Latest from Next TV in Bobcat-goldthwaits-misfits-and-monsters

Bobcat Goldthwait Goes Behind The Camera to Produce truTV Anthology Series

thomas.umstead@futurenet.com (R. Thomas Umstead) — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 19:53:07 +0000

Comedic actor Bobcat Goldthwait is moving behind the camera to produce his first television series, truTV's Bobcat Goldthwait's Misfits & Monsters.

The anthology series, which premieres July 11, mixes several genres in telling suspenseful stories with funny, imaginative twists. Goldthwait, in a recent Multichannel News Original Videos segment, discusses the series and his experiences working with truTV, as well as his desire to once again return to the comedy stage.

Bobcat Goldthwait Adds Another Slash

thomas.umstead@futurenet.com (R. Thomas Umstead) — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 12:05:00 +0000

Veteran actor, comedian and film director Bobcat Goldthwait will step behind the camera as a television producer for the first time for truTV’s new comedy/horror anthology series, Bobcat Goldthwait’s Misfits & Monsters.

The series, which premieres on July 11, mashes up different genres to tell suspenseful stories with funny, imaginative twists and will feature such guest actors as Seth Green, Melissa Joan Hart, Michael Ian Black and Bridget Everett. Goldthwait spoke with Multichannel News about his newest project, going beyond his Bobcat standup comedy persona and the emergence of the anthology series.

MCN: What should audiences expect from Misfits & Monsters?
Bobcat Goldthwait: It’s an anthology series, so each week it offers a different format and genre, but they’re all slightly scary. There’s fantasy and monsters, but the big thing for me is that there’s some satire in it as well.

MCN: You’re known mostly for your comedy, so why did you decide to take this show in a different direction?
BG: Many folks may not be aware of it, but I made a lot of indie films, so this gives me a chance to tell a whole bunch of stories and to challenge myself. Each week it’s a different style — can I do a mockumentary and make it funny? The small movies I did were all different, so I like to challenge myself.

MCN: Why do you think the anthology series format is gaining momentum on both the traditional and digital platforms?
BG: I don’t know. I went out with this idea of an anthology show about seven years ago, and I think the industry’s approach to anthology series has changed since then. Before, the industry was trying to come up with shows that had mass appeal, but now it’s looking for a show that grows its own fan base. I hope tonally we deliver something that people are pulled in to watch each week.

MCN: Given the multitude of distribution outlets both on the traditional TV and digital platforms, is this an opportune time to be a content producer?
BG: I’m new to being a television producer, so I don’t know. As a storyteller, I think it’s a great time because people do need content and stuff that’s different. Being different used to be a bad thing, and now it’s an asset.

Seth Green stars in the "Bubba the Bear" episode of "Bobcat Goldthwait's "Misfits & Monsters."

MCN: Will you appear in any of the episodes of Misfits & Monsters?
BG: No I won’t appear, mainly because I’m directing most of the episodes, and each week it’s a different cast and a different monster, so there’s a lot of juggling going on. To then have to remember words would be difficult — I can’t even remember dialogue that I wrote!

MCN: At this point in your career, would you rather be behind the scenes as opposed to acting?
BG: Yes. I jokingly say I retired [from acting] the same time people stopped hiring me, so it worked out well. In reality, people did want to still hire me, but for a persona that they knew and they really weren’t interested in anything different, which is fine because I’m so happy to be behind the camera. I love telling stories and I don’t see this as a vehicle to promote me; I see it as a way for me to get the stories that I want to tell out there.

MCN: What other projects would you like to do?
BG: I’d like to just keep telling stories and keep trying to do all different types of genres. I just want to keep making different kinds of things — I don’t want to stop on just one kind of story … I want to do everything. I hope the thing that keeps people coming back to Misfits & Monsters is that, hopefully, there’s a tonal thing in how I see the world. Hopefully it works for some people and that’s why they watch the show.

MCN: Do you ever see yourself performing standup comedy again?
BG: I thought no, but I direct a lot of people’s comedy specials and I do feel I have another special or two in me.

Upfronts 2017: TruTV To Launch Five New Series

thomas.umstead@futurenet.com (R. Thomas Umstead) — Fri, 12 May 2017 16:00:00 +0000

TruTV will look boost its original programming lineup with the greenlighting of five news series, the network announced Friday.

Among the new shows set to debut in 2017-18 are At Home with Amy Sedaris, a variety/talk show series that will showcase the comedian’s humor and talents as a crafter, chef, baker, and hostess; Bobcat Goldthwait’s Misfits & Monsters, a scripted anthology series featuring episodes told in such genres as 1970s-era science fiction, psychological thriller, romantic comedy, and reality; and I’m Sorry, starring comedian/actress Andrea Savage as a wife and mom who comically exposes her inner immaturity and neuroses through unexpected life situations.

Also on the docket are Laff Mobb’s Laff Tracks, a new half-hour standup comedy series featuring the next generation of comedians; and The Chris Gethard Show, a live talk show series that debuts Aug. 2.

Returning series include Adam Ruins Everything (July 11), Comedy Knockout (May 18), Hack My Life (Fall), Impractical Jokers (2018), Jon Glaser Loves Gear (2018), The Carbonaro Effect (2018), Those Who Can’t (Fall 2017) and You Can Do Better (July 11)

Other truTV projects in development (with network descriptors) include:

Untitled Liza Treyger Project (wt) – Scripted Pilot

Recently seen in Louis CK's Horace & Pete as well as her own half-hour stand up special, Liza Treyger executive produces and stars in this single camera, scripted pilot set in Chicago. Utilizing Treyger's strong point of view, this character-driven project revolves around Liza and her dysfunctional friends who together form their own (somewhat) functional 'framily'. Written by Treyger and Prescott Tolk, the project is produced by Avalon Television with Treyger, Sam Saifer, Jon Thoday, Richard Allen-Turner, David Martin, and Tolk serving as executive producers. Chloe Pisello is a co-executive producer.

Untitled Austin Martinez Comedy (wt) – Scripted Pilot

Molly Austin and Shamikah Martinez – also known as Austin Martinez – star in this scripted comedy pilot in which episodes spark from relatable conflicts and milestones of being an official adult – things like being the one in charge of an actual emergency, babysitting your friend's kid, and getting your first grown ass woman couch. These relatable, everyday situations are taken to an absurd magical world that includes everything from music videos and sketches to talking cats and noir mysteries. The project is produced by MAD Pictures with Adam Donald, Martinez, and Austin serving as executive producers.

End Times Girls Club(wt) – Pilot

End Times Girls Club is your ultimate guide to apocalypse survival. Driven by her personal paranoia, Rose – played by creator and writer Rose Schlossberg – is here to educate girls on how to prepare for the end of the world and stay cute in the process! The hybrid comedy series is produced by Broadway Video with Schlossberg, Stoney Sharp, and Andrew Singer serving as executive producers.

False Advertising(wt) – Presentation Tape

Known for their terrifyingly believable commercials,The Kloonsbring competition (and their marketing genius) to a whole new level in this half-hour show. The comedy group pits two hilarious ideas against each other, creating real commercials (of totally fake products) to convince an unsuspecting focus group. Will they believe that Cheez-Its Christ is really being sold on the shelves of supermarkets, or that a Prada body bag is the hot new fashion item of the year? Absurdity ensues as The Kloons attempt see which product the focus group finds more believable, and which goes too far. The project is produced by Studio 71 with Rabih Gholam, Tally Barr, Mitch Lewis, Greg Washburn, and Nik Kazoura serving as executive producers.

Paid Off with Michael Torpey (wt) – Presentation Tape

Student loan debt is out of control and Michael Torpey has the foolish idea he can do something about it. Paid Off with Michael Torpeyis a comedic quiz show that will challenge contestants to prove they really earned their college degrees and have their student loan debt completely paid off. The series is co-created by Torpey (Orange is the New Black) and Cowboy Bear Ninja, who will also produce. Torpey, Michael Melamedoff and Adrian Selkowitz serve as executive producers.