Join writer and comedian Mike O'Brien, known for his iconic work on Saturday Night Live, as he reminisces about creating some of the most memorable SNL digital shorts. He shares the creative process behind beloved sketches like 'Sad Mouse' and 'Dragon Babies,' revealing the delicate balance of humor and sentiment. Listeners will be entertained by O'Brien's hilarious anecdotes, reflections on celebrity encounters, and the chaotic fun of filming 'Grow a Guy.' This conversation dives deep into the artistry and nostalgia of sketch comedy.
Mike O'Brien's unconventional audition experience at SNL emphasized the importance of creativity and originality in comedic performance.
The skit 'Sad Mouse' demonstrates how emotional depth can enhance comedy, showing the struggles of a mascot character resonating with audiences.
Through sketches like 'The Jay-Z Story' and 'Grow a Guy', O'Brien effectively critiques societal norms around identity and friendship using humor.
Deep dives
Mike O'Brien's Arrival at SNL
Mike O'Brien recalls the nerves he felt during his audition for SNL in 2004, where he met fellow comedian Yorma Taccone. Despite feeling overwhelmed, both comedians shared an amusing moment while discussing their auditions. O'Brien reflects on the awkwardness of auditioning in a less-than-ideal room, as opposed to the iconic stage. Ultimately, O'Brien was hired in 2009, marking the beginning of his journey at a prestigious comedy institution.
The Spoons Bit and Improv Experiences
O'Brien fondly reminisces about a unique skit he performed during his audition involving playing the spoons, inspired by his college roommate's experimental guitar playing. The esoteric nature of his audition left a lasting impression on those present, particularly Lorne Michaels, who later acknowledged the potential in O'Brien's unconventional style. O'Brien's experience illustrates his belief in the value of creativity and originality in comedy. This moment set a precedent for the unique content he would later produce on the show.
The Sad Mouse Short Film
The conversation dives into O'Brien's short film 'Sad Mouse,' featuring Bruno Mars. The narrative revolves around Mars's character dealing with personal struggles, including a breakup and self-esteem issues, while working as a sad mouse mascot in Times Square. O'Brien highlights the film's emotional resonance, noting the sincerity that permeates through the comedic structure. The creative process behind the film is explained, from conceptualization to performance, showcasing the collaborative effort with other cast members.
Rethinking the Jay-Z Story Sketch
O'Brien discusses the sketch titled 'The Jay-Z Story,' where he plays Jay-Z in a biopic that strays from the traditional portrayal of the iconic rapper. The humor stems from O'Brien's self-aware and earnest performance, notably describing himself in a bashful manner. The interaction with J.K. Simmons, who plays Nas, further adds comedic flair as it showcases their chemistry. The sketch humorously critiques the absurdity of biopics, maintaining an engaging and funny narrative throughout.
The Grow a Guy Concept
One of O'Brien's most memorable sketches is 'Grow a Guy,' inspired by childhood sea monkeys. The premise involves a lonely character who grows a perfect friend from a kit, only for the friend to ultimately reveal his flaws. Featuring strong performances by Beck and Vanessa Bayer, the absurdity escalates as multiple characters are revealed to be 'growing guys.' The sketch cleverly critiques the idea of friendship and societal expectations, blending humor with a deeper commentary on connection and identity.
Special Guest Mike O’Brien joins the podcast to breakdown some of his most memorable shorts on SNL including The Jay Z Story, 7 Minutes in Heaven, Dragon Babies, Sad Mouse, Technology Hump, and more!
Sad Mouse - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSDBWIECtbA
The Jay Z Story - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzg9Iu0uEeg
(Not all the clips we mention are available online; some never even aired.)
If you want to see more photos and clips follow us on Instagram @lonelymeyerspod. Send us an email! thelonelyislandpod@gmail.com
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Produced by Rabbit Grin Productions Executive Producers Jeph Porter and Rob Holysz Lead Producer Kevin Miller Creative Producer Samantha Skelton Coordinating Producer Derek Johnson Cover Art by Olney Atwell Music by Greg Chun and Brent Asbury Edit by Cheyenne Jones Mix and Master by Jason Richards
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