While in Toronto for his Just For Laughs comedy tour, T.J. Miller explains his decision to leave “Silicon Valley” and what it was like returning to work with Ryan Reynolds for “Deadpool 2”. The comedian spilled some secrets about the superhero sequel to Et Canada’s Carlos Bustamante, suggesting there may even be a spin-off for […]...
- 11/9/2017
- by Rachel West
- ET Canada
Kendall Jenner‘s courtship with NBA player Blake Griffin is heating up.
The stars recently stepped out for a special double date with Jenner’s sister, Kylie, and her rapper boyfriend Travis Scott at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights in Hollywood. A source told People that the couple “had a blast” together.
“She thinks he’s dorky and funny, but also cool and sexy — he has a certain attractive ‘swagger,’ ” another insider said of Jenner, 21, and Griffin, 28. “They are seeing each other more, and Blake is doing everything in his power to make Kendall his girlfriend.”
“She’s always working...
The stars recently stepped out for a special double date with Jenner’s sister, Kylie, and her rapper boyfriend Travis Scott at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights in Hollywood. A source told People that the couple “had a blast” together.
“She thinks he’s dorky and funny, but also cool and sexy — he has a certain attractive ‘swagger,’ ” another insider said of Jenner, 21, and Griffin, 28. “They are seeing each other more, and Blake is doing everything in his power to make Kendall his girlfriend.”
“She’s always working...
- 10/17/2017
- by Char Adams
- PEOPLE.com
Trevor Noah thanked fellow comedian Jim Carrey for helping him overcome depression. Related: Trevor Noah Tackles Donald Trump Through Johnny Cash Song Noah, 33, explained how he knew nothing of his own mental illness before learning of Carrey’s personal struggles. “You can’t win at comedy,” the “Daily Show” host said at the Just For Laughs comedy festival […]...
- 7/31/2017
- by Shakiel Mahjouri
- ET Canada
Judd Apatow is among the many hilarious attendees at this year’s Just for Laughs festival in Montreal, where the man behind such projects as beloved TV comedy “Freaks and Geeks” and big-screen hits including “The 40 Year Old Virgin” and Amy Schumer’s “Trainwreck” was on hand to present Jim Carrey with the Generation Award. According […]...
- 7/29/2017
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Here are two funny people you might not have known were such big fans of one another: Judd Apatow and Jim Carrey. The two (apparently longtime friends) spoke fondly of their early days in the Hollywood club scene together during an appearance at Montreal’s Just for Laughs festival, with Apatow calling Carrey’s stand-up sets at the Improv “the funniest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Read More‘May It Last’ Trailer: Judd Apatow Gets Up Close and Personal With the Avett Brothers
“”He would go on stage every night and improvise his entire set,” explained the “Knocked Up” and “This Is 40” director. “His goal was not to repeat one line from any other night.” Apatow was even present when Carrey came up with Fire Marshall Bill, a character he went on to portray many times on “In Living Color.” The two eventually started co-writing sketches together,...
Read More‘May It Last’ Trailer: Judd Apatow Gets Up Close and Personal With the Avett Brothers
“”He would go on stage every night and improvise his entire set,” explained the “Knocked Up” and “This Is 40” director. “His goal was not to repeat one line from any other night.” Apatow was even present when Carrey came up with Fire Marshall Bill, a character he went on to portray many times on “In Living Color.” The two eventually started co-writing sketches together,...
- 7/29/2017
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
Director Judd Apatow on Friday praised star Jim Carrey while presenting the actor with the Generation Award at the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal.
Apatow first witnessed the Canadian-born comic's genius when watching Carrey do endlessly brilliant improvisational sets in Hollywood comedy clubs during the late 1980s and 1990s.
"He would go onstage every night and improvise his entire set. His goal was not to repeat one line from any other night. It was the funniest thing I've ever seen in my life," Apatow said of Carrey's early performances at The Improv. Apatow later saw Carrey create, out...
Apatow first witnessed the Canadian-born comic's genius when watching Carrey do endlessly brilliant improvisational sets in Hollywood comedy clubs during the late 1980s and 1990s.
"He would go onstage every night and improvise his entire set. His goal was not to repeat one line from any other night. It was the funniest thing I've ever seen in my life," Apatow said of Carrey's early performances at The Improv. Apatow later saw Carrey create, out...
- 7/29/2017
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Just For Laughs Festival unveiled its lineup for its 35th annual edition which runs July 12-31 in Montreal, Canada featuring a plethora of stand-up performances by Judd Apatow, Trevor Noah, Ali Wong, John Mulaney, Chris D’Elia, and Tom Segura. The signature marquee highlight this year to celebrate the fest’s milestone: Jerry Seinfeld will share the stage with France's biggest comedic star Gad Elmaleh for a one night performance on July 26. In addition, as part of the…...
- 5/3/2017
- Deadline TV
Thanks to his work on Epic Rap Battles of History (Erb), Lloyd Ahlquist can say that he co-created one of the most esteemed, awarded, and successful web series of all time. Now, he has another show to add to his portfolio. Ahlquist has shared the trailer for Epic Studios, a musical comedy that will arrive on his EpicLLOYD YouTube channel on April 26th.
In Epic Studios, Ahlquist portrays the inheritor of a recording space who must work together with his ragtag group of employees to keep the business afloat. Along the way, viewers can expect several elements that are also hallmarks of Erb, as Epic Studios is also a blend of music, comedy, and delightfully low-budget green-screen effects. As its trailer shows, its 13 episodes will include 13 new music videos, with Ahlquist showing off his lyrical chops as well as his acting skills.
Epic Studios has been in the works since...
In Epic Studios, Ahlquist portrays the inheritor of a recording space who must work together with his ragtag group of employees to keep the business afloat. Along the way, viewers can expect several elements that are also hallmarks of Erb, as Epic Studios is also a blend of music, comedy, and delightfully low-budget green-screen effects. As its trailer shows, its 13 episodes will include 13 new music videos, with Ahlquist showing off his lyrical chops as well as his acting skills.
Epic Studios has been in the works since...
- 4/6/2017
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
Starting this week, the Film Society of Lincoln Center hosts a retrospective of the 57-year career of one of the most iconic figures of modern cinema: Jean-Pierre Léaud. The child who grew up and grew old before our eyes, Léaud will forever be associated with one film above all, François Truffaut’s The 400 Blows, made when he was only 14, and its character, Antoine Doinel, who he, in many ways, created. In a letter to his friend Helen Scott in 1962 Truffaut wrote, “I would prefer a film to change its meaning along the way rather than have an actor ill at ease. Jean-Pierre wasn’t the character I had intended for The 400 Blows.” When the Film Society first fêted Léaud, in 1994, in the series “Growing Up with Jean-Pierre Léaud: Nouvelle Vague’s Wild Child” (programmed by my future wife no less), the actor had only just turned 50. Léaud...
- 3/31/2017
- MUBI
One generally assumes that androids would be less feeling than their human counterparts, and less susceptible to their emotions (and that's if they're advanced enough to have any emotions at all). After all, they're almost physically indestructible; why wouldn't they be emotionally indestructible too?
Well, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is here to throw an ironic wrench into proceedings. On Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 4 Episode 11, we were treated to an hour of amazing acting by Ming-Na Wen, who is currently pulling double duty as both the captive Agent May and her android counterpart, who I refer to as Lmd May.
Both versions of May draw from the same host of human memories, but one contains programming from Radcliffe that makes her impulses...different. Lmd May can't fight back or resist in the same indefatigable way that the real May does; Radcliffe has programmed her so that she finds herself unable to attack...
Well, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is here to throw an ironic wrench into proceedings. On Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 4 Episode 11, we were treated to an hour of amazing acting by Ming-Na Wen, who is currently pulling double duty as both the captive Agent May and her android counterpart, who I refer to as Lmd May.
Both versions of May draw from the same host of human memories, but one contains programming from Radcliffe that makes her impulses...different. Lmd May can't fight back or resist in the same indefatigable way that the real May does; Radcliffe has programmed her so that she finds herself unable to attack...
- 1/25/2017
- by Lee Jutton
- TVfanatic
The concept of this project was to create a comedy mixtape that was full of sketches. Any example that I've seen of a comedy Mixtape has essentially been someone's stand-up album, perhaps with a sketch or two. As a huge fan of Adam Sandler older albums, I recall listening to those sketches repeatedly and laughing hysterically each time. Mixtapes have millions of people downloading them on a daily basis.
Artists featured on the mixtape are: Amber Nelson (TruTv), Nick Turner (Comedy Central), Anthony DeVito (Comedy Central), Peggy O' Leary (Just For Laughs), Sam Evans (Just For Laughs), Nathan Macintosh (Gotham Comedy Live), James L. Mattern (WWE Network), Mike Brown (MTV), Sharron Paul (CollegeHumor), Ross Parsons (MTV), Evan Williams, Sara Armour (Last Comic Standing), Lindsay Boling, Ayanna Dookie (Fox's Laughs), Christi Chiello (Comedy Central), Petey DeAbreau, Tim Warner, Jose Sanchez and Ryan Schutt.
You may have noticed this video being tagged...
Artists featured on the mixtape are: Amber Nelson (TruTv), Nick Turner (Comedy Central), Anthony DeVito (Comedy Central), Peggy O' Leary (Just For Laughs), Sam Evans (Just For Laughs), Nathan Macintosh (Gotham Comedy Live), James L. Mattern (WWE Network), Mike Brown (MTV), Sharron Paul (CollegeHumor), Ross Parsons (MTV), Evan Williams, Sara Armour (Last Comic Standing), Lindsay Boling, Ayanna Dookie (Fox's Laughs), Christi Chiello (Comedy Central), Petey DeAbreau, Tim Warner, Jose Sanchez and Ryan Schutt.
You may have noticed this video being tagged...
- 8/22/2016
- by Tyler Richardson
- LRMonline.com
[[tmz:video id="0_srey4412"]] Blake Griffin is f****** hilarious ... and here's video proof. The L.A. Clippers superstar took the stage at the Just For Laughs event in Montreal last week and flexed his comedy skills for the crowd ... and we gotta say, he drew some pretty big laughs. Blake's no stranger to the funny business ... having taken classes at a Ucb Theatre in L.A. ... but this time his material was Wayyyyy more Richard Pryor than usual, including...
- 8/4/2016
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
ABC's The Bachelorette (6.8 million/1.9 rating) took a tumble, but Mistresses (3.1 million/0.8 rating) surged from its July 4th low.
NBC's American Ninja Warrior (6.2 million/1.7 rating) slipped, but Spartan (3.5 million/1.1 rating) was in line with recent airings.
Fox's So You Think You Can Dance (2.8 million/0.7 rating) hit a new low.
CBS' BrainDead (3.2 million/0.4 rating) slipped to a new low. Before that, it was encores of Mom (4.7 million/0.8 rating), 2 Broke Girls (4.1 million/0.7 rating) and Scorpion (3.9 million/0.6 rating).
The CW's revived Just For Laughs (1.1 million/0.3 rating) was pretty mediocre. An encore of Whose Line Is It Anyway (0.8 million/0.2 rating) closed the night for The CW.
View Slideshow: 13 TV Slaps That Were Heard Around The World...
NBC's American Ninja Warrior (6.2 million/1.7 rating) slipped, but Spartan (3.5 million/1.1 rating) was in line with recent airings.
Fox's So You Think You Can Dance (2.8 million/0.7 rating) hit a new low.
CBS' BrainDead (3.2 million/0.4 rating) slipped to a new low. Before that, it was encores of Mom (4.7 million/0.8 rating), 2 Broke Girls (4.1 million/0.7 rating) and Scorpion (3.9 million/0.6 rating).
The CW's revived Just For Laughs (1.1 million/0.3 rating) was pretty mediocre. An encore of Whose Line Is It Anyway (0.8 million/0.2 rating) closed the night for The CW.
View Slideshow: 13 TV Slaps That Were Heard Around The World...
- 7/12/2016
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
2016 has been a banner year for the New York Television Festival. The Duplass Brothers-produced “Animals” pilot, which won Best Comedy at the festival in 2013, landed a two-season deal over at HBO. Multi-year alums of the festival Tory Stanton and Scott McCabe wrote a pilot called “No Tomorrow” that will score a premiere on The CW this fall. And that’s just the start.
Deadlines have passed for this year’s annual Independent Pilot Competition (Ipc) and the festival’s inaugural Nytvf Scripts competition. The statistics show interest in independent television — at least as far as it crosses into the festival — is hotter than ever.
Read More: From the Festival Scene to Series: The Orchard and Nytvf Get Into the Indie TV Game With ‘The Jamz’
The inaugural Nytvf Scripts competition received 995 submissions from comedy writers in the indie TV community Nytvf received a record number of Independent Pilot Competition submissions:...
Deadlines have passed for this year’s annual Independent Pilot Competition (Ipc) and the festival’s inaugural Nytvf Scripts competition. The statistics show interest in independent television — at least as far as it crosses into the festival — is hotter than ever.
Read More: From the Festival Scene to Series: The Orchard and Nytvf Get Into the Indie TV Game With ‘The Jamz’
The inaugural Nytvf Scripts competition received 995 submissions from comedy writers in the indie TV community Nytvf received a record number of Independent Pilot Competition submissions:...
- 7/11/2016
- by Russell Goldman
- Indiewire
The Coen Brothers' 1998 comedy "The Big Lebowski" has won over the hearts and minds of millions and has become a modern cult classic. The film follow The Dude (Jeff Bridges), a Los Angeles layabout who likes to bowl, toke, and meditate, and the Chandler-esque web of crime in which he finds himself trapped. In a short 1998 "Making of" documentary, the Joel and Ethan Coen, Bridges, and co-star John Goodman talk about the inspirations for "The Big Lebowski," the film's many characters including Sam Elliot's The Narrator and John Turturro's Jesus Quintana, cinematographer Roger Deakins, as well as the strange reactions from journalists. Read More: Just For Laughs: 'The Big Lebowski' Live Read With Michael Fassbender & Jennifer Lawrence The Coens first discuss the early inspirations for the film. The Dude character was based on Jeff Dowd, a man whom the Coens had known for over fifteen years,...
- 5/30/2016
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
MTV has ordered Backup Plan, an unscripted pilot starring Leonard Ouzts, a 23-year-old former Ihop waiter-turned-standup comedian. While he has had success — Ouzts was named a New Face at the Just for Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival, he has performed stand-up on TBS' Conan, and will be in this season of Adam Devine's House Party on Comedy Central — he is being practical, which is reflected in Backup Plan. Ouzts has seen what happens when people hit their 15th minute of…...
- 4/8/2016
- Deadline TV
Six-part musical comedy Sammy J and Randy in Ricketts Lane will premiere on ABC TV on October 14 2015. .
It is the first prime time series for Australia.s very own Sticky Pictures in association with ABC TV, Film Victoria and Screen Australia. .
This is the first comedy television series for Sammy J and Randy..
The series is about two mismatched housemates from the comedic duo, Sammy J and Randy.
Sammy J is a hopeless, down-and-out lawyer who, six years into his legal career, is yet to win a case. .
Randy is a cheating, gambling, drinking divorcee who also happens to be a purple puppet..
Sammy J and Randy in Ricketts Lane also stars Nathan Lovejoy (This is Littleton, At Home with Julia), Georgia Chara (Wentworth, Home and Away) and Samantha Healy (Mrs Biggs, McLeod.s Daughters) and, in his debut role, an alpaca named Kerry.
Sticky Pictures chief executive and executive producer,...
It is the first prime time series for Australia.s very own Sticky Pictures in association with ABC TV, Film Victoria and Screen Australia. .
This is the first comedy television series for Sammy J and Randy..
The series is about two mismatched housemates from the comedic duo, Sammy J and Randy.
Sammy J is a hopeless, down-and-out lawyer who, six years into his legal career, is yet to win a case. .
Randy is a cheating, gambling, drinking divorcee who also happens to be a purple puppet..
Sammy J and Randy in Ricketts Lane also stars Nathan Lovejoy (This is Littleton, At Home with Julia), Georgia Chara (Wentworth, Home and Away) and Samantha Healy (Mrs Biggs, McLeod.s Daughters) and, in his debut role, an alpaca named Kerry.
Sticky Pictures chief executive and executive producer,...
- 10/8/2015
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
There will be a new face in Studio 8H for Season 41 of "Saturday Night Live."
NBC announced that comedian Jon Rudnitsky will join the cast as a featured player.
Jon, who hails from Harrington Park, New Jersey and lives in New York City, studied at the University of Southern California.
Read: Miley Cyrus, Amy Schumer & Tracy Morgan To Host 'Saturday Night Live'
He was the winner of the 2012 Laugh Factory College Comedy Competition and was featured at the Just For Laughs 2015 festival as part of their "New Faces" showcase.
On ...
Copyright 2015 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
NBC announced that comedian Jon Rudnitsky will join the cast as a featured player.
Jon, who hails from Harrington Park, New Jersey and lives in New York City, studied at the University of Southern California.
Read: Miley Cyrus, Amy Schumer & Tracy Morgan To Host 'Saturday Night Live'
He was the winner of the 2012 Laugh Factory College Comedy Competition and was featured at the Just For Laughs 2015 festival as part of their "New Faces" showcase.
On ...
Copyright 2015 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
- 8/31/2015
- by access.hollywood@nbcuni.com (Access Hollywood)
- Access Hollywood
Saturday Night Live is getting a new, fresh face.
Jon Rudnitsky, a 25-year-old stand-up comedian from New Jersey, will join the cast of the NBC show for season 41, according to Variety.
NBC said in a statement that Rudnitsky, who appeared in the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal this year, will join the sketch comedy show as a featured player, NBC News reports.
Rudnitsky also retweeted a post by The Hollywood Reporter announcing the news. He will join current stars Leslie Jones, Kenan Thompson, Taran Killam and more.
The newbie built a following on YouTube with several satirical videos, including "House of Cards Junkie,...
Jon Rudnitsky, a 25-year-old stand-up comedian from New Jersey, will join the cast of the NBC show for season 41, according to Variety.
NBC said in a statement that Rudnitsky, who appeared in the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal this year, will join the sketch comedy show as a featured player, NBC News reports.
Rudnitsky also retweeted a post by The Hollywood Reporter announcing the news. He will join current stars Leslie Jones, Kenan Thompson, Taran Killam and more.
The newbie built a following on YouTube with several satirical videos, including "House of Cards Junkie,...
- 8/31/2015
- by Char Adams, @CiCiAdams_
- People.com - TV Watch
Saturday Night Live is adding a new face to its cast. Jon Rudnitsky will join the venerable NBC sketch show as a featured player in its 41st season, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Read more 'SNL': Inside the Show's 40 Most Defining Moments (Photos) Rudnitsky is a 25-year-old stand-up comic who was born in Harrington Park, New Jersey and graduated from USC. He won the 2012 Laugh Factory’s Laugh Bowl college comedy contest and was a participant in 2015 New Faces at Montreal's Just for Laughs festival. SNL has seen substantial cast changes in recent seasons. Three new
read more...
read more...
- 8/31/2015
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Now in its nineteenth year, the Fantasia International Film Festival is known as one of the premier destinations for exciting genre cinema. With a focus primarily on horror, Asian genre fare, and more indescribable film art, this three-week Montreal festival annually takes over Concordia University and other venues to entertain in provocative fashion. And while there are many goings-on taking place concurrently within the city (such as the massive Just For Laughs comedy fest and Osheaga’s live music performances), Fantasia always seem to hold a special place in the province of Quebec. “We’re not a subtle event,” co-director Mitch Davis noted […]...
- 7/31/2015
- by Erik Luers
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Now in its nineteenth year, the Fantasia International Film Festival is known as one of the premier destinations for exciting genre cinema. With a focus primarily on horror, Asian genre fare, and more indescribable film art, this three-week Montreal festival annually takes over Concordia University and other venues to entertain in provocative fashion. And while there are many goings-on taking place concurrently within the city (such as the massive Just For Laughs comedy fest and Osheaga’s live music performances), Fantasia always seem to hold a special place in the province of Quebec. “We’re not a subtle event,” co-director Mitch Davis noted […]...
- 7/31/2015
- by Erik Luers
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
X-Men: Apocalypse has been billed as a new direction for the series without any appearance by 20th Century Fox's original cast - but if so, what was Sir Patrick Stewart doing on the set of Bryan Singer's next film?
The director posted an image of himself sitting with the Professor Xavier actor and filmmaker Jason Reitman on Instagram.
Trying to look intensely thoughtful, @sirpatstew and #jasonreitman visiting #xmen #apocalypse #xmenapocalypse set and reminiscing about our own #daysoffuturepast. Looking forward to "jasonreitmanlivereading tonight of #biglebowski with #michaelfassbender as "The Dude!"
A photo posted by Bryan Singer (@bryanjaysinger) on Jul 24, 2015 at 11:17am Pdt
Stewart is apparently in town to host a gala at the Just for Laughs comedy festival, but a cameo surely isn't beyond the realms of possibility.
Singer's caption also revealed that Michael Fassbender would be taking a break from filming Apocalypse to play Jeff Bridges's iconic...
The director posted an image of himself sitting with the Professor Xavier actor and filmmaker Jason Reitman on Instagram.
Trying to look intensely thoughtful, @sirpatstew and #jasonreitman visiting #xmen #apocalypse #xmenapocalypse set and reminiscing about our own #daysoffuturepast. Looking forward to "jasonreitmanlivereading tonight of #biglebowski with #michaelfassbender as "The Dude!"
A photo posted by Bryan Singer (@bryanjaysinger) on Jul 24, 2015 at 11:17am Pdt
Stewart is apparently in town to host a gala at the Just for Laughs comedy festival, but a cameo surely isn't beyond the realms of possibility.
Singer's caption also revealed that Michael Fassbender would be taking a break from filming Apocalypse to play Jeff Bridges's iconic...
- 7/27/2015
- Digital Spy
So you've probably heard that "X-Men: Apocalypse" stars Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, Olivia Munn and friends did a Live Read of "The Big Lebowski" on Friday night during the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal. But have you actually heard any of it? The photos online are great, but the audio really ties the room together.
Thankfully, someone posted a portion of the event online -- you can't see a blessed thing, but you can hear the portion of the reading right after Olivia Munn, who was meant to voice Tara Reid's Bunny, steps on Jennifer Lawrence's lines. Apparently Olivia's script was highlighted with the Maude lines, even though that's the part Jennifer was meant to read on stage. (It was Julianne Moore's role in the movie.) In this 6-minute video, you can hear Jennifer mock-complain, "I've been waiting for three hours to get to my part, and now it's happening,...
Thankfully, someone posted a portion of the event online -- you can't see a blessed thing, but you can hear the portion of the reading right after Olivia Munn, who was meant to voice Tara Reid's Bunny, steps on Jennifer Lawrence's lines. Apparently Olivia's script was highlighted with the Maude lines, even though that's the part Jennifer was meant to read on stage. (It was Julianne Moore's role in the movie.) In this 6-minute video, you can hear Jennifer mock-complain, "I've been waiting for three hours to get to my part, and now it's happening,...
- 7/27/2015
- by Gina Carbone
- Moviefone
Michael Fassbender is truly dedicated to his craft. On Friday night, during the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, Fassbender took up the shaggy mantle of the Dude, portrayed by Jeff Bridges in the Coen brothers’ classic The Big Lebowski, as part of Jason Reitman’s live script-reading series. To get into character, Fassbender donned a pair of roughed-up shorts and a slouchy sweater and toked three J. Law–rolled cigarettes — the kind that may or may not have been packed with the Devil's lettuce — during the read. “I think Fassbender went a little too Method on this one,” said Patton Oswalt, who played John Goodman’s bombastic Vietnam vet Walter. “I hope TMZ isn’t here.” Because Bryan Singer’s X-Men: Apocalypse is filming in Montreal, Fassbender and co-star Jennifer Lawrence were tapped for Reitman’s live-read. Lawrence portrayed Julianne Moore’s Maude. Dennis Quaid played the wheelchair-bound Lebowski,...
- 7/25/2015
- by Greg Cwik
- Vulture
I have a confession — “The Big Lebowski” isn’t my favorite Coen Brothers movie. In fact, if I had to make a list of my top five films from the directors, it wouldn’t make the cut. That’s not to say the picture isn’t uniquely entertaining and laugh out loud hilarious, but I’d argue “The Big Lebowski” is one of the more unshapely films from the Coens. While I get the structure and pace is made to move at The Dude’s ambling speed, I find the film just a touch too long, with a few too many detours, and not all of them are worth taking. These criticisms about the stoner flick were underscored by Jason Reitman’s Live Read of the script at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal last night. However, the event also made crystal clear the genius of the Coens script,...
- 7/25/2015
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
The actor was smokin – literally – at this Montreal original script read of the Coen brothers’ comedy, with support from Jennifer Lawrence and Patton Oswalt
The Dude abided in Montreal on Friday as a group of performers led by Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence and Patton Oswalt revived the Coen brothers’ cult classic in front of a packed crowd, many of whom had queued for up to 10 hours for a ticket.
This Live Read was the latest in the seasonal series organised by director Jason Reitman in which an ersatz group of unprepared performers read aloud a classic script. Reitman has run the shows, mostly in Los Angeles, since 2011; he wrangles the cast and chips in with stage directions. It was a homecoming of sorts for the director, who was born here, and who returns as part of the annual Just For Laughs festival. That event’s general spirit of joie de...
The Dude abided in Montreal on Friday as a group of performers led by Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence and Patton Oswalt revived the Coen brothers’ cult classic in front of a packed crowd, many of whom had queued for up to 10 hours for a ticket.
This Live Read was the latest in the seasonal series organised by director Jason Reitman in which an ersatz group of unprepared performers read aloud a classic script. Reitman has run the shows, mostly in Los Angeles, since 2011; he wrangles the cast and chips in with stage directions. It was a homecoming of sorts for the director, who was born here, and who returns as part of the annual Just For Laughs festival. That event’s general spirit of joie de...
- 7/25/2015
- by Jason Gorber in Montreal
- The Guardian - Film News
Patrick Stewart graced the stage of the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal this week, and BroadwayWorld's Racheal McCaig was on hand to snap these exclusive photos Check them out below. Tony nominee Stewart, known to many as Star Trek's 'Captain Jean-Luc Picard', hasgraced the New York stage in A Life in the Theatre, Macbeth, The Caretaker, A Christmas Carol, The Ride Down Mt. Morgan, The Tempest, A Christmas Carol and A Midsummer Night's Dream. After a start with the RSC, Stewart went on to appear in West End productions of Antony and Cleopatra, Macbeth, Hamlet and manymore.
- 7/24/2015
- by Racheal McCaig
- BroadwayWorld.com
The former director general of the National Film Board of Canada’s French Program has been named its director general, creation and innovation.
Picard will start work on July 13 and brings 35 years of national and international experience in strategic planning, production, financing and technological development in audiovisual arts.
He served as director general of the Nfb’s French Program from 2002-04 and held senior roles at the Just For Laughs Group.
Career highlights include tenure as vp of film and executive producer at Imax Corporation from 1989-1992 and senior roles at Hexagram – Institute For Research/Creation In Media Arts And Technologies.
“Our industry is constantly evolving and our success depends on our ability to change and evolve,” said government film commissioner and Nfb chairperson Claude Joli-Coeur on Wednesday.
“Throughout its history as a public producer, the Nfb has always succeeded in reinventing itself to stay engaging and relevant. André Picard possesses the leadership and experience to continue...
Picard will start work on July 13 and brings 35 years of national and international experience in strategic planning, production, financing and technological development in audiovisual arts.
He served as director general of the Nfb’s French Program from 2002-04 and held senior roles at the Just For Laughs Group.
Career highlights include tenure as vp of film and executive producer at Imax Corporation from 1989-1992 and senior roles at Hexagram – Institute For Research/Creation In Media Arts And Technologies.
“Our industry is constantly evolving and our success depends on our ability to change and evolve,” said government film commissioner and Nfb chairperson Claude Joli-Coeur on Wednesday.
“Throughout its history as a public producer, the Nfb has always succeeded in reinventing itself to stay engaging and relevant. André Picard possesses the leadership and experience to continue...
- 7/8/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Michael Fassbender is taking on the role of The Dude in a table read of The Big Lebowski.
The 12 Years a Slave actor will appear in Jason Reitman's project in Montreal as part of the Just For Laughs comedy festival on July 24.
Speaking on the casting, Reitman told EW: "Unlike other live reads where I have a decent sense of how, for instance, Seth Rogen [was] going to play The Dude, I have no idea how Fassbender will do it.
"But he's one of our greatest performers, he's on the current Mount Rushmore of actors, so I can't wait to see what he comes up with."
More castmembers are yet to be announced, but Patton Oswalt will appear as Walter Sobchak alongside Fassbender, who is currently filming in Montreal for X-Men: Apocalypse.
Jeff Bridges first brought The Dude to life in the cult 1998 Coen brothers film, which also starred John Goodman,...
The 12 Years a Slave actor will appear in Jason Reitman's project in Montreal as part of the Just For Laughs comedy festival on July 24.
Speaking on the casting, Reitman told EW: "Unlike other live reads where I have a decent sense of how, for instance, Seth Rogen [was] going to play The Dude, I have no idea how Fassbender will do it.
"But he's one of our greatest performers, he's on the current Mount Rushmore of actors, so I can't wait to see what he comes up with."
More castmembers are yet to be announced, but Patton Oswalt will appear as Walter Sobchak alongside Fassbender, who is currently filming in Montreal for X-Men: Apocalypse.
Jeff Bridges first brought The Dude to life in the cult 1998 Coen brothers film, which also starred John Goodman,...
- 7/7/2015
- Digital Spy
Michael Fassbender has earned a reputation for his brooding, powerful performances, making him one of the most respected actors in the game. However, as he showed in the absolutely excellent "Frank," playing one of the most oddball characters of his career, he can handle comedy with ease. That being said, this bit of news is still slightly surprising and totally exciting. Fassbender will take the lead role of The Dude (or His Dudeness or Duder or El Duderino, if you're not into the whole brevity thing) in Jason Reitman's live read of "The Big Lebowski" at the upcoming Just For Laughs festival in Montreal. Fassy is apparently a big fan of the Coen Brothers movie, and is currently in Montreal shooting "X-Men: Apocalypse," so the timing works out just fine, but Reitman won't be able to spend any time with his leading man, which will give the entire read an air of unpredictability.
- 7/7/2015
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
The most anticipated summer dance show, Summer Funk™ conducted by The Shiamak Dance Academy lived up to its expectations showcasing various dance styles in front of a packed audience! Performers between ages four to eighty four danced through the summer and put up a colourful display on June 27 at The Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey.
The world’s biggest dance academy initiated a new format introducing a healthy dance competition – Rise of the Champions where each participating team competed to become the best dance class and best venue across the lower mainland. Building team spirit and helping them work harder, the competition went beyond just dance-ability where the judges also considered their costumes, energy and group effort while making the final decision. The Shiamak Dance Competition was judged by Pamela Rosa (Founding Member & Co – Owner/Director – Harbour Dance Centre), Kanika Sasan (Fashion Editor – Darpan Magazine) and Kashmira Pestonji (Senior Manager...
The world’s biggest dance academy initiated a new format introducing a healthy dance competition – Rise of the Champions where each participating team competed to become the best dance class and best venue across the lower mainland. Building team spirit and helping them work harder, the competition went beyond just dance-ability where the judges also considered their costumes, energy and group effort while making the final decision. The Shiamak Dance Competition was judged by Pamela Rosa (Founding Member & Co – Owner/Director – Harbour Dance Centre), Kanika Sasan (Fashion Editor – Darpan Magazine) and Kashmira Pestonji (Senior Manager...
- 7/4/2015
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
The iO West Theater, one of Los Angeles’ premier improv and sketch schools, continues to offer audiences and students a roster of entertaining evenings this summer. Writer-performer George McAuliffe’s one-man satire “Not All Cops Are Bad!”—about an officer in over his head addressing victims of police brutality—arrives June 15, 22, and 29, joining such shows as “Opening Night,” a fully improvised Broadway musical, and performances from the likes of longform improv group Dasariski, Cook County Social Club, Dr. God, and the Reckoning. McAuliffe has written for the TBS Just For Laughs Festival, the Onion News Network, and the Not Inappropriate Show with Bob Odenkirk. With a list of alumni that includes Amy Poehler, Eliza Coupe, and Eric Stonestreet, iO Theater provides improvisers the training and practice they need. Originally founded in 1981 by Charna Halpern and the late teacher-director Del Close, the theater is now a go-to destination for comedians and...
- 6/8/2015
- backstage.com
As the status and influence of social media stars and online video celebrities increases (by way of New York Times Bestselling books, sold-out international tours, retail clothing and makeup lines, presidential interviews, primetime television shows, #1 iTunes movie sellers, and innumerable branded entertainment deals), so to have the size of their teams. In your normal, everyday entertainment news cycle it’s not uncommon to read about an individual who gained incredible popularity online build out his or her entourage by joining a YouTube multi-channel network, signing with a major Hollywood talent agency, or having another member of his or her crew broker a high-profile deal. But that wasn’t always the case.
Before entire new media entities devoted to talent management existed and MCNs became de facto managers for the talent behind the channels within their networks, there were a handful of prescient independent managers who saw an opportunity in digital.
Before entire new media entities devoted to talent management existed and MCNs became de facto managers for the talent behind the channels within their networks, there were a handful of prescient independent managers who saw an opportunity in digital.
- 5/19/2015
- by Joshua Cohen
- Tubefilter.com
United Talent Agency (UTA) has promoted one of its digital-forward employees to the esteemed rank of partner. The Beverly Hills-based talent and literary agency has made agent Brent Weinstein head of the company’s Digital Media division.
As UTA’s new partner and digital head, Weinstein essentially gets confirmation of the role he’s been performing for years. The executive helped form UTA’s digital media department back in 2003; since then, he’s led a team of agents, developing opportunities for and advising UTA’s clients within the digital division. Some of Weinstein’s past clients include YouTubers Shane Dawson, Hannah Hart, and iJustine; Derek Jeter’s digital media startup The Players’ Tribune; Universal Music Group; and the producers of Vidcon and Montreal’s Just For Laughs Comedy Festival.
Weinstein’s digital expertise doesn’t stop there. The new UTA partner was an advisor to Brian Robbins when the producer...
As UTA’s new partner and digital head, Weinstein essentially gets confirmation of the role he’s been performing for years. The executive helped form UTA’s digital media department back in 2003; since then, he’s led a team of agents, developing opportunities for and advising UTA’s clients within the digital division. Some of Weinstein’s past clients include YouTubers Shane Dawson, Hannah Hart, and iJustine; Derek Jeter’s digital media startup The Players’ Tribune; Universal Music Group; and the producers of Vidcon and Montreal’s Just For Laughs Comedy Festival.
Weinstein’s digital expertise doesn’t stop there. The new UTA partner was an advisor to Brian Robbins when the producer...
- 3/10/2015
- by Bree Brouwer
- Tubefilter.com
Jermaine Fowler of MTV2's "Guy Code" has inked a development deal with ABC to create a semi-autobiographical comedy series based on his life. Fowler, who began making a name for himself as a stand-up comedian, at 24-years-old, has performed in numerous festivals such as Just for Laughs: Montreal, where he was featured as a New Face, and the Aspen Rooftop Comedy Festival where he took home the prestigious Rooftop Comedy Silver Nail Award. He has also performed as a finalist in NBC's Stand Up for Diversity, toured with Comedy Central and was chosen for ABC's 10th Annual Diversity Showcase. The untitled comedy project would star Fowler as a college dropout who winds up...
- 9/4/2014
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Montreal’s genre festival ran from July 17-Aug 6 and saw audiences of more than 129,000; its Frontières co-production market also drew a record attendance, up 30% on 2013.
With more than 129,000 people attending screenings and events over its 18th year, Fantasia International Film Festival co-director Mitch Davis (pictured) has marked the event as an “extraordinary” year.
Speaking to Screen, Davis was particularly pleased that the smaller films shone through.
“We showcased just over 160 feature films, which is more than our norm and is, frankly, no subtle number,” said Davis. “The worry in doing that is the chancing that certain so-called smaller films could somehow fall between the cracks.
“I’m thrilled to say that this didn’t happen. It’s often the smaller independent discovery titles that we have some of the strongest love for and we go the extra mile to make sure they stand out and even then, anything could happen. Happily, a good...
With more than 129,000 people attending screenings and events over its 18th year, Fantasia International Film Festival co-director Mitch Davis (pictured) has marked the event as an “extraordinary” year.
Speaking to Screen, Davis was particularly pleased that the smaller films shone through.
“We showcased just over 160 feature films, which is more than our norm and is, frankly, no subtle number,” said Davis. “The worry in doing that is the chancing that certain so-called smaller films could somehow fall between the cracks.
“I’m thrilled to say that this didn’t happen. It’s often the smaller independent discovery titles that we have some of the strongest love for and we go the extra mile to make sure they stand out and even then, anything could happen. Happily, a good...
- 8/10/2014
- by ian.sandwell@screendaily.com (Ian Sandwell)
- ScreenDaily
Montreal’s genre festival ran from July 17-Aug 6 and saw audiences of more than 129,000; its Frontières co-production market also drew a record attendance, up 30% on 2013.
With more than 129,000 people attending screenings and events over its 18th year, Fantasia International Film Festival co-director Mitch Davis (pictured) has marked the event as an “extraordinary” year.
Speaking to Screen, Davis was particularly pleased that the smaller films shone through.
“We showcased just over 160 feature films, which is more than our norm and is, frankly, no subtle number,” said Davis. “The worry in doing that is the chancing that certain so-called smaller films could somehow fall between the cracks.
“I’m thrilled to say that this didn’t happen. It’s often the smaller independent discovery titles that we have some of the strongest love for and we go the extra mile to make sure they stand out and even then, anything could happen. Happily, a good...
With more than 129,000 people attending screenings and events over its 18th year, Fantasia International Film Festival co-director Mitch Davis (pictured) has marked the event as an “extraordinary” year.
Speaking to Screen, Davis was particularly pleased that the smaller films shone through.
“We showcased just over 160 feature films, which is more than our norm and is, frankly, no subtle number,” said Davis. “The worry in doing that is the chancing that certain so-called smaller films could somehow fall between the cracks.
“I’m thrilled to say that this didn’t happen. It’s often the smaller independent discovery titles that we have some of the strongest love for and we go the extra mile to make sure they stand out and even then, anything could happen. Happily, a good...
- 8/10/2014
- by ian.sandwell@screendaily.com (Ian Sandwell)
- ScreenDaily
This past Wednesday, August 6th, saw the close of the 18th edition of Montreal's Fantasia Film Festival; and now that the dust has settled, we have the full list of this year's award winners plus the Fest's dates for 2015.
From the Press Release:
Returning to its home at Concordia University after the location’s massive 2013 renovations, the acclaimed Fantasia International Film Festival, North America’s longest-running genre film fest, benefited from having three theaters in which to screen its record 160+ films.
Among the numerous highlights that took place during the three-week festival were the crowd-pleasing, revelatory world premieres of Leo Gabriadze’s Cybernatural (review here), Sarah Adina Smith’s The Midnight Swim, and Bennett Jones’ I Am A Knife With Legs. Also of note were massively successful screenings of Richard Linklater’s Boyhood, James Gunn’s Guardians Of The Galaxy, Lee Su-jin’s Han Gong-ju, Keishi Otomo’s Rurouni Kenshin – Kyoto Inferno,...
From the Press Release:
Returning to its home at Concordia University after the location’s massive 2013 renovations, the acclaimed Fantasia International Film Festival, North America’s longest-running genre film fest, benefited from having three theaters in which to screen its record 160+ films.
Among the numerous highlights that took place during the three-week festival were the crowd-pleasing, revelatory world premieres of Leo Gabriadze’s Cybernatural (review here), Sarah Adina Smith’s The Midnight Swim, and Bennett Jones’ I Am A Knife With Legs. Also of note were massively successful screenings of Richard Linklater’s Boyhood, James Gunn’s Guardians Of The Galaxy, Lee Su-jin’s Han Gong-ju, Keishi Otomo’s Rurouni Kenshin – Kyoto Inferno,...
- 8/9/2014
- by Debi Moore
- DreadCentral.com
WolfCop follows Lou Garou (Leo Fafard), an alcoholic cop who tends to black out and wake up in unfamiliar surroundings. However, lately things have taken a strange turn. Crime scenes seem oddly familiar, Lou's senses are heightened, and when the full moon is out, he's a ragefueled werewolf. WolfCop is one cop's quest to become a better man...one transformation at a time.
The werewolf-cop comedy "WolfCop" is the most innovative and impressive feat of film financing and distribution this year - claws down - and, thanks to pure creative genius and brilliant social media engagement, its audience turned into an online cult following before the film was ever released.
Here Comes the Fuzz.
While many were wondering about how to deal and stay on top in the rapidly changing entertainment industry, the creative and highly productive team at CineCoup was busy amassing its online audience for "WolfCop" and having a blast while doing it.
Their online efforts included an Indiegogo campaign that raised $28,130 of its $10,000 goal. Supporter rewards included a 12" vinyl press of the Wolfcop soundtrack, a WolfCop action figure, collector cards, a graphic novel and a hilarious Cannes Edition Pinup poster of WolfCop in homage to Burt Reynolds. As CineCoup President of Distribution and Sales Brad Pelman explained all these details with great enthusiasm and a grin on his face, it was easy to understand how much fun and ongoing hilarity his team experienced while producing this campaign. Fun, laughter and great teamwork resulting in success... Who would have thought???
The WolfCop fever is so infectious with its wit and comedic relief, that it naturally magnetizes online followers to join in on the fun. The usual Facebook and Twitter engagement has been activated, but additionally, there is a webpage where fans can demand it, to show distributors that the hunger for "The Wolf" is real. Fans have been so fired up to bring "The Fuzz" into the world, that one of them even paid for a WolfCop billboard advertising its release in Regina, Saskatchewan. Who does that??? A fan paying for an advertisement!?! This may just be a first.
Return of the Fuzz.
“Based on the unanimous positive reaction to the film, we will be putting Wolfcop 2 into production this fall. We can't divulge much about the storyline at this point, only that it will be dirtier and harrier than the first one." - - Brad Pelman, CineCoup President, Distribution and Sales.
The demand for "WolfCop" has become so great that, as it was racking up distribution deals with the help of Raven Banner (including Image, Studio Canal, Ascot Elite, Shoshiku, Accent, and many others), its sequel got the green light at Cannes this year. Pelman confirmed that the sequel's shoot will begin this fall with the original cast set to return to the mayhem: "WolfCop 2, Bigger, Harrier". Director Lowell Dean will be at the helm of "WolfCop 2", following the same winning formula as his original.
"WolfCop" just played at the Fantasia Festival in Montreal, Stige Film Festival, and will be at the Busan International Film Festival in Korea this October.
Cinecoup Applies Its Social Engagement Model to Comedic Television Content
Pelman discusses CineCoup's new partnership with CBC and Just for Laughs:
The audience building that brought our success to "WolfCop" is now being deployed in the same manner for the television business in Canada, working with Just For Laughs (the festival and organization) and CBC as our "Destination" broadcaster, CineCoup will open a similar intake for comedy writers to submit 2 minute story ideas, in the form of a trailer. We will put the teams through similar "missions" where the creators get to show the audience what they're made of. Successful teams will rise to the top and CineCoup will option the top 10 project ideas. CBC will develop and produce one of the pilots, and CineCoup and Just For Laughs will have rights on the other 9, which can be produced or set up elsewhere.
This level of audience engagement is truly cutting edge and where successful storytelling is going. This use of internet democracy that allows the audience to choose which stories they want to see and support will only continue to perpetuate CineCoup's success for years to come.
The werewolf-cop comedy "WolfCop" is the most innovative and impressive feat of film financing and distribution this year - claws down - and, thanks to pure creative genius and brilliant social media engagement, its audience turned into an online cult following before the film was ever released.
Here Comes the Fuzz.
While many were wondering about how to deal and stay on top in the rapidly changing entertainment industry, the creative and highly productive team at CineCoup was busy amassing its online audience for "WolfCop" and having a blast while doing it.
Their online efforts included an Indiegogo campaign that raised $28,130 of its $10,000 goal. Supporter rewards included a 12" vinyl press of the Wolfcop soundtrack, a WolfCop action figure, collector cards, a graphic novel and a hilarious Cannes Edition Pinup poster of WolfCop in homage to Burt Reynolds. As CineCoup President of Distribution and Sales Brad Pelman explained all these details with great enthusiasm and a grin on his face, it was easy to understand how much fun and ongoing hilarity his team experienced while producing this campaign. Fun, laughter and great teamwork resulting in success... Who would have thought???
The WolfCop fever is so infectious with its wit and comedic relief, that it naturally magnetizes online followers to join in on the fun. The usual Facebook and Twitter engagement has been activated, but additionally, there is a webpage where fans can demand it, to show distributors that the hunger for "The Wolf" is real. Fans have been so fired up to bring "The Fuzz" into the world, that one of them even paid for a WolfCop billboard advertising its release in Regina, Saskatchewan. Who does that??? A fan paying for an advertisement!?! This may just be a first.
Return of the Fuzz.
“Based on the unanimous positive reaction to the film, we will be putting Wolfcop 2 into production this fall. We can't divulge much about the storyline at this point, only that it will be dirtier and harrier than the first one." - - Brad Pelman, CineCoup President, Distribution and Sales.
The demand for "WolfCop" has become so great that, as it was racking up distribution deals with the help of Raven Banner (including Image, Studio Canal, Ascot Elite, Shoshiku, Accent, and many others), its sequel got the green light at Cannes this year. Pelman confirmed that the sequel's shoot will begin this fall with the original cast set to return to the mayhem: "WolfCop 2, Bigger, Harrier". Director Lowell Dean will be at the helm of "WolfCop 2", following the same winning formula as his original.
"WolfCop" just played at the Fantasia Festival in Montreal, Stige Film Festival, and will be at the Busan International Film Festival in Korea this October.
Cinecoup Applies Its Social Engagement Model to Comedic Television Content
Pelman discusses CineCoup's new partnership with CBC and Just for Laughs:
The audience building that brought our success to "WolfCop" is now being deployed in the same manner for the television business in Canada, working with Just For Laughs (the festival and organization) and CBC as our "Destination" broadcaster, CineCoup will open a similar intake for comedy writers to submit 2 minute story ideas, in the form of a trailer. We will put the teams through similar "missions" where the creators get to show the audience what they're made of. Successful teams will rise to the top and CineCoup will option the top 10 project ideas. CBC will develop and produce one of the pilots, and CineCoup and Just For Laughs will have rights on the other 9, which can be produced or set up elsewhere.
This level of audience engagement is truly cutting edge and where successful storytelling is going. This use of internet democracy that allows the audience to choose which stories they want to see and support will only continue to perpetuate CineCoup's success for years to come.
- 8/3/2014
- by Erin Grover
- Sydney's Buzz
Along with Noël Wells and John Milhiser, featured player Brooks Wheelan was let go from Saturday Night Live earlier this month after only a year at the sketch institution. “Had a blast and loved every second of it. I’m totally honored to be able to make this next joke … Fired From New York It’S Saturday Night!” the Los Angeles transplant tweeted on July 14, adding two days later, “Whats the protocol on length of departure from SNL and your 'Best Of' DVD coming out. So stoked to see mine. Bet it's super long...” Undeterred, he quickly announced his Brooks Wheelan Falls Back on Stand-Up Comedy tour and prepared for his return to Montreal’s annual Just for Laughs comedy festival. From the circular bar at Jfl's host hotel, the Hyatt Regency, Wheelan talked to Vulture about what’s next.How’s your festival experience been thus far?It’s been great!
- 7/25/2014
- by Julie Seabaugh
- Vulture
The Mole Song: Undercover Agent Reiji
Written by Knakuro Kudo and Noburo Takahashi
Directed by Takashi Miike
Japan, 2013
It’s common knowledge for any Fantasia Festival regular that an edition cannot go by without the inclusion of at least one film from notorious Japanese auteur Takashi Miike. Very often two films of his are added to the lineup, a testament to his workaholic nature as a filmmaker. Miike dips his toes into any and every genre, frequently adding shocking twists for effect. He is what one might describe as an enfant terrible of Japanese cinema. The 2014 edition of Fantasia commenced with a bang by playing one of Miike’s latest endeavours, The Mole Song: Undercover Agent Reiji, the irony being that this is one of Miike’s ventures into comedy, just as the internationally renowned Just for Laughs festival is happening concurrently in Montreal.
The Mole Song centres around a clumsy,...
Written by Knakuro Kudo and Noburo Takahashi
Directed by Takashi Miike
Japan, 2013
It’s common knowledge for any Fantasia Festival regular that an edition cannot go by without the inclusion of at least one film from notorious Japanese auteur Takashi Miike. Very often two films of his are added to the lineup, a testament to his workaholic nature as a filmmaker. Miike dips his toes into any and every genre, frequently adding shocking twists for effect. He is what one might describe as an enfant terrible of Japanese cinema. The 2014 edition of Fantasia commenced with a bang by playing one of Miike’s latest endeavours, The Mole Song: Undercover Agent Reiji, the irony being that this is one of Miike’s ventures into comedy, just as the internationally renowned Just for Laughs festival is happening concurrently in Montreal.
The Mole Song centres around a clumsy,...
- 7/19/2014
- by Edgar Chaput
- SoundOnSight
Fully realizing its underdog appeal, the cheeky musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder slayed the competition this morning with a whopping 10 Tony nominations, including nods for both of its tireless leading men, Jefferson Mays and Bryce Pinkham. Neil Patrick Harris’ return to Broadway after a decade yielded him his first-ever Tony nomination for the celebrated revival of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, which netted an impressive eight nods. (Had it been eligible as a new musical, Hedwig probably would have easily tied Guide, as score and book would have been slam dunks). Trailing these shows with seven...
- 4/29/2014
- by Jason Clark
- EW.com - PopWatch
Maker Studios has partnered with Studio 2.0, a division of the Warner Bros. Television Group, to launch comedy series Robin Banks and the Bank Roberts on YouTube comedy channel Nacho Punch. The heist comedy was created and written by Friends alums Andrew Reich and Ted Cohen. It stars Michael Mosley (Sirens), Tony Cavalero (Aim High) and Josh Zuckerman (90210) as a trio of bumbling bank robbers. Story: Maker Studios Partners With Just for Laughs "It’s the most juvenile and idiotic thing we've ever done, and we are very proud to share it with the world," Reich and Cohen
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- 1/15/2014
- by Natalie Jarvey
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Now, Maker Studios announced a partnership with another established film festival to expand its digital initiatives. The YouTube multi-channel network with more than 4.5 billion monthly video views will manage the online video presence of the 30-year-old comedy institution, Just for Laughs. Just for Laughs needs less help on YouTube than Maker Studios’ previous partners. The Montreal-based comedy festival (that attracts 2 million people to Quebec’s capital city every summer) turned internationally well known comedy brand (with festivals in Toronto, Chicago, and Sydney, a television production arm, a live shows division, and a talent management group) is also in possession of a top channel. YouTube.com/JustForLaughsTV racks up tens of millions of views a month (mostly from gag and prank videos) and was the 76th most viewed channel on YouTube in September. Still, there’s room to grow, and the YouTube knowhow Maker’s amassed by managing the most subscribed...
- 12/20/2013
- by Joshua Cohen
- Tubefilter.com
Popular Canadian comedy festival Just for Laughs has turned to Maker Studios to build its brand on the web and YouTube in particular, the two companies said Thursday. Maker will manage Just for Laughs’ Gags channel, which has more than 3.7 million subscribers and offers a mix of pranks and walking tours. Maker will also create a new Just for Laughs website powered by its own player and launch a new comedy YouTube channel for the brand. In return, Just for Laughs will develop shows with Maker for the annual festival, one of the largest comedy events in the world. Maker.
- 12/19/2013
- by Lucas Shaw
- The Wrap
Maker Studios is partnering with Just for Laughs, an annual comedy festival and brand, to expand its online presence. With the new pact, Maker will work with Just for Laughs to manage its YouTube channel, Just for Laughs Gags, which features hidden-camera prank videos. Maker will also create a new YouTube destination featuring the brand's original stand-up content from more than 30 years of festivals. The company will also create a Just for Laughs website. Additionally, Maker and Just for Laughs will develop comedy shows at the annual July festival, where talent from Maker will be featured. “Comedy
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- 12/19/2013
- by Philiana Ng
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Birthday Boys formed their sketch group at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre Los Angeles in 2007. In addition to staging monthly sketch shows at Ucb, they have performed at a number of festivals, including the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival. IFC's The Birthday Boys Stir Up "Christian Mischief" On Series Premiere Airs Friday, October 18 at 10:30pm Et/Pt IFC is sharing a new sneak peek of the upcoming sketch comedy series The Birthday Boys before it premieres this Friday. Just in time for Halloween, The Birthday Boys are up to no good! In this new clip, a youth church group stocks up on eggs, shaving cream and toilet paper with plans to stir up trouble through the...
- 10/16/2013
- by April Neale
- Monsters and Critics
Keeping his workout routine varied, Ashton Kutcher went to Jiu Jitsu class in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning (October 2).
The "Two and a Half Men" star sported a blue belt with his uniform as he worked on his moves with a trainer.
Last week, the 35-year-old actor arrived in Toronto with girlfriend Mila Kunis to support her at the Just for Laughs comedy festival.
At the show, Mila performed in two live shows with "Family Guy" castmates Seth MacFarlane, Seth Green, and Alex Borstein.
The "Two and a Half Men" star sported a blue belt with his uniform as he worked on his moves with a trainer.
Last week, the 35-year-old actor arrived in Toronto with girlfriend Mila Kunis to support her at the Just for Laughs comedy festival.
At the show, Mila performed in two live shows with "Family Guy" castmates Seth MacFarlane, Seth Green, and Alex Borstein.
- 10/3/2013
- GossipCenter
Frequenting Lax Airport this week, Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher arrived from yet another series of flights today (September 29) in laid back style.
Each looking comfortable yet classy, Ashton wore his black cap, sunglasses, a gray coat over white undershirt, blue jeans and brown shoes, while Mila walked beside him also in sunglasses, and white knit sweater over a burgundy shirt, black pants and pink shoes.
According to E! News, the Teen Choice Awards winner and “Oz” star traveled to Toronto to attend the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival comedy festival on Saturday (September 28).
Last week, the couple's "That 70's Show" co-star Laura Prepon told reporters that she was not surprised to see the duo together, calling it "incredible."...
Each looking comfortable yet classy, Ashton wore his black cap, sunglasses, a gray coat over white undershirt, blue jeans and brown shoes, while Mila walked beside him also in sunglasses, and white knit sweater over a burgundy shirt, black pants and pink shoes.
According to E! News, the Teen Choice Awards winner and “Oz” star traveled to Toronto to attend the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival comedy festival on Saturday (September 28).
Last week, the couple's "That 70's Show" co-star Laura Prepon told reporters that she was not surprised to see the duo together, calling it "incredible."...
- 9/30/2013
- GossipCenter
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