Robert Smigel, a talented writer and creator of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, joins for a hilarious conversation. They discuss the chaotic early days of Late Night and the genesis of Triumph's character. Smigel shares his experiences with the late night landscape and the creative hurdles of writing Adam Sandler's new film. The banter is rich with humor, touching on everything from friendship to the quirks of show business, providing a delightful mix of laughter and insightful reflections.
Having a supportive crew can make a significant difference in the success of a show, as seen with the dedication of propmaster Bill Tall and staff member Jason Schlemien.
Starting a late night show is challenging, with obstacles like lack of support, pressure to deliver unique content every night, and fear of failure, but Conan's team remained fearless and tried new ideas.
Triumph the Insult Comic Dog's distinct and absurd voice, given by Robert Smigel, added an extra layer of humor to the character's roasts and insults, setting Triumph apart from traditional insult comics.
Deep dives
The Importance of Supportive Crew Members
Having a supportive crew can make a significant difference in the success of a show. Bill Tall, a prop master, and Jason Schlemien, a staff member, were examples of individuals who went above and beyond to support the creative vision of the show. Their dedication and belief in the team's work helped foster a positive and creative environment.
The Struggles of Starting a Late Night Show
Starting a late night show, such as Conan O'Brien's, can be difficult and filled with challenges. The lack of support from networks and critics, the pressure to fill every night with unique and comedic content, and the constant fear of failure were all obstacles faced by the team. Despite these challenges, the team remained fearless and tried new ideas, resulting in a wealth of remarkable sketches and memorable moments.
The Important Role of Specific Crew Members
Specific crew members, such as prop master Bill Tall, played a crucial role in the success of the show. Their dedication, creativity, and willingness to go above and beyond helped bring the team's ideas and visions to life. Their contributions, both big and small, elevated the quality and impact of the show.
The Unique Qualities of Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog
Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog, brought a unique and distinct voice to the show. The realistic-looking puppet with deadpan eyes and the voice of an old Russian Jewish woman set Triumph apart from traditional insult comics. Robert Smigel's decision to give Triumph this voice added an extra layer of humor and absurdity to the character's roasts and insults.
Podcast Episode Summary
In this podcast episode, the hosts reminisce about their experiences working together and celebrate the success of a recently released animated film. They discuss the process of creating the film, including writing songs and collaborating with a composer. The hosts also reflect on their past collaborations, such as a never-produced musical with Dana Carvey and Kevin Nealon. They express their gratitude for their careers and the opportunities they've had in the entertainment industry.
Highlights of the Podcast Episode
During the episode, the hosts recall the creation of a sitcom pilot called 'Look Well', featuring Adam West, and their interactions with Bernie Brillstein in the process. They reminisce about their time working on 'Saturday Night Live' and share stories about the challenges and successes they experienced. Additionally, they express their admiration and pride for their latest animated film, highlighting its critical and commercial success on Netflix.
Triumph the Insult Comic Dog feels very proud to be Marc Maron’s friend.
Robert Smigel sits down with Conan to discuss trying every idea in the early days of Late Night, remembering propmaster Bill Tull, the origin of the Triumph puppet, and writing the new Adam Sandler animated film Leo.
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