Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Thanks to the WGAE Foundation for the Fantastic Screenplay Reading

Thanks to Mark Delabarre, Paul Jones, Gil Zabarsky, Alex Flores, Austin Torelli, Emily Kinney, Jane Gabbert, Sarah Lord, and Gabriel Millman, none of whom will probably see this, but all of whom were amazing in my screenplay reading. If anyone was actually interested in making the movie, you'd all get cast, as far as I'm concerned.


And, of course, thanks to Shira-Lee Shalit for directing and Susane Lee for arranging the event. To have a great cast perform your material--every writer should have such a wonderful experience.


Sunday, October 17, 2010

Dan Has a Screenplay in the Writers Guild of America East Reading Series!

Hey fans, and/or readers of this blog that only exist in my imagination, as I post into the Internet ether -- I have a screenplay that's gonna be read (well, 20 pages of it) at the JCC in Manhattan this Monday. Should be fun, and there's a WINE RECEPTION to follow. Here: I'll just let the WGAE press release explain...

* * *

Get your tickets now to see the latest performance in the WGAE/WGAE Foundation's Screenplay Reading Series. Excerpts from original screenplays by Guild members will be performed with a top-notch cast.

ORIENTATION written by Dan McCoy
ELLIOT BLOOM GETS SHOT written by William Farmer

Monday, October 18th, 2010 at 7:30pm
JCC in Manhattan
334 Amsterdam Avenue, at 76th Street

Wine reception follows readings

WGAE & JCC Members Ticket price $8.00 Please call 646-505-5708 to purchase.
Nonmembers: Ticket price $10.00 Click here to buy online.

Orientation
by Dan McCoy is about teenager Eric Hardy whose college prospects haven't been helped by an indifferent guidance counselor and his mother's mysterious illness. Still, he never would have knowingly applied to a university run by demons, even as a safety school. Sure, his adventures in matriculation involve making friends with Stuart, the cool guy across the hall, and falling for the spunky and self-possessed Claire. But they also include protecting himself and his dorm-mates from being actually possessed. Turns out, his college is just a front for a hellish recruitment station, and Eric needs to defeat faculty, upperclassmen, and alums (including his own brother) if he hopes to survive welcome weekend.

Read Dan McCoy's Bio

Elliot Bloom Gets Shot by William Farmer is about Elliott Bloom, a middle aged writer whose life is going nowhere, and who blames his misery on everyone and everything around him. He has alienated all his friends and loved ones with his arrogance, constantly flaunting his genius-level IQ and considering himself the only intelligent being in a world of fools. An anti-social outburst lands him in a small town jail, where the local librarian, a woman named Pine Davies, recognizes his pain as well as his potential and becomes fascinated by him. Faced with the opportunity for yet another grab at career success, Elliot must choose between a last shot at the fame and fortune he feels he deserves, or the simple comfort of remaining with Pine and living out what's left of his life in anonymity "among the fools." Complicating the matter is the fact that he's losing his mind, as characters from his unpublished "great American novel" refuse to stay on the page, inconveniently manifesting themselves in an attempt to influence his decision to their advantage.

Read William Farmer's Bio

WGAE President Michael Winship, Emmy Award-winning senior writer of Bill Moyers Journal will lead a Q & A after the readings which are produced by WGAE lifetime member Susane Lee.

The Flop House Episode Sixty-Seven is ONLINE

John Kingman is INVITED to join Stu and Dan for a discussion of The Uninvited. See what we did there? Sigh. The quality of our clever intros is slipping just as much as the likelihood of all three co-hosts being in a room together. But that doesn't keep this second Shocktober episode from being shocktastic. Meanwhile, Dan reveals a surprising knowledge of Alanis Morrisette's ouvre, Stuart turns the audience into his personal assistants, and John patiently waits for an introduction that's a long time coming.

0:00 - 0:39 - Introduction and SHOCKTOBER theme.
0:40 - 35:46 - Turns out "The Uninvited" isn't a horror movie about an angry guest who didn't get invited to Elliott's wedding. Instead, it's about ghosts or crazy people, or some shit.
35:47- 39:13- Final judgments
39:14 - 45:44- The sad bastards recommend.
45:45 - 46:39 - Goodbyes, theme, and outtakes.



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Wikipedia synopsis of The Uninvited

PLUG CORNER

Dan's screenplay (well, 20 pages of it) gets a staged reading by professional actors, along with an excerpt from another "hot screenplay" (as the press release puts it), courtesy of the WGA East, THIS MONDAY, October 18 at 7:30 PM at the JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave, at 76th St.

Saturday, October 02, 2010

The Flop House Episode Sixty-Six is ONLINE

We come roaring... well, stumbling, back with 2/3rds of The Flop House crew, plus Spanish-language podcasting superstar Federico Hatoum. And the good news is, we've returned in time for Shocktober, with the incorrectly-named Blood: The Last Vampire. Meanwhile, Elliott and Dan engage in a competition as to who can get divorced first, and Fed beguiles us with the beauty of his native tongue.

0:00 - 0:37 - Introduction and SHOCKTOBER theme.
0:38 - 8:47 - We spend nearly ten minutes introducing our special guest Federico Hatoum, and explaining why we've been M.I.A. for over a month.
8:48 - 28:49 - We talk about Blood: The Last Vampire... or, more accurately, "CG Blood: The Last Vampire."
29:50- 34:36- Final judgments
34:37 - 47:54 - PLUGS! which eventually devolve into a series of mouth-sounds.
47:55 - 58:52 - The sad bastards recommend.
58:53 - 1:00:12 - Goodbyes, theme, and outtakes.



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Wikipedia synopsis of Blood: The Last Vampire

PLUG CORNER

Listen to guest host Fed Hatoum's hit Spanish-language Mac podcast PuroMac... if you speak Spanish. And like Apple products.

Elliott screens The Black Cat as part of his series "Closely Watched Films" at 92Y Tribeca, 200 Hudson St., Manhattan, on Wednesday, October 6 at 7:30 PM.

Dan's screenplay (well, 20 pages of it) gets a staged reading by professional actors, along with an excerpt from another "hot screenplay" (as the press release puts it), courtesy of the WGA East, on Monday, October 18 at 7:30 PM at the JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave, at 76th St.

Thursday, September 09, 2010

9 AM Meeting NYTVF Screenings Announced!













9 AM Meeting is an official selection of the New York Television Festival. That means that our independent pilot is competing against forty-some other pilots, (ranging from 4 and 22 minutes in length) for fabulous prizes (including money, development deals, and bragging rights).

Our pilot is screening twice: Wed, Sep 22, 9:45PM at Tribeca Cinemas Theater 2 and Thu, Sep 23, 7:30PM at Tribeca Cinemas Theater 1, as part... of a 1-hour "Animation Block."

The screening is FREE FREE FREE (although there is a $4.50 handling fee for reserving tickets online, and reservations are highly recommended, due to the popularity of the festival).

My co-writer/co-star Matt and I would really appreciate your attendance -- having a receptive crowd could only help our chances in competition, and the festival thrives on having a full, enthusiastic house.

Tickets and more info available at NYTVF.com.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

9 AM Meeting at Channel 101 TONIGHT

"At Channel 101, the destiny of TV entertainment is in your hands! During this monthly screening, new five-minute shows from the best young writers and directors in NYC battle it out for the right to be turned into a series. The top five shows become the new "prime time" lineup for the following month; losing shows are banished forever."

Come vote for us in our 9th month! See co-9AMer Matt Koff host! Drink copiously from their bar!

92Y Tribeca
200 Hudson Street
New York, NY
8 PM - $6

Sunday, August 15, 2010

The Flop House Episode Sixty-Five is ONLINE

Is it possible John Travolta and director Walt Becker could top Wild Hogs? Well, when it comes to Old Dogs, it depends on what you mean by "top." Meanwhile, Stuart reveals some exciting personal news, Dan explains how this movie is the modern "Kangaroo Jack," and Elliott previews his new one-man show at (great) length.

0:00 - 0:33 - Introduction and theme.
0:34 - 6:13 - So much talk about weddings that you'd think you were listening to three schoolgirls, if not for the World of Warcraft reference.
6:14 - 42:05 - A scintillating discussion of Old Dogs, the family film that's fun for no ages, as well as our longest, most absurd digression yet.
42:06 - 43:03- Final judgments are handily dispensed with.
43:04 - 48:17 - Dan manages to announce our CONTEST WINNER, despite Elliott and Stu's best efforts to not let him get the name out.
48:18 - 55:45 - The sad bastards recommend.
55:46 - 58:24 - Plugs, goodbyes, theme, and outtakes.









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Wikipedia synopsis of Old Dogs

PLUG CORNER

Take a look at a preview of Age of Heroes #4, the MARVEL COMIC FEATURING A STORY WRITTEN BY THE FLOP HOUSE'S OWN ELLIOTT KALAN. Then go buy a copy of the full comic this Tuesday, ya cheapskate!

Check out the music of Lydia Burrell (AKA Alex Smith). He's a friend of Flopper Stuart, and his album was produced by My Morning Jacket frontman Yim Yames. So, you know. Hipster cred.

Dan's webseries 9 AM Meeting is an Official Selection of the New York Television and Video Festival. Check out a screening! Tickets are free, but reservations are required (box office opens September 1).

Monday, August 09, 2010

9 AM Meeting at the New York TV Festival!











My webseries 9 AM Meeting is an Official Selection of the 2010 New York Television Festival. It will screen in competition against 41 other independently produced TV pilots this September (Festival dates: Sept 20-25, specific screenings TBA). Fellow 9AMer Matt Koff and I will be there... WILL YOU?


Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Whim Quarterly #3 Coming Soon!

The third issue of NYC's best printed-on-actual-paper humor magazine (dubbed "the choleric issue") is about to drop, and -- as always -- it features a contribution from yours truly. Start doing your core-strengthening laughing exercises now.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

The Flop House Episode Sixty-Four is ONLINE

Finally we get to watch a truly great movie, Alex Cox's seminal punk classic Repo Man, which... wait, what? We're watching Repo MEN? That piece of shit? Oy. Meanwhile, Stuart retains his man of mystery status by not revealing where he's working, Elliott gives us anecdote after delightful anecdote about Tommy Wiseau, and Dan reveals a secret plot to repossess Abraham Lincoln's organs.

0:00 - 0:33 - Introduction and theme.
0:34 - 27:35 - Jude Law and Forrest Whittaker repossess both our will to live and to discuss the movie Repo Men.
27:36 - 33:19 - Final judgments, and Elliott's rambling Lethal Weapon 2 digression.
33:20 - 49:04 - A brimming Flop House Movie Mailbag.
49:05 - 58:50 - Instead of recommendations, Elliott gives us a firsthand report on San Diego's ComiCon.
58:51 - 59:41 - Goodbyes, theme, and outtakes.









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Wikipedia synopsis of Repo Men

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

One Question...



















Did Boo-Boo just fuck that sandwich?

Friday, July 23, 2010

Another Piece on Slate.com

Following up on the UNMITIGATED TRIUMPH of my Charlotte's Web piece, I submit to you, my faithful (and few) readers this humor essay about Inception, published in today's Slate. Enjoy it. I dare you.

Thursday, July 08, 2010

The Return of Gchat Theater

me:http://www.wrongsideoftheart.com/2009/02/her-name-was-lisa-1979-usa/
Ritch: Kinda makes two thumbs up look a little tame.
me: More movies should be reviewed with "FULL ERECTION, 100%!"
Ritch: I'd give Showgirls like a 55%
me: Embrace of the Vampire on the other hand...
Ritch: I'd like to see "MAINTAINED A FAIRLY CONSTANT CHUBBY"
me: "Soft, but that wasn't really the movie's fault--I've just been really tired and stressed."
Ritch: ha
"Full Erection 100 percent, but I'll qualify that by saying I watched the movie in the back of a slowly rumbling bus."
me: These are the downfalls of the erection-based movie rating system.
Ritch: If you achieve a full erection 100 percent for the entirety of this Ken Burns documentary, consult your physician.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Hey Kids! It's a Press Release!

Check out this press release for a new humor publication that includes a piece written by yours truly:

LOS ANGELES, CA— A new and audacious book series of satirical writing, parody and original comics, The Devastator, will be released this June 29, 2010. The Devastator is a compendium of both upcoming and renowned writers and artists who deftly satirize a new aspect of pop-culture in each volume. Writers and artists for the inaugural book have worked for The Daily Show, The Simpsons, The Onion, Cracked, National Lampoon, and more. Notable contributors to The Devastator #1 include James Urbaniak (The Venture Bros.), David Malki ! (Wondermark), R. Sikoryak (Masterpiece Comics), and screenwriter Todd Alcott (Antz).

The publishers, Geoffrey Golden and Amanda Meadows, expect the first book to be carried in 5 major independent book sellers in Los Angeles, 4 in New York City, and on their online storefront devastatorquarterly.com/shop. The book will soft launch on Amazon.com via Ingram Book Services this July. A release on Google Editions is to be confirmed this August.

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Golden held a memorable fundraising campaign to print the mixed-format book, using the new creative fundraising platform Kickstarter.com. Featuring a hilarious proposal video starring cult celebrity actor James Urbaniak, The Devastator garnered support from the blogosphere and social media.

Co-publisher and Managing Editor Amanda Meadows announced a book release party at the largest comic book and collectibles shop west of The Rockies, Meltdown Comics. The book launch is scheduled for Saturday June 26, 7-10pm. Featured guests include all Los Angeles contributors to The Devastator, actor James Urbaniak, and Wondermark creator David Malki !, who will give away free sketches for those who purchase copies of the book. The event is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to visit The Devastator’s Facebook fan page. Golden comments, "We're are honored to get such unconditional support from booksellers, colleagues, and fans alike. This book has been several months in the making, and we are ready to celebrate everyone's hard work on June 26th!"

The Devastator has received extremely positive advance buzz and reviews from former Publishers Weekly Comics newsblog The Beat, “The Sound of Young America” founder and host Jesse Thorn, comedy nexus The Apiary, foremost Animation Historian Jerry Beck’s cartoon news site Cartoon Brew, premiere webcomics blog The Daily Cross Hatch. The book also received endorsements from major university humor publications like The Yale Record.

The Devastator is an independent publication created by Geoffrey Golden and Amanda Meadows, two comedy writer-editors from Los Angeles, in December 2009. Having read humor and comics in print in their youth, they intend to instigate a rebirth of parody and satire in print that works in tandem with the digital reading revolution.

For more information, please visit devastatorquarterly.com/about

For a full list of Book #1 contributors click here.

To RSVP for Book #1 Launch Party

Saturday, June 19, 2010

The Flop House Episode Sixty-Two is ONLINE

If a 13-year-old boy wrote an early-90's Image comic book and pitched it to Zach Snyder's third unit director, then you might wind up with something like Legion. Meanwhile, Dan tries to make it all about his birthday, Elliott expounds on some Flop House in-jokes, and Stuart offers Wolverine a real Sophie's choice.

0:00 - 0:34 - Introduction and theme
0:35 - 40:51 - God has decided to punish us. Not by sending all of the angels from heaven to wipe out humanity - by making us watch Legion. (And punish Dan in particular by making Stu and Elliott interrupt him more than ever before.)
40:52 - 42:14 - Final judgments
42:15 - 57:47 - The Flop House Movie Mailbag threatens to take over the show.
57:48 - 59:21 - Goodbyes, theme, and outtakes.









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Wikipedia synopsis of Legion

Saturday, June 05, 2010

The Flop House Episode Sixty-One is ONLINE

Imagine you were a robot. Now imagine everyone else is a robot. Now imagine Bruce Willis is a robot. Two out of three of those things are pretty hard to imagine, right? Welcome to the world of Surrogates. Meanwhile, Elliott imagines a lost Disney live-action hit, Stuart tells us what his surrogate would look like, and Dan plucks the low-hanging fruit.

0:00 - 0:32 - Introduction and theme
0:33 - 34:34 - Chicks and ducks and geese better scurry, when we take you out in our discussion of Surrogates.
34:35 - 37:20 - Final judgments
38:21 - 45:55 - The Flop House Movie Mailbag.
45:56 - 51:40- The sad bastards recommend.
51:41 - 54:25 - Goodbyes, theme, and outtakes.









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Wikipedia synopsis of Surrogates

Thursday, May 20, 2010

The Flop House Episode Sixty is ONLINE!

Since Dan is gone this weekend at a wedding, Flopsmas is coming early this year! Enjoy a rare Thursday-posted episode!

We'll say this for Sandra Bullock - she throws herself into every role, even the ones she shouldn't, like the lead in All About Steve. Meanwhile, Brock makes a plea for simple job competence, Dan questions the film's view of the high-stakes crosswords world, and Stuart gives a recap lesson in cookery.

0:00 - 0:34 - Introduction and theme
0:35 - 2:30 - We reintroduce special guest host Brock Mahan.
2:31 - 36:53 - We put on our critics' high-heeled red leather boots to take on the no-rom, no-com, rom-com All About Steve
40:56 - 40:55 - Final judgments
40:56 - 44:07 - An all-comments Flop House mailbag.
48:45 - 55:07- The sad bastards recommend.
55:08 - 57:53 - Plugs, goodbyes, theme, and outtakes.









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Wikipedia synopsis of All About Steve

Sunday, May 09, 2010

The Flop House Episode Fifty-Nine is ONLINE

What do you get when you take Death Wish, mix it with Saw, and add a soupçon of Gerard Butler? An unholy mess, that's what. Meanwhile, Elliott pitches our cartoon spin off, Dan leads us down a side road about Back to the Future Part II that goes fucking nowhere, and Stuart boasts about his giant... sandwich-making prowess.

0:00 - 0:33 - Introduction and theme
0:34 - 2:24 - We waste a few minutes talking about how long it's been since we've invaded your ear-holes.
2:25 - 35:39 - We discuss Law Abiding Citizen, the most egregious crime against hyphens since The 40 Year Old Virgin.
35:39 - 38:18 - Final judgments
38:20 - 39:25 - Station identification
39:26 - 44:07 - We attempt to re-create a Flop House Movie Mailbag from memory, and we make fun of Stuart's fragile mental state.
44:08 - 52:10- The sad bastards recommend.
52:11 - 53:01 - Goodbyes, theme, and outtakes.









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Wikipedia synopsis of Law Abiding Citizen