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The fellas from "The State" (Michael Showalter, David Wain & Michael Ian Black) joined the screenwriting duo who brought you Wedding Crashers (Steve Faber & Bob Fisher) and Jake Kadan (The TV Set, "Freaks & Geeks") Saturday to discuss writing R-rated comedies. Once it was established in the first few minutes that any more than 8 "shits" and 2 "fucks" would get you an "R" rating, the panel seemed headed for an untimely death. But, once the conversation finally got going, and Showalter decided that the only way to endure the wooden shampoo was to lean into it, the gentlemen provided an entertaining look at what it takes to write funny material for adults; how the industry tries to typecast writers; and why "Stella" made many people wonder: "What the fuck?"
Responding to an audience question about how the fellas write together, Showalter said, "We have a really long keyboard."
(L to R: Showalter, Wain, Fisher, Faber and Kasdan discuss screenwriting)
On writing in Hollywood, Faber said, "Branding is pernicious. You have to write your way out of your brand."
Michael Ian Black, when asked to whom he writes, replied, "I always write for that kid that played Arnold Horshack. Ron Palillo."
Fisher, Faber and Kasdan look on as the creators of "Stella" try to explain what happened with their failed tv show. "We thought we totally wrote a mainstream comedy. We thought it was a fastball right down the middle," Showalter said.
All pictures taken by Austinist photographer Eric Uhlir.
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i really enjoyed the stella shorts, but i have to be honest - i wasn't a fan of the show. i think the fact that they couldn't air episodes like "dick fish" or "wiffle ball" hurt the show. but as i'm sure many people would say, wet hot american summer is one of my all time favorite comedies.
It was just brought to my attention that there is an interview or something on your site with me, Mike Galaxy. but i can't seem to find it. can you help me with this?
best,
mg