October 24, 2017
This week's episode is a real treat as we sit down with comedy nerd/sketch writer extraordinaire Mike Upchurch, who has written sketches for Mr. Show (with Bob Odenkirk and David Cross), The Chris Rock Show, and MADtv.
We learn about his start in Las Vegas, his UNLV Graduate program, where he wrote the Poetics of Sketch Comedy. We cover a little bit of everything from writing for premium channel cult hits, and major network television to meeting Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as his really funny and original projects he is currently working on.
This episode is definitely one for the record books, but it was so easy chatting with Mike, and we know it's an episode you will really enjoy listening to as he shares some really wild tales living and almost dying in Hollywood. Take a listen and find out more!
October 10, 2017
This interview was packed with great stories of how Greg brings to life the many projects he is working on, and shows you that you have to keep working on new things with good people to get ahead in the business. From shadowing Steve Levitan on Modern Family to pitching his project to executives at the CW network it was really amazing to hear all about Greg's experiences. There were many little morsels of advice for writers, but one thing is for certain Greg is great at keeping in touch with people he meets, keeping those connections, treating those around him with respect, and believes that hard work will pay off -- you just have to work on a lot of different projects.
We mention several of Greg's works, including Worst Birthday Ever, Don't Tell Larry and Bad Dad.
Worst Birthday Ever can be seen on CWSeed.com (you must download the app,) Don't Tell Larry is being screened October 11, 2017 at the Bahia Club in Echo Park, Los Angeles, and Bad Dad is being featured at the New York Television Festival, October 26, 2017 at the Helen Mills Theatre in Chelsea, New York.
September 12, 2017
In this episode I have the chance to speak with writer, actor and ex-Tom Cruise stand-in Mike Stern. I have always been impressed and just how much and how well Mike writes. There doesn't seem to be a genre that he cannot do - film, television, comedy, horror, drama, suspense-thrillers, detective movies - and it's inspirational to hear from someone working hard to break into Hollywood. He offers some really insightful points on honing your craft, and having the drive and work ethic so when the opportunity arises you are ready. Sometimes you even have to create those opportunities through unpaid internships at a production company, or paying a pretty-penny to go a "pitch-fest."
I always enjoy spending time with Mike and hearing about all the hard work he is putting into his writing and career, the advice he got from Christopher McQuarrie, and it is always great to hear the occasional Tom Cruise story.
September 12, 2017
In this episode I have the chance to speak with writer, actor and ex-Tom Cruise stand in Mike Stern. I have always been impressed and just how much and how well Mike writes. There doesn't seem to be a genre that he cannot do - film, television, comedy, horror, drama, suspense-thrillers, detective movies - and it's inspirational to hear from someone working hard to break into Hollywood. He offers some really insightful points on honing your craft, and having the drive and work ethic so when the opportunity arises you are ready. Sometimes you even have to create those opportunities through unpaid internships at a production company, or paying a pretty-penny to go a "pitch-fest."
I always enjoy spending time with Mike and hearing about all the hard work he is putting into his writing and career, the advice he got from Christopher McQuarrie, and it is always great to hear the occasional Tom Cruise story.
August 22, 2017
We had the awesome opportunity to talk to writer's assistant Taylor Friedman, who gave us a really insightful view of the Fuller House writer's room, the nitty-gritty work and attention to detail aspects of an assistant, and some really great thoughts on navigating the writer's room and getting noticed for bigger opportunities with the staff.
Fuller House writers have a really tough job creating something new in Fuller House, while still paying homage or respect to the original Full House. It has to offer up heaps of nostalgia on fans from the late 80's and early 90's, while still developing a new fan base with different tastes and references. No easy feat.
It's really exciting to see that Jeff Franklin is at the helm with practically everyone from the original show including Bob Saget, Dave Coulier, Lori Loughlin, Jodie Sweetin, Candice Cameron Bure, Andrea Barber and John Stamos, who executive produces.
We are really excited to hear more about a show that has helped start the trend of bringing back old hits from the 80's and 90's and resurrecting them for newer audiences.
This episode gave me the opportunity to catch up with a friend, and it was exciting to hear all about her career.
Fuller House Season 3 premieres on September 22, 2017 on Netflix.
August 15, 2017
In this episode we interview two writers from the political satire show The Jim Jefferies Show. Two stand up comedians, Curtis Cook and Subhah Agarwal, sound appreciative to work with the great comedian Jim Jefferies. Having the opportunity to watch an incredibly talented comedian Jim Jefferies churn out these amazing rants, jokes and take on US politics and world issues is a real eye-opener for Cook and Agarwal.
This fun episode is filled with some really helpful advice on sometimes doing the things you don't know will have a payoff, but with hard work and determination (also sheer grit, luck and a good manager) you can get some really awesome opportunities. What helps is that you do the work.
Both Curtis and Subhah are talented and funny comedians, and it sounds like the Jim Jefferies Show is a fun place to be - even if it might be depressing to learn just how bad US socio-political situation is getting, and just how weird our world can be.
August 8, 2017
In our second interview we had the chance to sit down with comedian and writer Dan St. Germain. He opened up about his beginnings in stand up comedy, offering some really great advice for new comedians, as well as what it is like writing for the CBS comedy Superior Donuts. It was a really insightful chat with a very funny and talented writer. Superior Donuts starring Jermaine Fowler, Judd Hirsch, Katy Segal, Maz Jobrani and Dave Koechner has been renewed for a second season and premiers on CBS Monday, October 30 at 9:30pm.
Dan St. Germain mentioned his colleague Dan O'Shannon's book and you can get What Are You Laughing At? by clicking here.
August 1, 2017
We introduce this side project Script V. Screen: Writers' Room where we sit down with various writers in the industry to give us a little insight into what it's like being in the room, the process taken to get that beloved television show on air. For each writer has their own experience, and each room is run in its own unique way depending on the showrunners, stars and network executives involved.
For our pilot episode of SVS: Writers' Room we are honored to be interviewing Dominic Dierkes.
You might know Dominic from his sketch group Derrick Comedy with Donald Glover and D.C. Pierson. He has been a staff writer for shows such as Allen Gregory (created by Jonah Hill, Andrew Mogel, Jarrad Paul), Workaholics (created by Blake Anderson, Adam Devine, Anders Holm), The Grinder (created by Andrew Mogel and Jarrad Paul), and Making History (Julius Sharpe).
He is currently a staff writer on The Mick working with writers/creators David and John Chernin, former staff writers on Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
February 14, 2017
We celebrate our 50th episode by reviewing this past season's shows, giving our thoughts on some of the shows we covered, what we have learned from reviewing all these pilot episodes and what we are looking forward to in the 2017 TV season.
It was an exciting time here at Script vs Screen, we hope you have enjoyed the past 49 episodes covering so many different genres and networks. We covered a lot of different shows from incredible hits like 30 Rock, Mad Men, Breaking Bad and Frasier to never seen shows like Warrior and Coach.
We took a look at new shows like Sneaky Pete, which a year later is now enjoying a strong audience, and Preacher, both of which are looking forward to a second season. There are a lot of exciting things happening in the coming year for television and the movie industry. Networks like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon are still busy producing new content, while more established networks continue to experiment with newer shows on traditional channels like television along with online content distribution such as CBS' All Access platform. This means good things for those that love TV - more choices, more shows, more stories - as well as those that write and act for the shows - more opportunities to create and perform. Here is to a great year ahead!
January 31, 2017
In our last episode of season 4 we take a look at the beloved, highly awarded comedy Frasier. With an incredible cast that included Kelsey Grammer, David Hyde Pierce, John Mahoney, Jane Leeves and Peri Gilpin, Frasier was on the air for an outstanding 11 seasons. This made Kelsey Grammer's Dr. Frasier Crane, one of the longest played characters on television on three shows. This show, created by David Angell, Peter Casey and David Lee, is one of television's greatest spin-off series.
The pilot episode is well written, and brilliantly performed. There is such great chemistry between Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce you'd have a hard time not believe they were not actual brothers. This first episode does an excellent job of establishing the entire premise of the show, bringing the beloved Frasier into the spotlight.
Voted 35 of the Top 50 shows on television, Frasier is a top-notch comedy worth seeing. Netflix has all eleven seasons now streaming, and perhaps it is time for fans to revisit a classic, and for new viewers to enjoy an all-around solid show. Like an excellent wine, Frasier has aged well and needs to be appreciated for the great television it is.
