PETER SEGAL: Threatened to Create Tommy Boy, Chris Farley’s Physicality & Naked Gun Disappointments
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
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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
Pete Seagal
Pete Seagal is a renowned American film director and screenwriter known for his comedic work. He is best known for directing the 1995 comedy film "Tommy Boy," starring Chris Farley and David Spade. Seagal has also directed other successful comedies such as "My Fellow Americans" (1996), "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps" (2000), and "Anger Management" (2003). He is known for his ability to create hilarious and memorable characters and for his collaborative approach to filmmaking.
Chris Farley
Chris Farley was an American comedian and actor known for his energetic and physical comedic style. He gained fame as a cast member on "Saturday Night Live" (1990-1995) and starred in several successful films, including "Tommy Boy" (1995), "Beverly Hills Ninja" (1997), and "Black Sheep" (1996). Farley was known for his improvisational skills, his ability to connect with audiences, and his larger-than-life personality. He tragically passed away in 1997 at the age of 33.
Tommy Boy
Tommy Boy is a 1995 American comedy film directed by Pete Seagal and starring Chris Farley and David Spade. The film follows Tommy Callahan, a naive and lovable heir to a family business, who must travel across the country to save his father's company. "Tommy Boy" is known for its slapstick humor, memorable characters, and iconic lines, such as "That's my purse! I don't know you!" and "You're a fat guy in a little coat!" The film was a critical and commercial success, becoming a cult classic and solidifying Chris Farley's status as a comedic icon.
Harlem Globetrotters
The Harlem Globetrotters are an American professional basketball team known for their exhibition games featuring trick shots, comedic routines, and entertaining gameplay. Founded in 1926, the Globetrotters have become global ambassadors for basketball, promoting sportsmanship and goodwill. They are renowned for their unique style of play, their ability to connect with audiences, and their positive message of unity and diversity.
Sizzle Reel
A sizzle reel is a short, edited video that showcases highlights of a project, typically used to pitch ideas to potential investors, producers, or networks. It aims to capture attention, generate excitement, and convey the essence of the project in a concise and compelling manner. Sizzle reels often feature a combination of footage, music, and narration to create a dynamic and engaging presentation.
Heels
"Heels" is a 2021 American drama television series that follows the lives of two brothers who run a professional wrestling promotion in a small Georgia town. The show explores the complex relationship between the brothers, the world of professional wrestling, and the impact of their choices on their families and communities. "Heels" is known for its realistic portrayal of the wrestling industry, its compelling characters, and its exploration of themes such as family, ambition, and redemption.
Bill Hader
Bill Hader is an American actor, comedian, writer, and director known for his work on "Saturday Night Live" (2005-2013) and in films such as "Superbad" (2007), "Tropic Thunder" (2008), and "It: Chapter Two" (2019). Hader is known for his versatility, his ability to create memorable characters, and his comedic timing. He has also directed several episodes of "Barry," a critically acclaimed HBO dark comedy series that he also stars in and co-created.
Chris and Wig
Chris and Wig are a comedic duo known for their work on "Saturday Night Live" (1995-2000) and in films such as "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" (1997) and "Zoolander" (2001). They are known for their improvisational skills, their ability to create absurd and hilarious characters, and their unique comedic style. Chris and Wig have also worked together on various television shows and projects, showcasing their comedic chemistry and talent.
Netflix
Netflix is an American subscription streaming service and production company. It offers a wide variety of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and other content for a monthly fee. Netflix has become a major force in the entertainment industry, producing original content and acquiring popular shows and films. It is known for its user-friendly interface, its vast library of content, and its commitment to innovation.
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
Peter Segal joins us this week to take us behind the camera and share his experience creating iconic comedies like Tommy Boy and Naked Gun. Pete shares the joys of working with Chris Farley at the height of his career, along with the guilt that came after his loss. We also talk about his experience of walking on pins and needles while working with Leslie Nielsen, why Jack Nicholson listens to SpongeBob on set, and how he has become a dental pimp for his wife.
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