Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes) Mark Duplass
Dec 3, 2025
Mark Duplass, a versatile writer, actor, and filmmaker, shares insights on his journey through DIY filmmaking. He discusses the unique $125/day model he used with his brother Jay and their notable film The Puffy Chair, which launched their careers. Mark reflects on the challenge of creative burnout from bigger productions, the significance of his therapy journey, and his experiences managing both major projects and independent films. He also highlights his commitment to supporting underrepresented filmmakers and the importance of family in his life.
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Equal Pay On Micro‑Budgets
- Mark Duplass describes paying everyone on a low-budget set the same daily rate to keep things fair and give back-end shares.
- He used this socialist approach on The One I Love, including giving Elizabeth Moss a larger back-end share.
Kitchen Short That Broke Through
- The Duplass brothers made a crude eight‑minute short in a kitchen that unexpectedly got into Sundance and changed their career.
- That ugly short validated their voice and led directly to making The Puffy Chair.
Return To Low Budgets For Joy
- After studio films, Mark and Jay Duplass realized they were losing creative joy and would burn out.
- They returned to micro‑budget filmmaking to reclaim playfulness and creative control.
