Digest

Michael Rosenbaum continues his interview with Pete Seagal, a renowned comedy director. They discuss the challenges of directing and the importance of test audiences, with Seagal sharing an anecdote about a test audience for "Nutty Professor." Seagal reveals his dream project, a film about the Harlem Globetrotters, and his desire to work with Bill Hader and Chris and Wig. The conversation shifts to Seagal's experience working on the show "Heels," discussing the reasons for its cancellation and the possibility of it being picked up by Netflix. Seagal shares a humorous story about how he met his wife, Linda, at a bachelor party. The interview concludes with a shout-out to the podcast's top-tier patrons on Patreon, highlighting their unwavering support and the importance of community.

Outlines

00:00:00

Radio Commercial: Speeding

This Chapter is a radio commercial that warns against the dangers of speeding. It uses jarring sound effects and vivid imagery to emphasize the potential consequences of driving over the speed limit, including accidents, injuries, and even death. The commercial concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to drive safely and responsibly.

00:00:35

Pete Seagal: A Comedy Legend

This Chapter introduces Pete Seagal, a renowned director known for his comedic work, as the guest on the "Inside of You" podcast. Michael Rosenbaum, the host, shares his personal connection to Seagal, mentioning how Seagal's wife is his dentist. They discuss Seagal's early career as a broadcast journalist and his unexpected transition into directing. Seagal recounts his experience working with Chris Farley on "Tommy Boy," highlighting the unique dynamic between them and the challenges of creating a film with a limited script.

00:17:53

Radio Commercial: Speeding (Part 2)

This Chapter is a continuation of the radio commercial that warns against the dangers of speeding. It uses vivid imagery and emotional appeals to emphasize the potential consequences of driving over the speed limit, including accidents, injuries, and even death. The commercial concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to drive safely and responsibly.

00:18:43

Better Help: Mental Health Support

This Chapter is an advertisement for Better Help, an online therapy platform. It emphasizes the importance of mental health and how therapy can help individuals focus on their goals, develop positive coping skills, and set boundaries. The advertisement encourages listeners to visit BetterHelp.com/inside for a 10% discount on their first month.

00:19:50

Test Audiences and Filmmaking Challenges

This Chapter delves into the challenges of directing and the importance of test audiences. Seagal shares an anecdote about a test audience for "Nutty Professor" where a scene intended to be sad was met with laughter, highlighting the unpredictable nature of audience reactions. He discusses the process of editing and the importance of feedback from test audiences in shaping a film's final product.

00:35:34

Shopify: E-commerce Platform

This Chapter is an advertisement for Shopify, an e-commerce platform. It highlights the ease of use and features of Shopify, emphasizing its ability to help businesses sell products online and grow their sales. The advertisement encourages listeners to sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/inside.

00:37:51

Rocket Money: Personal Finance App

This Chapter is an advertisement for Rocket Money, a personal finance app. It emphasizes the app's ability to help users save money by finding and canceling unwanted subscriptions, monitoring spending, and negotiating lower bills. The advertisement encourages listeners to visit rocketmoney.com/inside to learn more.

01:02:23

Sizzle Reels and Dream Projects

This Chapter delves into the process of creating sizzle reels for potential projects and the importance of using successful clips. Seagal shares his experience with a sizzle reel for a Jennifer Lopez film and how feedback from producers influenced his approach. He then reveals his dream project, a film about the Harlem Globetrotters, and the story behind it. Seagal discusses the challenges of breaking out of the comedy genre and his desire to work with actors like Bill Hader and Chris and Wig.

01:05:50

Heels: A Wrestling Show

This Chapter focuses on Seagal's experience working on the show "Heels." He discusses the reasons for its cancellation, citing high production costs and being on the wrong network. However, he reveals that Netflix is considering picking up the show, which would be a great opportunity for the series. Seagal shares his disappointment about the cancellation and his belief that the show would have been successful on a different platform.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was Pete Seagal's early career like, and how did he transition into directing?

  Seagal started as a broadcast journalist, but he found his way into directing through a series of comedic segments he created for a local LA show. His parodies caught the attention of David Zucker, who offered him a chance to direct "The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear."

• What was it like working with Chris Farley on "Tommy Boy?"

  Seagal describes Farley as a comedic genius, but also notes the challenges of working with him due to his struggles with addiction. He shares how they created the film with limited script, relying heavily on improvisation and Farley's natural comedic talent.

• How does Pete Seagal handle working with different personalities on set?

  Seagal emphasizes the importance of being intuitive and adapting to each actor's style. He shares his experiences with actors like Jack Nicholson and Leslie Nielsen, highlighting the challenges of navigating their intense personalities and the need to find a balance between guidance and respect.

• What are some of the challenges of directing in today's film industry?

  Seagal notes that the industry has become more competitive, with directors needing to audition for projects and present compelling pitches. He also discusses the impact of the 2008 financial crisis on the film industry, leading to fewer opportunities for directors.

• What is Pete Seagal's perspective on the importance of test audiences?

  Seagal believes that test audiences are crucial for gauging a film's effectiveness and making necessary adjustments. He shares an anecdote about a test audience for "Nutty Professor" where a scene intended to be sad was met with laughter, highlighting the unpredictable nature of audience reactions.

• What is Pete Seagal's approach to directing?

  Seagal emphasizes the importance of collaboration and respecting the actors' talents. He believes in creating a comfortable and creative environment on set, allowing actors to bring their own unique perspectives to the characters.

• What is Pete Seagal's perspective on the film industry's evolution?

  Seagal acknowledges that the film industry has changed significantly over the years, with increased competition and a shift towards more visual and technical aspects of filmmaking. He believes that directors need to adapt to these changes and embrace new technologies to stay relevant.

• What is Pete Seagal's legacy as a director?

  Seagal's legacy is marked by his comedic work, particularly his collaborations with Chris Farley. He is known for his ability to create hilarious and memorable characters and for his collaborative approach to filmmaking. His films have entertained audiences for decades and continue to be enjoyed by fans of comedy.

• What is Pete Seagal's dream project, and why is it so important to him?

  Seagal's dream project is a film about the Harlem Globetrotters, focusing on the story of Herb Sapperstein, who brought together a group of talented players and helped them break the color barrier in the NBA. Seagal is passionate about this project because it celebrates the Globetrotters' legacy as ambassadors for the United States and their role in promoting unity and diversity.

• What is Pete Seagal's experience working on the show "Heels" like, and what are his hopes for the future of the show?

  Seagal enjoyed working on "Heels" and believes it was a well-made show. He attributes its cancellation to high production costs and being on the wrong network. However, he is hopeful that Netflix will pick up the show, giving it a wider audience and a chance to succeed.

Show Notes