1/16: UPDATE ON "WARREN THE APE"
Well, it's been an amazing few weeks. The first two episodes are in the can and early cuts are going to MTV for notes. We're shooting the next two, and I am extremely happy with the footage we are getting. The shows are based on scripted outlines, and many of the scenes are being improvised by the human and puppet cast members on set. We're getting great stuff for the shows, and a wealth of material that will no doubt be mined for DVD director's cuts, viral clip reels and outtakes.
While not releasing any significant spoilers, we've already captured some amazing production value, despite our being a generally low-budget (out of necessity) and low-fidelity (as is our style) show. Highlights include Warren and his friend Chauncey the Bear's trip to the AVN awards, where they rubbed elbows (and other body parts) with porn stars, and stunning shoots at various locations around Hollywood.
The show is not shot on sets but on real locations, for the kind of production value you simply cannot get in a controlled environment. Our crew is amazing. Whether you're producing your own short videos for YouTube, or a full-length show for a legitimate (term used loosely) network -- relying on the talent of others to bring your ideas to life is an absolute must.
Our production is a challenging one. Not just because of the necessity of working with puppets, which require special skills to bring to life, but because of our largely unscripted style, and the fact that there are three directors (myself, Spencer Chinoy and Sean Baker) attempting to consolidate their visions of each scene at the same time. Our crew is working on a tight budget and with serious time constraints - and yet, the morale is astoundingly high, the footage is an embarassment of riches and every challenge is being met with positive and creative solutions.
Every single department is exceeding our expectations and doing incredible work. Their willingness to roll up sleeves and get their hands dirty with us each day is bringing about some of the best work I think our creative team has ever done.
Warren appeared before an audience of critics at the TCAs in Los Angeles yesterday, and we got some good press out of it. Warren appeared on stage with Dr. Drew Pinsky, Spencer Chinoy and Sean Baker, as MTV unveiled their lineup of new series. Normally the press do not really enjoy being "performed" for, but since Warren works off the cuff and without a net, I think most of them found it refreshing and funny. I was proud to be a part of it, and the Network was overjoyed with the results.
Drew Pinksy remains a funny, talented and inspired person to work with. His knowledge of the pathology of celebrities, particularly ones wrestling with addiction, helps to legitimize our depiction of Warren, and I am so proud that he has given us his so much of his time and enthusiasm.
We've continued to work with amazing actors, including Josh Sussman of GLEE, who has been playing Warren's human assistant, Cecil. He is a great improvisor and a really sweet guy. His scenes with Warren are magical, and their relationship reminds me of the kind of dynamic that Warren normally has with Greg.
Speaking of Greg, he IS appearing on the show, and we just shot some of his first scenes, which were hilarious. We're still looking for ways to bring on some of our friends from the FOX series, including Seth Green and Euguene Levy, who are patiently waiting for us to find good roles for them.
We'll be makng sure to post some production photos and other goodies here on the site, as well as on Warren's facebook page, where he is also sending out tweets.
Thanks to all of you for continuing to check in with the site - stay tuned for more updates as they become available!!!
best
dan
While not releasing any significant spoilers, we've already captured some amazing production value, despite our being a generally low-budget (out of necessity) and low-fidelity (as is our style) show. Highlights include Warren and his friend Chauncey the Bear's trip to the AVN awards, where they rubbed elbows (and other body parts) with porn stars, and stunning shoots at various locations around Hollywood.
The show is not shot on sets but on real locations, for the kind of production value you simply cannot get in a controlled environment. Our crew is amazing. Whether you're producing your own short videos for YouTube, or a full-length show for a legitimate (term used loosely) network -- relying on the talent of others to bring your ideas to life is an absolute must.
Our production is a challenging one. Not just because of the necessity of working with puppets, which require special skills to bring to life, but because of our largely unscripted style, and the fact that there are three directors (myself, Spencer Chinoy and Sean Baker) attempting to consolidate their visions of each scene at the same time. Our crew is working on a tight budget and with serious time constraints - and yet, the morale is astoundingly high, the footage is an embarassment of riches and every challenge is being met with positive and creative solutions.
Every single department is exceeding our expectations and doing incredible work. Their willingness to roll up sleeves and get their hands dirty with us each day is bringing about some of the best work I think our creative team has ever done.
Warren appeared before an audience of critics at the TCAs in Los Angeles yesterday, and we got some good press out of it. Warren appeared on stage with Dr. Drew Pinsky, Spencer Chinoy and Sean Baker, as MTV unveiled their lineup of new series. Normally the press do not really enjoy being "performed" for, but since Warren works off the cuff and without a net, I think most of them found it refreshing and funny. I was proud to be a part of it, and the Network was overjoyed with the results.
Drew Pinksy remains a funny, talented and inspired person to work with. His knowledge of the pathology of celebrities, particularly ones wrestling with addiction, helps to legitimize our depiction of Warren, and I am so proud that he has given us his so much of his time and enthusiasm.
We've continued to work with amazing actors, including Josh Sussman of GLEE, who has been playing Warren's human assistant, Cecil. He is a great improvisor and a really sweet guy. His scenes with Warren are magical, and their relationship reminds me of the kind of dynamic that Warren normally has with Greg.
Speaking of Greg, he IS appearing on the show, and we just shot some of his first scenes, which were hilarious. We're still looking for ways to bring on some of our friends from the FOX series, including Seth Green and Euguene Levy, who are patiently waiting for us to find good roles for them.
We'll be makng sure to post some production photos and other goodies here on the site, as well as on Warren's facebook page, where he is also sending out tweets.
Thanks to all of you for continuing to check in with the site - stay tuned for more updates as they become available!!!
best
dan
Comment
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Comment by Lady Rose on February 16, 2010 at 5:16am
- Cant wait to see the new show. Warren was my favorite character on the FOX show.
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Comment by heather on February 6, 2010 at 10:29am - awesome amazing delightful delicious demontague..lol...cant wait for a reason to watch mtv for the first time since i was 12, m stands for monkey puppets fucking rock..lol
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Comment by ChrisTheReject on January 31, 2010 at 6:53pm - You should do some filming in Fargo, ND :P
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Comment by john scott ridgway on January 27, 2010 at 7:35am - Anyways, good luck with the show, and I mean it. I of course forgive you for a lot because you show up most of the time with whores and drugs, and that is no kind of friend to discourage from stopping by...
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Comment by john scott ridgway on January 27, 2010 at 7:07am
- Sorry about the Typo's... should really read over this stuff when I am this high. Anyways, Warren, Now that I hear you have your new show.. let us not forget that you called me while you were in treatment and made certain amends about paying for the stereo and my dog, which you sold to get money to buy those 'supposedly of age' homeless girls (at the cheap price of five bucks, I must also add... though the stereo was worth thousands and the dog even more -- for God's Sake, you do not sell anyone's dog, no matter how much crack you have smoked... ). Now you have a show and still... I have not seen a dime of that money. Sounds like the 79th treatment really is the lucky one.
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Comment by john scott ridgway on January 27, 2010 at 6:59am
- This dude, Dan Milano, who was fisting puppets way before it became so mundane that even Children's puppeteer's feel committed to anally raping their puppets for the amusement of toddlers (it is rumored -- though never admitted -- that even parents have been begun anally raping puppets for infants, because of Dan's influence, it is rumored, though obviously never admitted publicly). I was lucky enough to come across a Thanksgiving Day marathon on IFC of these cutting edge, funnier than you can believe is on television, movie makers. After first showing up on Public TV community Cable, they went to Fox, where it gathered some of the most massive talent in comedy, and still did not make it... after the changes demanded for regular tv. Then they went to IFC, and got back what they had at public tv, creative command... just six guys making films again, and of course... this stuff is brilliant. Among the best puppet-shit in the world. NOw... WARREN THE APE IS GETTING HIS OLD SHOW....
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Comment by Glenn Marcum on January 23, 2010 at 8:25pm - Truly wonderful news! My puppet alter, Frank, really wishes you the best (and that he were working with you!). Cannot wait--at last a real reason to tune in MTV again!
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Comment by Mary Beth Truman on January 16, 2010 at 3:22pm - I know youse guys are West Coast, but if you're headed to anything public in NY, I'll drive down...I am so excited to see the new stuff...
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Comment by Cathy on January 16, 2010 at 12:34pm - Can't wait for this. Sounds like it's gonna be pretty epic! :D
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