Post by RAD on Feb 22, 2008 20:00:06 GMT -5
Hey, all!
I know that there has been a certain measure of disappointment that Joel's answers weren't delivered last Friday. So, guess what? He's gone and answered FORTY-TWO of YOUR questions! And, I have to say, you guys are the best interviewers EV-AH! Nicely done.
As you know, I've harvested all of the questions from the MST3K Forum and the Cinematic Titanic forum. So, I'm going to post half here, and provide a link to the other half. Let's see if your question to Joel was answered, won't us?
Thanks to all for participating. Again, great questions gang. Enjoy...
And here's the answers:
Joel sez:
I went a little overboard and answered 40 questions rather than 20, wanted to try to answer one for each person.
MonsterX:
1. Hi Joel! Why do you think all these old cheesy movies still draw such a large following?
Hello MonsterX: I think it has something to do with just how powerful movies are when they’re done well - and when they aren’t done well, it’s fascinating in an entirely different way. As everybody knows, the only thing better than seeing a magician do an amazing magic trick, is watching the same magician screw up a trick and seeing how the illusion works. Also, a little known fact: magicians invented the movies.
Harpo:
1. I would really like to know if anything special will be planned for the "20th anniversary" of mst3k (would that be considered this year or next year?). perhaps another official mst3k convention?
Harpo: There are rumblings.
Callipygias:
1. I'd like to ask Joel if he's open to the occasional "crossover" between CT and Rifftrax (including himself!).
Callipygias, anything is possible. But I have to say, it feels a little like you’re playing fantasy riffball here. Not that that’s bad, interesting ideas spring from such notions. For the time being, I’m mostly interested in getting the word out about what we’re doing at Cinematic Titanic-– we’ve only done one show and are still in development mode. Adding and subtracting people at this point would feel counterproductive.
Mod City:
1. Why didn't you answer the question in reference to Rifftrax in the slashdot interview?
That was a bit of a strange SNAFU between our camp and Slashdot. When John Stotard, our webmaster, forwarded me the questions, I looked them over and thought there were too many. I asked him about it and he said, “that’s part of the deal at Slashdot, they gave you an abundance of questions, sort of expecting you to throw some out”. So the Rifftrax thing was one that I threw out. I received these questions before we even launched the first show so I felt that it was kind of distracting: here I am trying to promote this new movie riffing show and someone is asking me to comment on another movie riffing show. I felt for people unfamiliar with MST3K, the message might get muddy, so that’s basically what happened. I’m happy to answer the questions now of course. What do I think of Rifftrax? Obviously, Mike, Kevin and Bill are really talented so I’m sure their product is great.
Oriana:
1. Could we have an actual premise to CT?
Woow! Oriana-– take it easy now, I answer this question down the page. I happened to like the way Reptilian Samurai phrased it better-– I can get touchy about stuff like this.
Donna ChocoLady:
1. What are some of your fondest memories from the MST writer's room? A joke that really killed, or the first time a running gag was made, or one of the jokes you made that you're proudest of?
I loved that the MST writing room had none of the usual writers room hierarchy you see out here in Hollywood. Everyone got to speak up and say whatever they thought was interesting or funny and it all pretty much ended up in the script, if it fit time wise. There was also only one rule, and that was: if you had a problem with a joke in the show, you could have it tossed out and it was gone, no questions asked. So there was little or no actual editorializing needed-– we were self regulating. Being the executive producer in charge of the creative side of the show I’m most proud of that. This “no edit” method allowed a writing staff of seven to turn over a new 90 minute show every seven days.
Bix Dugan:
1. Joel- Do you (or a fellow CT writer) really listen to Howard 100? If so, the next movie that CT riffs on, AND features a little person, please throw out an "Eric The Midget" reference...
Bix Dugan-- Yes, actually I do, and in “The Oozing Skull” there is a reference to “Eric the Midget”, but I guess you didn’t catch it. I sort of got my Dorro voice from listening to Fred Norris do his impression of “Eric the Midget”.
Mastershake:
Now that we know with 100% certainty that you didn't want to leave MST3K, can we ever expect to see you patch things up with Jim and start a revival of Mystery Science Theater 3000 in its original form in our lifetimes?
Mastershake, anything is possible.
Samtaco:
1. What props from MST did you get to keep?
Samtaco: I have the original red jumpsuit.
Cerrita Qao-Lendel:
What factors were considered when selecting the title "Cinematic Titanic"?
Cerrita Qau-Lendel: Only one-– it made Trace laugh.
Reptilian Samurai:
1. Are there any plans to introduce a bit more premise into the property? The time tube at the ending was very mysterious (and anyone watching that didn't read all your news releases online would not know what it was).
Reptilian Samurai: Yes, we’re working on it little by little. I wanted to start with something broad like “We’re recording this for future generations” while we get it on it’s feet. So, keep an eye out as we start moving the pieces around.
2. What are your thoughts on the bickering about whether Joel-era MST or Mike-era MST is better? What would you say to those fans that feel they can only enjoy episodes with one or the other host, rather than appreciate MST3K as a whole?
It’s silly. The only contest here is trying to take a cheesy movie and make it entertaining. That, I think, is the heart and soul of movie riffing.
Fishbulb33:
Joel, what are your favorite qualities about the other four Titans that made you want to work with them again?
I think the biggest thing is that we’ve somehow maintained our friendship for all of these years. I consider them each funny in very different ways. Frank has an expansive knowledge of show business, he can play sarcastic and naive at almost the same time, and he’s a solid writer and good laugher. Mary Jo is what I would call scathingly brilliant-- she’s equal parts funny, bright and literate and when you least expect it, she goes dark as pitch. Trace has great comic instincts, is a good designer, is charming as hell, and is very fun to hang around with. Josh will goof off at the drop of a hat, is kind, and is a wickedly funny joke writer to boot. Who could ask for anything more? Oh, here come the love tears.
Shark:
1. Since CT is direct to DVD, will you ever cut or edit the movies you do?
Shark: Yeah, we do edit to make the movies fit for time, something we also did at MST. Also, if we encounter some questionable content that we feel we can’t make funny we’ll also edit that. We took out a lot of the bloody stuff from “Oozing Skull” and occasionally we’ll do a little trimming to make some films a little more watchable.
Trumpysluvvyduvvysnout:
1. Did you get to keep any of the disco gear from Freaks And Geeks? For some reason it really suited you!
Thanks, I think. Actually, I lost about 30 pounds since I did those shows, and I saved that. It’s in my garage in an old ten gallon aquarium.
2. I know there are rights issues with eztakes in relation to what can be offered overseas, but will any of the CT episodes be on offer readily to those outside of the USA? Oh and I got a legit copy through a surrogate in the States, just so you don't think I'm cutting about with an eyepatch and a parrot on my shoulder shouting "YAAAARRGH!" and stuff (a pirate you see!)
Trumpysluvvyduvvysnout: Yes, strap that dog to the yard arm! See, I can do a pirate too – in print! We’re working on that. We realize that we have fans all over the world now and we would really like to try to make these titles available to all. Obviously, it’s likely to be in download if it happens.
Wedestroymyths:
1. When you were on Saturday Night Live, did you get to meet Joe Piscopo? What was that like?
Interesting question. I had quite a profound exchange with Joe Piscopo. We were talking before one of the SNLs I was appearing on, and he leaned over and said, “You know what? You’re lucky you get to do your own material. We have to go out and try to make this stuff work whether we think it’s funny or not." I took that to heart. You should have seen the pained look on his face when he said that.
Miss Interoceter:
1. You've always seemed to be the kinder, gentler riffer, never attacking too harshly. Do you feel a sort of kindred spirit with the folks who made these movies, considering your own success came in much the same way (low budget, outside the mainstream system, etc.)?
Dear Miss Interoceter: You must know, it’s not just me, it’s also the people I write with. Personally, I’ve always felt that if you come off as if you despise these films and the people who made them, the audience is bound to say “Then why are you watching them, Mr. Snarky?”
XerxesTheCat:
1. What is your general opinion about Looney Tunes not being broadcast on television in America since 2004, and do you buy any of the Looney Tunes DVD sets?
XerxesTheCat: Looney Tunes haven’t been broadcast on television in America since '04? I feel like they’re still on, I always see them playing when I drive behind folks with DVD players in their SUVs.
GersonK:
How much of the invention of the new show is coming from mother necessity's demand that it be distinct from mst3k, and how much is just ideas that sprung up on their own?
To start with, I wanted something that would look good in a home theatre. TVs are getting so good. I knew I could start making the movie segments much more visual than MST3k was. I felt like I didn’t want to do theatre seats again. I remember the theatre seats were a little bit inhibiting for movement, plus you also never see anything below the shoulders. So, I wanted to blow that element up, get the whole body of the performers showing if I could. For some reason, I was thinking of the Phillip Glass ensemble. I saw them perform a score for a silent film version of “Dracula” here in LA. Another musical act I kept thinking about was “Spike Jones and his City Slicker Band”-– don’t ask me why-– I liked Spike’s percussion table. I always thought it would be cool to see a guy like that add sound effects to a movie. Anyway, both these acts were musical and I guess that led me to the riser array. I then grabbed some of the frames from "The Oozing Skull" and started to work that in photoshop. Move the figures around-– five people, very different than a guy and two robots. The big breakthrough came when I realized I could actually make the figures pretty small in relation to the size of the screen and they still kept their visual integrity. Another benefit of making the figures smaller was that the screen started to look bigger in relation, more like a real movie screen. We shot our silhouettes in hi def so they really pop on screen against the film. After we combined the elements and did a mix, we dropped it onto J. Elvis’ I-phone to make sure it would look and sound nice there and it passed with flying colors!
Pierre Trudeau:
1. Many are taken aback because of the strong marketing present in every interview- it's just a side we have never really seen before. It's like when a man has had a beard for such a long time and they shave it off and you're not sure if you like it or not because it's so weird to see that person without facial hair.
Good question. I wonder about it too. Mostly, I’m trying to find the right attitude about selling DVD’s and downloads. Naturally, I don’t want to scare anyone off with my ham-handed salesmanship. Mostly I want to reiterate that Cinematic Titanic is not a “done deal”. By that I mean, we need people who are interested to buy a DVD or we simply can’t keep doing it. We don’t have a parent company who can afford to float us a loan until we start showing a profit. We had to hit the ground running. So if you’ve bought the disk, and you hear me asking you to buy the disk, ignore me-- obviously I’m not talking to you. I’m talking to the guy standing behind you.
See the rest of Joel's candidness at:
cinematictitanic.com/wpmu/sf-forum?forum=3&topic=318&page=1#p3071
RAD
I know that there has been a certain measure of disappointment that Joel's answers weren't delivered last Friday. So, guess what? He's gone and answered FORTY-TWO of YOUR questions! And, I have to say, you guys are the best interviewers EV-AH! Nicely done.
As you know, I've harvested all of the questions from the MST3K Forum and the Cinematic Titanic forum. So, I'm going to post half here, and provide a link to the other half. Let's see if your question to Joel was answered, won't us?
Thanks to all for participating. Again, great questions gang. Enjoy...
And here's the answers:
Joel sez:
I went a little overboard and answered 40 questions rather than 20, wanted to try to answer one for each person.
MonsterX:
1. Hi Joel! Why do you think all these old cheesy movies still draw such a large following?
Hello MonsterX: I think it has something to do with just how powerful movies are when they’re done well - and when they aren’t done well, it’s fascinating in an entirely different way. As everybody knows, the only thing better than seeing a magician do an amazing magic trick, is watching the same magician screw up a trick and seeing how the illusion works. Also, a little known fact: magicians invented the movies.
Harpo:
1. I would really like to know if anything special will be planned for the "20th anniversary" of mst3k (would that be considered this year or next year?). perhaps another official mst3k convention?
Harpo: There are rumblings.
Callipygias:
1. I'd like to ask Joel if he's open to the occasional "crossover" between CT and Rifftrax (including himself!).
Callipygias, anything is possible. But I have to say, it feels a little like you’re playing fantasy riffball here. Not that that’s bad, interesting ideas spring from such notions. For the time being, I’m mostly interested in getting the word out about what we’re doing at Cinematic Titanic-– we’ve only done one show and are still in development mode. Adding and subtracting people at this point would feel counterproductive.
Mod City:
1. Why didn't you answer the question in reference to Rifftrax in the slashdot interview?
That was a bit of a strange SNAFU between our camp and Slashdot. When John Stotard, our webmaster, forwarded me the questions, I looked them over and thought there were too many. I asked him about it and he said, “that’s part of the deal at Slashdot, they gave you an abundance of questions, sort of expecting you to throw some out”. So the Rifftrax thing was one that I threw out. I received these questions before we even launched the first show so I felt that it was kind of distracting: here I am trying to promote this new movie riffing show and someone is asking me to comment on another movie riffing show. I felt for people unfamiliar with MST3K, the message might get muddy, so that’s basically what happened. I’m happy to answer the questions now of course. What do I think of Rifftrax? Obviously, Mike, Kevin and Bill are really talented so I’m sure their product is great.
Oriana:
1. Could we have an actual premise to CT?
Woow! Oriana-– take it easy now, I answer this question down the page. I happened to like the way Reptilian Samurai phrased it better-– I can get touchy about stuff like this.
Donna ChocoLady:
1. What are some of your fondest memories from the MST writer's room? A joke that really killed, or the first time a running gag was made, or one of the jokes you made that you're proudest of?
I loved that the MST writing room had none of the usual writers room hierarchy you see out here in Hollywood. Everyone got to speak up and say whatever they thought was interesting or funny and it all pretty much ended up in the script, if it fit time wise. There was also only one rule, and that was: if you had a problem with a joke in the show, you could have it tossed out and it was gone, no questions asked. So there was little or no actual editorializing needed-– we were self regulating. Being the executive producer in charge of the creative side of the show I’m most proud of that. This “no edit” method allowed a writing staff of seven to turn over a new 90 minute show every seven days.
Bix Dugan:
1. Joel- Do you (or a fellow CT writer) really listen to Howard 100? If so, the next movie that CT riffs on, AND features a little person, please throw out an "Eric The Midget" reference...
Bix Dugan-- Yes, actually I do, and in “The Oozing Skull” there is a reference to “Eric the Midget”, but I guess you didn’t catch it. I sort of got my Dorro voice from listening to Fred Norris do his impression of “Eric the Midget”.
Mastershake:
Now that we know with 100% certainty that you didn't want to leave MST3K, can we ever expect to see you patch things up with Jim and start a revival of Mystery Science Theater 3000 in its original form in our lifetimes?
Mastershake, anything is possible.
Samtaco:
1. What props from MST did you get to keep?
Samtaco: I have the original red jumpsuit.
Cerrita Qao-Lendel:
What factors were considered when selecting the title "Cinematic Titanic"?
Cerrita Qau-Lendel: Only one-– it made Trace laugh.
Reptilian Samurai:
1. Are there any plans to introduce a bit more premise into the property? The time tube at the ending was very mysterious (and anyone watching that didn't read all your news releases online would not know what it was).
Reptilian Samurai: Yes, we’re working on it little by little. I wanted to start with something broad like “We’re recording this for future generations” while we get it on it’s feet. So, keep an eye out as we start moving the pieces around.
2. What are your thoughts on the bickering about whether Joel-era MST or Mike-era MST is better? What would you say to those fans that feel they can only enjoy episodes with one or the other host, rather than appreciate MST3K as a whole?
It’s silly. The only contest here is trying to take a cheesy movie and make it entertaining. That, I think, is the heart and soul of movie riffing.
Fishbulb33:
Joel, what are your favorite qualities about the other four Titans that made you want to work with them again?
I think the biggest thing is that we’ve somehow maintained our friendship for all of these years. I consider them each funny in very different ways. Frank has an expansive knowledge of show business, he can play sarcastic and naive at almost the same time, and he’s a solid writer and good laugher. Mary Jo is what I would call scathingly brilliant-- she’s equal parts funny, bright and literate and when you least expect it, she goes dark as pitch. Trace has great comic instincts, is a good designer, is charming as hell, and is very fun to hang around with. Josh will goof off at the drop of a hat, is kind, and is a wickedly funny joke writer to boot. Who could ask for anything more? Oh, here come the love tears.
Shark:
1. Since CT is direct to DVD, will you ever cut or edit the movies you do?
Shark: Yeah, we do edit to make the movies fit for time, something we also did at MST. Also, if we encounter some questionable content that we feel we can’t make funny we’ll also edit that. We took out a lot of the bloody stuff from “Oozing Skull” and occasionally we’ll do a little trimming to make some films a little more watchable.
Trumpysluvvyduvvysnout:
1. Did you get to keep any of the disco gear from Freaks And Geeks? For some reason it really suited you!
Thanks, I think. Actually, I lost about 30 pounds since I did those shows, and I saved that. It’s in my garage in an old ten gallon aquarium.
2. I know there are rights issues with eztakes in relation to what can be offered overseas, but will any of the CT episodes be on offer readily to those outside of the USA? Oh and I got a legit copy through a surrogate in the States, just so you don't think I'm cutting about with an eyepatch and a parrot on my shoulder shouting "YAAAARRGH!" and stuff (a pirate you see!)
Trumpysluvvyduvvysnout: Yes, strap that dog to the yard arm! See, I can do a pirate too – in print! We’re working on that. We realize that we have fans all over the world now and we would really like to try to make these titles available to all. Obviously, it’s likely to be in download if it happens.
Wedestroymyths:
1. When you were on Saturday Night Live, did you get to meet Joe Piscopo? What was that like?
Interesting question. I had quite a profound exchange with Joe Piscopo. We were talking before one of the SNLs I was appearing on, and he leaned over and said, “You know what? You’re lucky you get to do your own material. We have to go out and try to make this stuff work whether we think it’s funny or not." I took that to heart. You should have seen the pained look on his face when he said that.
Miss Interoceter:
1. You've always seemed to be the kinder, gentler riffer, never attacking too harshly. Do you feel a sort of kindred spirit with the folks who made these movies, considering your own success came in much the same way (low budget, outside the mainstream system, etc.)?
Dear Miss Interoceter: You must know, it’s not just me, it’s also the people I write with. Personally, I’ve always felt that if you come off as if you despise these films and the people who made them, the audience is bound to say “Then why are you watching them, Mr. Snarky?”
XerxesTheCat:
1. What is your general opinion about Looney Tunes not being broadcast on television in America since 2004, and do you buy any of the Looney Tunes DVD sets?
XerxesTheCat: Looney Tunes haven’t been broadcast on television in America since '04? I feel like they’re still on, I always see them playing when I drive behind folks with DVD players in their SUVs.
GersonK:
How much of the invention of the new show is coming from mother necessity's demand that it be distinct from mst3k, and how much is just ideas that sprung up on their own?
To start with, I wanted something that would look good in a home theatre. TVs are getting so good. I knew I could start making the movie segments much more visual than MST3k was. I felt like I didn’t want to do theatre seats again. I remember the theatre seats were a little bit inhibiting for movement, plus you also never see anything below the shoulders. So, I wanted to blow that element up, get the whole body of the performers showing if I could. For some reason, I was thinking of the Phillip Glass ensemble. I saw them perform a score for a silent film version of “Dracula” here in LA. Another musical act I kept thinking about was “Spike Jones and his City Slicker Band”-– don’t ask me why-– I liked Spike’s percussion table. I always thought it would be cool to see a guy like that add sound effects to a movie. Anyway, both these acts were musical and I guess that led me to the riser array. I then grabbed some of the frames from "The Oozing Skull" and started to work that in photoshop. Move the figures around-– five people, very different than a guy and two robots. The big breakthrough came when I realized I could actually make the figures pretty small in relation to the size of the screen and they still kept their visual integrity. Another benefit of making the figures smaller was that the screen started to look bigger in relation, more like a real movie screen. We shot our silhouettes in hi def so they really pop on screen against the film. After we combined the elements and did a mix, we dropped it onto J. Elvis’ I-phone to make sure it would look and sound nice there and it passed with flying colors!
Pierre Trudeau:
1. Many are taken aback because of the strong marketing present in every interview- it's just a side we have never really seen before. It's like when a man has had a beard for such a long time and they shave it off and you're not sure if you like it or not because it's so weird to see that person without facial hair.
Good question. I wonder about it too. Mostly, I’m trying to find the right attitude about selling DVD’s and downloads. Naturally, I don’t want to scare anyone off with my ham-handed salesmanship. Mostly I want to reiterate that Cinematic Titanic is not a “done deal”. By that I mean, we need people who are interested to buy a DVD or we simply can’t keep doing it. We don’t have a parent company who can afford to float us a loan until we start showing a profit. We had to hit the ground running. So if you’ve bought the disk, and you hear me asking you to buy the disk, ignore me-- obviously I’m not talking to you. I’m talking to the guy standing behind you.
See the rest of Joel's candidness at:
cinematictitanic.com/wpmu/sf-forum?forum=3&topic=318&page=1#p3071
RAD