Seth Rogen, a well-known actor and comedian, joins Questlove and Team Supreme on a playful episode. They discuss ice cream sampling culture in North America, reminisce about their childhood memories, and explore negotiating clubs and avoiding labels. Seth shares insights on performing on stage, dealing with bad sets, and the difficulty for women in the entertainment industry. They touch on the fallout from the Sony hack and Seth's interest in physical action movies. The episode concludes with sponsor ads and excitement for the new year.
Seth Rogen started doing stand-up comedy at a young age and shared his experience of performing after Jerry Seinfeld at the Improv in LA.
Seth Rogen auditioned for 'Freaks and Geeks' without realizing the show's critical acclaim, highlighting the improvisational nature of the dialogue that allowed for natural comedic moments.
During a period of low work, Seth Rogen had the opportunity to contribute to scriptwriting on projects and work with Sacha Baron Cohen on 'The Ali G Show,' recognizing the privilege of collaborating with established actors and writers.
Seth Rogen discussed the improvisational approach in movies like 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin' and the excitement of tapping into a more relatable form of comedy that allowed for improvisation and swearing on camera.
Deep dives
The Early Days and Stand-Up Comedy
Seth Rogen started doing stand-up comedy at a young age, around 13 or 14. His mom helped him get into clubs at that age and he would perform regularly. He mentioned an interesting experience performing at the Improv in LA when Jerry Seinfeld dropped in right before him and did extremely well, leaving Seth with a tough act to follow. He also talked about the importance of managing the audience's discomfort and learning how to handle bombing on stage.
Acting in 'Freaks and Geeks'
Seth Rogen auditioned for the show 'Freaks and Geeks' in Vancouver and got the role. He moved to LA to shoot the show and initially didn't realize the caliber of the creators and writers he was working with. Eventually, he became aware of the critical acclaim that the show received, but unfortunately, it didn't garner high viewership. Seth mentioned the excitement of working on the show at a young age and the improvisational nature of some of the dialogue, which allowed for more conversational and natural comedic moments.
Assisting in Scriptwriting and Working on 'The Ali G Show'
During a period when Seth Rogen wasn't getting regular work, he ended up helping with scriptwriting on projects like 'Bad Boys II' and 'Big Momma's House' while working with Sacha Baron Cohen on 'The Ali G Show.' He talked about the improvisational energy behind the show and the trust that Sacha had in allowing them to add jokes and come up with interview questions on the spot. He acknowledges that it was a privileged position to be in, working with established actors and writers from a young age, and recognizes that he was fortunate to have those opportunities.
The Improvisational Approach in 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin'
Seth Rogen discusses the improvisational approach used in movies like 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin.' He mentions that the script initially had difficulty finding a producer until Judd Apatow came on board. The team aimed for a more conversational and realistic style of comedy, allowing for improvisation and swearing on camera. This approach was new for them, and they were thrilled when it was well-received, as it tapped into a more relatable form of comedy that people could connect with.
Importance of controlling the creative process
The podcast discusses how having control over a creative project, such as a movie, can alleviate stress and create a better final product. The speaker shares their experience with the movie 'Green Hornet' and how they overestimated their control due to previous successful projects. They highlight the importance of understanding the scope of a project, working with the right director, and being aware of the challenges and compromises that come with larger budgets and working with big studios.
The significance of representation in filmmaking
The podcast explores the topic of representation in Hollywood and how it has evolved over the years. The speaker emphasizes the need for diversity and inclusion in the creative process, especially when it comes to women and people of color. They discuss the efforts they have made in their own projects, such as producing the show 'Black Monday,' to showcase different perspectives and create more opportunities for underrepresented groups. They acknowledge that there is still progress to be made, but they are committed to being part of the change.
The impact of the Sony hack and controversial projects
The podcast delves into the aftermath of the Sony hack and the controversy surrounding the movie 'The Interview.' The speaker reflects on the experience, stating that it was worth it in terms of the publicity gained, despite the movie receiving negative reviews. They also discuss how certain projects, like 'Hobbs and Shaw,' were offered to them but didn't fit their creative vision and desire for control. They express the desire to make movies that capture cultural attention and create memorable experiences for audiences in theaters.
