted to show personality and humor in her dance. She even went to Clown School. (I could do a joke here about them offering a mother-daughter discount but of course I'm way above that.) Anyway, the results were as expected. There's a reason the nickname for dancing is hoofing.
But for an example of great
But for an example of great
notes from the campaign trail
The President of the United States managed to come to Los Angeles yesterday without crippling the entire southland. The last time was ridiculous. It would have caused less inconvenience if we were all just ordered to evacuate the city. Thirteen million people spending two days sleeping on cots in the Lancaster High School gym. That way the security detail would be satisfied that President
Friday, October 22, 2010
The writing process on MAD MEN
Time for Friday questions. The first one is answered with the assistance of Matthew Weiner.
It comes from Ted:
I love Mad Men, and I've always thought that, like The Sopranos, the sharp writing comes from a staff in a room. But Matthew Weiner does a lot of publicity for the show, and he doesn't seem to mind if you think he creates every word, character, and storyline. So what's the truth? Is
It comes from Ted:
I love Mad Men, and I've always thought that, like The Sopranos, the sharp writing comes from a staff in a room. But Matthew Weiner does a lot of publicity for the show, and he doesn't seem to mind if you think he creates every word, character, and storyline. So what's the truth? Is
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The truth about product placement, or "things go bitter with Coke"
Sometimes a Friday question warrants an entire post. Like this one:
Stephen asks:
How do feel about product placement in shows? What were your experiences with it in your shows? Were you ever asked to feature something ridiculous (e.g. high-end sports gear in M*A*S*H)?
No one from Nike ever approached us on MASH. Damn! I could have used the shoes.
COL POTTER: Klinger, you horse's patoot!
Stephen asks:
How do feel about product placement in shows? What were your experiences with it in your shows? Were you ever asked to feature something ridiculous (e.g. high-end sports gear in M*A*S*H)?
No one from Nike ever approached us on MASH. Damn! I could have used the shoes.
COL POTTER: Klinger, you horse's patoot!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tom Bosley, Bristol Palin, Jenny McCarthy, and Cliff Lee
Miscellaneous thoughts or “Attention-deficit blogging”:
Bristol Palin finally got raves from the DWTHS judges this week…for performing in a gorilla suit.
What an awful week for sitcom parents. First Barbara Billingsley (June Cleaver) passes away and now Mr. C., Tom Bosley of HAPPY DAYS. He was a lovely man.
Explain to me why ABC says COUGAR TOWN is a hit when last week MODERN FAMILY
Bristol Palin finally got raves from the DWTHS judges this week…for performing in a gorilla suit.
What an awful week for sitcom parents. First Barbara Billingsley (June Cleaver) passes away and now Mr. C., Tom Bosley of HAPPY DAYS. He was a lovely man.
Explain to me why ABC says COUGAR TOWN is a hit when last week MODERN FAMILY
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
My MAD MEN season review
SPOILER ALERT, but Jesus, watch the damn show already. Enough people are talking about it.
Can Don Draper find happiness now that he plans to marry his Laura Petrie with bad teeth? Well, first of all, no one is ever really going to be happy because without conflict you’re left with TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL. But I do feel Don at least has a shot now. As do some of the other always-in-crisis
Can Don Draper find happiness now that he plans to marry his Laura Petrie with bad teeth? Well, first of all, no one is ever really going to be happy because without conflict you’re left with TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL. But I do feel Don at least has a shot now. As do some of the other always-in-crisis
Monday, October 18, 2010
Beaver Cleaver
Barbara Billingsley, who played June Cleaver on the classic 50s sitcom LEAVE IT TO BEAVER, passed away over the weekend. She was 94. As a kid I marveled at how she cooked and cleaned and always wore a party dress and pearls. My mom never did. But for years it was an honor to be mistaken for Barbara's TV son.
I guess that requires an explanation, huh?
Okay, that means a look back at my
I guess that requires an explanation, huh?
Okay, that means a look back at my
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Adventures in pitching pilots
This is the time of the year when writers are pitching pilot ideas to networks. Sometimes we sell; sometimes we don't. But we all have stories. Here are a few of ours:
We had to pitch a pilot the day after 9-11. The VP cried. (We sold it)
We pitched ABC (years and many executives ago) and started with a joke. We said we had an idea that was tailor made for their network. We called in “
We had to pitch a pilot the day after 9-11. The VP cried. (We sold it)
We pitched ABC (years and many executives ago) and started with a joke. We said we had an idea that was tailor made for their network. We called in “
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Dancing with the REAL Stars
Check out this amazing video. Don't know who did the editing but he/she/they did a fantastic job.
The live 30 ROCK
Anytime a show breaks format it’s a big risk. On MASH we did it from time to time. When my writing partner, David and I pitched the “Point of View” concept to producers we told them it would either be the best or worst show of the year. But we took these chances primarily because we were in a format that was completely locked-in to a time and place. All other sitcoms could naturally
Friday, October 15, 2010
The writing job I regret not accepting
Friday questions comin' at ya. For new readers, every Friday I answer your questions. Just leave 'em in the comments section.
UPDATE: A lot of you have asked me about last night's live 30 ROCK. I'll talk about it tomorrow. Preview: I liked it.
Michael has two:
1) Any writing jobs do you regret not accepting?
We were offered the job to write the COSBY pilot but had to turn it down
UPDATE: A lot of you have asked me about last night's live 30 ROCK. I'll talk about it tomorrow. Preview: I liked it.
Michael has two:
1) Any writing jobs do you regret not accepting?
We were offered the job to write the COSBY pilot but had to turn it down
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The random shots I've been taking in the blogosphere
Wow! With this Aaron Sorkin thing going viral I’ve been mentioned in any number of other websites. What an honor to see what other people are writing about me and just how well respected I am in the cyber community.
For the past 24 hours the film blog water cooler has been populated with chatter about Aaron Sorkin‘s response to the sexism criticisms against “The Social Network.” But I was
For the past 24 hours the film blog water cooler has been populated with chatter about Aaron Sorkin‘s response to the sexism criticisms against “The Social Network.” But I was
Can a sitcom be edgy and sweet at the same time?
The LA TIMES “Calendar” section ran an article Tuesday maintaining that today’s newer comedies like RAISING HOPE and COMMUNITY, even though they’re edgy, also want to feature warm emotional moments. And that’s fine except for one thing – you’ve got to earn it.
Otherwise you’re WILL & GRACE. Every week they would do twenty minutes of sheer burlesque then suddenly switch gears and have this
Otherwise you’re WILL & GRACE. Every week they would do twenty minutes of sheer burlesque then suddenly switch gears and have this
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
The response to Aaron Sorkin's response
A million thanks again to Aaron Sorkin for responding to a commenter and causing my blog to go viral for the first time ever. And yes, it really was Aaron Sorkin. THE WRAP confirmed it with his publicist.
This is all very unexpected – this viral thing. Like I said, it never happens to me – even when I give insightful writing advice or review Pornstar Karaoke. I guess I could address the
This is all very unexpected – this viral thing. Like I said, it never happens to me – even when I give insightful writing advice or review Pornstar Karaoke. I guess I could address the
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
My take on DANCING WITH THE STARS
This is going to be a rather bizarre recap of DANCING WITH THE STARS because it’s only the first time I’ve managed to sit through the whole two hours. But I know the show is insanely popular so felt it was time I saw for myself what all the hoopla was about.
First of all, I didn’t know half the “stars”. My first impulse was to feel really old and out of it but then I checked the bios.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Comedy Writing 101 is back in session
I posted last night's SIMPSON'S opening but YouTube took it down. So I took down the post. I hate when I can't post stuff I don't own.
Thanks again to Aaron Sorkin for sharing his insights in the making of SOCIAL NETWORK. Compared to that a half hour episode of comedy seems a little minimal but that's what I got.
Saturday I posted another episode of ALMOST PERFECT, the series I co-created
Thanks again to Aaron Sorkin for sharing his insights in the making of SOCIAL NETWORK. Compared to that a half hour episode of comedy seems a little minimal but that's what I got.
Saturday I posted another episode of ALMOST PERFECT, the series I co-created
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Aaron Sorkin responds to a commenter in my blog
Many thanks to Aaron Sorkin for graciously responding to a commenter on my review of SOCIAL NETWORK. Having Aaron Sorkin contribute to your blog is like having Vin Scully agree to call your Little League game. He posted in the comments section but I think it's worthy of its own post. He responds to a reader named Tarazza. Here's her comment followed by his. Again, many thanks Aaron. And
The museums you have to see
In a nod to its proud and rich heritage, Las Vegas is planning on erecting a “museum to the mob” to open by 2011. Exhibits will salute the city’s founding fathers – Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal, and Anthony “Tony the Ant” Spilotro. To add to the absurdity of this project, it was the brainchild of the current mayor, Oscar Goodman, a former defense attorney who represented
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Almost Perfect -- "Overly Meditated
Here's another episode of ALMOST PERFECT. Monday I'll discuss it -- how we came up with it, our objectives, our approach. If you're writing a spec or just interested in the process join me Monday. You can spend $500 at UCLA Extension and learn the same crap. Like before, I don't know how to edit these things so it starts about 30 seconds in.
KHJ: Inside Boss Radio
A few years ago I attended an informal high school reunion. It was held at someone’s house, everyone dressed in shorts, and the menu was pot luck. We basically just invited the people we wanted to see again. So out of a class of several hundred there were like fifteen of us. Being a lethal cook I volunteered to provide the music. I made hour long tapes of the 60s music that was popular
Friday, October 8, 2010
Why I never became a comedian
Here are some Friday questions and answers:
l.a.guy wonders:
Did you ever, or were you ever tempted, to try working as a stand-up comedian? Are comedy writers frustrated stand-ups, or is it the other way around? Also, have you ever worked on a show with writers who were stand-ups and if so is it good or bad?
Personally, I never had the desire to try stand-up. Most stand-ups I know tend to be
l.a.guy wonders:
Did you ever, or were you ever tempted, to try working as a stand-up comedian? Are comedy writers frustrated stand-ups, or is it the other way around? Also, have you ever worked on a show with writers who were stand-ups and if so is it good or bad?
Personally, I never had the desire to try stand-up. Most stand-ups I know tend to be
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The perfect date movie!!
Here's another except from the book I'm writing on growing up in the 60s in Southern California. A million memories -- three or four not painful.
February brought with it my birthday. I turned 16. This is a bigger milestone for girls. Guys do not have Sweet Sixteen parties. But they do get their driver’s licenses!
Unless they fail the test. Happy birthday to me.
Parallel parking is
February brought with it my birthday. I turned 16. This is a bigger milestone for girls. Guys do not have Sweet Sixteen parties. But they do get their driver’s licenses!
Unless they fail the test. Happy birthday to me.
Parallel parking is
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Even when they don't play they lose
While reporting on today's Texas-Tampa Bay playoff game, KOMO-TV in Seattle ran this. Even when they don't play the Mariners lose.
Congratulations to Roy Halladay who threw a no-hitter today in between Conan promos on TBS.
Congratulations to Roy Halladay who threw a no-hitter today in between Conan promos on TBS.
The Social Network & a Sorkin parody
NO SPOILER ALERT NECESSARY
I have a rather tumultuous relationship with Aaron Sorkin. I loved WEST WING. But I had some issues with STUDIO 60, which I detailed in a blog post. I also wrote a parody of his writing that I am re-posting below (since I assume most of you discovered the blog long after October, 2006).
The LA TIMES did an article about what writers thought of STUDIO 60 and
I have a rather tumultuous relationship with Aaron Sorkin. I loved WEST WING. But I had some issues with STUDIO 60, which I detailed in a blog post. I also wrote a parody of his writing that I am re-posting below (since I assume most of you discovered the blog long after October, 2006).
The LA TIMES did an article about what writers thought of STUDIO 60 and
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
"I don't do coffee and I don't lie to wives" -- a collection of our secretaries
Like all of America, I loved Mrs. Blankenship on MAD MEN. (By “all of America” I mean the million or so people who watch this best show on television.) She was Don Draper’s secretary before that word was banished for being politically incorrect along with stewardess, housewife, and two-bit whore. (I wonder: will the thoroughbred race horse have to be renamed “ExecutiveAssistantiat”?)
But
But
Monday, October 4, 2010
My take on OUTSOURCED
OUTSOURCED has received a lot of bad reviews. Crass. One-dimensional. Stereotypical. TV critics have hated it. I didn’t. I sure didn’t like it but I’ve seen worse (this year even). So here’s my review coming at it from a writer’s perspective (not that anyone asked). And hopefully it will be taken as constructive.
Disclaimer: I was not in on the development process nor do I know
Sunday, October 3, 2010
The Duke F*CK list
Hey there aspiring writers, Karen F. Owen has found a new way to get an agent! And here’s the good news – you don’t have to write a spec script! Why slave for months over that pesky spec 30 ROCK or kill yourself over that original pilot? Ugh!! That’s the old way. That’s for saps! You want the William Morris Agency to come after you? It’s simple! Just fuck a bunch of guys and
So long, Joe!
Today is Joe Torre’s final game managing the Dodgers, perhaps his final day managing anywhere. I’m really going to miss him. And not just because he’s a big fan of CHEERS. Okay, well that’s a big reason but there are others.
Joe is the definition of a mensch . Whether it’s a superstar player or just the schmuck who hosts the postgame radio show, he treats everyone the same – with
Joe is the definition of a mensch . Whether it’s a superstar player or just the schmuck who hosts the postgame radio show, he treats everyone the same – with
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Yes, there really is a Master Bait & Tackle
Someone emailed me this week and asked how come I haven't posted any travelogues lately. Uh, it's 'cause I haven't really gone anywhere in awhile. But that doesn't mean I can't reprise a trip from the past. This is my Florida & New York March 2006 jaunt. By the way, I'm thinking of compiling all my travelogues into a book. Does that sound like something you'd be remotely interested in, even if
Friday, October 1, 2010
What was the problem with Sara Gilbert?
What better way to begin October than with Friday questions?
WilliamJansen starts us off.
You have written about how Frasier, Lilith and Bulldog all started out as minor characters with a finite time-span on the series, but advanced to full cast-membership because they were so successful.
Did you ever have a minor character, that you wanted to advance to full membership of the cast, but it
WilliamJansen starts us off.
You have written about how Frasier, Lilith and Bulldog all started out as minor characters with a finite time-span on the series, but advanced to full cast-membership because they were so successful.
Did you ever have a minor character, that you wanted to advance to full membership of the cast, but it
