2 Degrees of Alie is a podcast about peoples' stories of breaking into Hollywood.

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Happy Holidays! Thanks to everyone who's been listening! I am happy to announce that in honor of the holidays we are having a contest where you can win a copy of Final Draft screenwriting software. I will be posting trivia questions about our first 20 podcasts on our Tumblr site in a few days. All you have to do is answer the trivia questions correctly to be entered to win. Please stay tuned for details. 

Direct download: 2_Degrees_Ep_21_Xmas_Giveaway.mp3
Category:TV & Film -- posted at: 8:43am PDT
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Voiceover Artist/Actress/Director/Singer Candi Milo Shares Stories Of Breaking Into Hollywood

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with voiceover artist/actress/director/singer Candi Milo. Her vocal skills have been heard on over 20 animated shows. Candi's credits include: "Dexter’s Laboratory," "Fanboy and Chum Chum," "Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends," "Curious George," "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, Cool World," "Cow And Chicken," "Gimme A Break," "Perfect Strangers," "Johnny Bravo," "Days Of Our Lives," "Empty Nest," "My Life As A Teenage Robot," "Tiny Toon Adventures," just to name a few. We talk about everything from crashing all three of her unions to working on a soap opera to what Steven Spielberg and Oprah have in common. 

CANDI MILO'S BIO

Two-time Annie Award nominee Candi Milo is one of the hottest female voice talents in Hollywood and the voice to be heard with over twenty animated shows on air.

 Currently appearing as five characters on Nickelodeon’s Fanboy and Chum Chum, she also starred as Cheese, Coco and Madame Foster in Cartoon Network’s hit: Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends. Milo created Maya and Tito in Scholastic’s Maya & Miguel and voiced lead roles in Loonatics Unleashed for Kids’ WB, W.I.T.C.H. and Maggie, The Replacements and Emperor’s New Skool for Disney Channel, Juniper Lee, Pet Alien and Curious George for Cartoon Network.

Add to that her ratings-winning Dexter on Cartoon Network’s infamous Dexter’s Laboratory, Astro Boy (Japan’s Mickey Mouse), the Flea on Mucha Lucha, Nick on Academy Award Nominated Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, as well as Snap and Bullnerd in Nickelodeon’s Chalk Zone, and Mrs. Wakeman on My Life As A Teenage Robot. Candi has contributed her talents to over eighty other animated shows, features and games.  Her work on the Final Fantasy franchise is a big draw for her fans. 

Steven Spielberg was the first to hire Candi on Tiny Toon Adventures and she joined Warner Bros’ expert stable of actors. She went on to voice twelve characters in Ralph Bakshi’s Cool World with Brad Pitt and Gabriel Byrne also throwing them lines on set, creating the reactions used. She has worked with countless celebrities and directed Selena Gomez in a Disney animated pilot. 

Candi began her career as a singer working for Disney theme parks in shows created especially for her and then settled in Los Angeles as a stand-up and singer for Princess cruise lines; one of their youngest-ever solo performers. Stints as a comic led her to open for Joan Rivers and Howie Mandel and spots on TV including Evening at the Improv, and a sketch-comedy show created by NBC. She has acted in over 200 on-camera commercials.

Candi starred in Reaching for the Stars, television’s first reality MOW and went on to play recurring characters on such hit shows as Gimme a Break, Perfect Strangers, Days of Our Lives and Empty Nest. Many more TV shows followed, as did films including Last At Bat, a short made for Funny or Die. Features include Bad Medicine, Almost An Angel, Dead Women In Lingerie and I Don’t Buy Kisses Anymore. In theater, she performed in Los Angeles with Chris Kardashian in a benefit of Cabaret and starred The Drowsy Chaperone, as the Chaperone, to high acclaim. Her theater resume is also extensive. She was discovered at age 20 by the late Michael Bennett at an open audition for the first national tour of Dreamgirls, directed by Bennett, choreographed by Michael Peters (Thriller, Beat It) and starring Jennifer Holiday.

Candi lectures extensively on harnessing personal power and VO acting across the United States and Europe and is also an accomplished VO director. She judges for The Annie Awards and The Emmys. She has written a memoir entitled Surviving The Odd, her true story of growing up in one of the first half way houses and written and performed for sell out crowds a stand-up/pop show called; Hip Is A Relative Term.  Her other shows, Life’s Too Short…And So Am I (produced by Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin) Playing Well With Others and I Am Absolutely Exhausted, were also sold out evenings mounted in Los Angeles. Milo currently lives in Los Angeles and is active on BlogSpot, Twitter, FaceBook and her website candimilo.com.

Direct download: 2_Degrees_Ep_20_Candi_Milo_1.mp3
Category:TV & Film -- posted at: 10:00pm PDT
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Writer/Comedians Cheryl Holliday and Laurie Kilmartin Share Stories Of Breaking Into Hollywood

In this episode, I laugh my ass off and learn a lot chatting with writer/comedians Cheryl Holliday and Laurie Kilmartin. They are two of the funniest ladies you will meet. Cheryl and Laurie first met working as road comics together and both have now made the transition to successful TV writer. Cheryl is an Emmy winning writer whose TV credits include: "King Of The Hill," "Herman's Head," "Martin," "Mike And Molly," "Kung Fu Panda," and "Norm," just to name a few. Laurie is an Emmy nominated writer whose TV credits include: "Conan," "The Bonnie Hunt Show," "The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson" and "Tough Crowd With Colin Quinn." She was also a finalist on "Last Comic Standing" and her book Sh*tty Mom was on the NYT bestsellers list. We talk about everything from a Tribble Run to doing voices for "King Of The Hill" to performing standup in a mining town. 

CHERYL HOLLIDAY'S BIO

Cheryl Holliday is a writer who has lived a life of constant regret, ladled over self-loathing, and sauteed in tears of bitterness. Like the appendix, she serves no real purpose. Bios are bullshit. I like ginger snaps. Is anyone still reading this?

LAURIE KILMARTIN'S BIO

Laurie Kilmartin is an Emmy-nominated writer for CONAN on TBS. As a standup, she was a Top Ten finalist on Last Comic Standing, and has appeared on "Conan," "Jimmy Kimmel," Showtime and Comedy Central.

She is the co-author of “Sh*tty Mom” a New York Times and LA Times bestseller.

Direct download: 2_Degrees_ep_19_Conan_Writer_Laurie_and_King_of_the_Hill_Cheryl.mp3
Category:TV & Film -- posted at: 11:39pm PDT
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"Happy Endings" Showrunner Jonathan Groff Shares Stories Of Breaking Into Hollywood

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with showrunner/writer/producer Jonathan Groff, a very smart and funny guy whose credits include: "Happy Endings," "How I Met Your Mother," "Late Night With Conan O'Brien," "Andy Barker P.I.," and "Scrubs," to name a few. Jonathan was recently included in Hollywood Reporter's 2012 list of the top 50 showrunners. He also happens to be a five-time "Jeopardy!" winner. We talk about everything from working with Carl Reiner to what it's like developing for television to Siegfried and Roy's personal party string quartet.

JONATHAN GROFF'S BIO

Jonathan Groff was the head writer for Late Night with Conan O'Brien. He also created the shows Andy Barker, P.I. and The Jake Effect and was a consulting producer for How I Met Your Mother. He is currently working as an executive producer on the ABC comedy Happy Endings. 

Direct download: 2_Degrees_Ep_17_Groff_2.mp3
Category:TV & Film -- posted at: 1:00am PDT
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Actor J Kristopher Shares Stories Of Breaking Into Hollywood

In this episode, I have lot of fun chatting with actor J Kristopher. J has appeared on TV ("Numbers," "Outlaw," "Conan," "Days Of Our Lives") and in feature films ("Seven Pounds," "Janky Promoters," "10-20"), just to name a few. J has worked with stars such as Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and Mindless Behavior. We talk about everything from what it was like working with Jimmy Smits to J's fundraising campaign for his SAG card to what inspired his dancing when he played the character of Porn Andy on "Conan."

Fun fact: he and I recently appeared together as cops in the skit "Cop Hospital" on "Conan."

J KRISTOPHER'S BIO

“IT” is a term used in show business to describe true talent and/or pizzazz. Simply stated – J Kristopher has “IT”. From award winning feature films to co-starring roles on primetime television, even recurring late night appearances with Conan O’ Brien on NBC and TBS, J Kristopher is on a buzz worthy path to ultimate success. 

It all began in Houston, TX at the age of 6 when J wrote a note to his elementary teacher officially declaring that he would be an actor when he grew up. Soon afterwards, he had the pleasure of meeting Denzel Washington following a moving performance in the Broadway show, Checkmates. This experience inspired him to make his dreams become reality by acting in theatre. That dedication, some strict parenting, and a hard knocks upbringing resulted in an unbreakable work ethic that was soon complimented by his natural presence and amiable personality. J intuitively had a talent for portraying versatile characters and he developed a reputation for learning pages of lines despite last minute script changes. After achieving success with lead roles in numerous theatre productions and TV commercials in Texas, he left for Hollywood to fulfill his destiny.

Since his arrival, J has graced the screen on the TV shows "Outlaw" and "Numbers," as well as the feature films "Seven Pounds" and "Janky Promoters." He has also had the pleasure of working with such stars as Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Mindless Behavior and Seth Green. He has also appeared in national spots for "Dancing with the Stars," Trivial Pursuit, GMC, Georgia Power, Nickelodeon, Mastercard, as well as a FOX promo with Carl Weathers. Not content with success in TV and film, he has been featured in a Target display ad that was posted in all stores nationwide. 

J Kristopher is indeed headed on a successful path that has no end in sight. With his hand in hit TV shows, big budget features, award-winning independent films, music videos and nationwide ad campaigns, he is poised to make an unforgettable mark on the entertainment industry and on the next 6 year old actor-to-be.

Direct download: 2_Degrees_Ep_18_Jay_K.mp3
Category:TV & Film -- posted at: 1:00am PDT
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Director/Producer Jason Ensler Shares Stories Of Breaking Into Hollywood

In this episode, I am lucky enough to get to chat with the very talented director/producer Jason Ensler. As a kid, Jason thought about becoming a rabbi or a dentist, but luckily for those of us who are big fans of his work, he found his way into entertainment. Jason has an impressive roster of credits:"The West Wing," "Franklin and Bash," Hart of Dixie," "Gossip Girl," "Chuck," "Andy Barker PI," "Scrubs," "My Name Is Earl," "Martha Inc.: The Story of Martha Stewart," just to name a few. We talk about everything from his extensive knowledge of "Three's Company" to working with Donald Sutherland to how "The Conformist" inspired his work on "Gossip Girl."

JASON ENSLER'S BIO


Jason Ensler (born July 21, 1970) is an American film {and} television director and producer.


He directed and executive produced the pilots for "Cult," "Hart of Dixie," "Franklin & Bash," and served as Executive Producer and Director for the first two seasons of "Franklin & Bash."  He also directed the CBS pilot, "The Eastmans," with Donald Sutherland and Jacqueline Bisset.  And the pilots for "Southbeach," "Man of Your Dreams," and "Kath & Kim."


He directed and produced the pilot and all six episodes of the critically acclaimed and short-lived series "Andy Barker, P.I." starring Andy Richter and Tony Hale, and created by Conan O'Brien and Jonathan Groff. 


He has directed episodes of "The West Wing," "Chuck," "Gossip Girl," "Psych," "Ed," "Scrubs" and "My Name Is Earl."

He also directed the NBC television films "Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of Three's Company" and "Martha, Inc.: The Story of Martha Stewart" starring Cybill Shepherd as Martha Stewart.

In 2007, Ensler produced and directed the short documentary, Farewell My Subaru, a study of author Doug Fine's adventures becoming Carbon Neutral in rural New Mexico. 

Ensler studied Politics and Theater at Brandeis University and Film/Television at USC Film School.

Direct download: 2_Degrees_Ep_13_Ensler.mp3
Category:TV & Film -- posted at: 10:00am PDT
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"White Collar" Writer/Producer Joe Henderson Shares Stories Of Breaking Into Hollywood

In this episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with TV writer/producer Joe Henderson whose credits include "White Collar" and "Graceland." Joe shares a lot of great stories about starting out in Hollywood and the many paths he took before landing his first writing gig. We talk about everything from being a dirty dancing, light saber wielding extra on "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" to going through the WB Writers Workshop to what you can learn about story from "Duck Tales."  

JOE HENDERSON'S BIO

Joe Henderson is a writer/producer on "White Collar" and is also writing for "Graceland," a new show on USA. He's from Chicago and went to the University of Iowa. His first writing gig was an episode of "Kick Buttowski" that never aired, and if that ain't the beginning of an esteemed career, nothing is.

Direct download: 2_Degrees_Ep_16_Joe_H_2.mp3
Category:TV & Film -- posted at: 1:00am PDT
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Comedian And UCB Founding Member Matt Besser Shares Stories Of Breaking Into Hollywood

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with comedian Matt Besser. Matt is one of the founding members of Upright Citizens Brigade and a hilarious guy to talk to. His credits include: “Children’s Hospital,” “Happy Endings,” “This Show Will Get You High,” “Undead Or Alive,” “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story,” “Raising Hope,” “Modern Family,” and “Parks and Recreation,” just to name a few. Matt is forever a member of “Asssscat” the longest running and greatest improv show in the history of the world.
 And he also has a fully improvised weekly podcast called “Improv 4 Humans.”  We talk about everything from Little Donny’s appearance on the “Today Show” to the beginnings of UCB to wearing zombie makeup in the hot desert to what petting zoo has a “Hot Chicks Room” sign.

MATT BESSER’S BIO

Raised a proud Razorback in Little Rock, Arkansas, Matt Besser attended Amherst College where he learned how to collect CDs. After graduating, Matt toured the Midwest doing stand-up, while taking improvisation direction from Del Close at Chicago’s Improv Olympic Theater.


In Chicago in 1991, he became a founding member of the sketch group Upright Citizens Brigade, and with them he has performed and written stage productions including “Virtual Reality”, “Conference on the Future of Happiness”, “Thunderball”, “Bucket of Truth”, “Big Dirty Hands”, “Punch Your Friend in the Face”, “The Real Real World”, and “Saigon Suicide Squad” (winner of Best Sketch at 1996 U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen). He has directed stage productions including “Feature Feature”, “Immortal Combat”, “Sidecarrin’” (1998 U.S.C.A.F), and Todd Barry in “Icky” (2001 U.S.C.A.F). Besser’s one-man shows include: “How Much I Lied”, “May I Help You Dumbass?”, “Don’t Be A Dick”, and “RUhi?”. As a stand-up, he participated in the first USCAF. His most recent one-man show is called “Woo Pig Sooie!” and concerns his battles with God. As an improviser he was a member of Chicago’s “The Family” and is forever a member of “Asssscat” the longest running and greatest improv show in the history of the world.


In 1996 the UCB moved to NYC and produced their sketch show “Upright Citizens Brigade” for three seasons (’98 – 2000) on Comedy Central. In fall of 2005 the UCB premiered their improv show “Asssscat: Improv” on Bravo.
With the success of the tv show, the UCB opened their own comedy theater and improv school which operates two theaters in NYC, and one in LA.
After the UCB tv show , Matt teamed up with Method Man & Redman to create and perform in a hidden camera show on MTV called “Stung”. He was a co-creator and star of “Crossballs” which ran 23 episodes on Comedy Central; “This Show Will Get You High” on Comedy Central; and also created and starred in “The Very Funny Show” for TBS.com.


Besser has guest starred on, “The New Girl”, “Raising Hope”, “Modern Family”, “Parks & Rec”, “Children’s Hospital”; “Happy Endings”, “The Life & Times of Tim”, “How I Met Your Mother”, “Warren the Ape”, “Players”, “Sarah Silverman Show”, “Reno 911″, “Mighty B”, “Word Girl”, “Pilot Season”, “Bernie Mac Show”, “Frasier”, “Late Friday”; and featured in the movies: “Freak Dance”, “Bad Teacher”, “Year One”, “Walk Hard: the Dewey Cox Story”, “Drill Bit Taylor”; “The TV Set”, Sundance Film Festival favorite “Junebug”; and zombie western “Wanted: Undead or Alive”.

Direct download: 2_Degrees_ep_9_Besser.mp3
Category:TV & Film -- posted at: 1:00am PDT
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Writer/Producer Kristin Newman Shares Stories Of Breaking Into Hollywood

In this episode, writer/producer Kristin Newman makes me giggle even more than usual and shares some great advice on writing for television. Kristin's credits include: "That's 70's Show," "How I Met Your Mother," "Single With Parents," "Chuck" and most recently, "The Neighbors." She also has a book coming out in the near future that I can NOT wait to read: "What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding:  A Memoir of Sex on Vacation." We talk about everything from what a McGuffin is to hanging out with Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore and a chimpanzee to writing a pilot about one's family.

KRISTIN NEWMAN'S BIO

Kristin Newman has been writing for American television for thirteen years, on shows such as "That '70s Show," "How I Met Your Mother," and "Chuck."  She also wrote and produced a half-hour pilot for ABC starring Alyssa MIlano and Beau Bridges called "Single with Parents" and has also written and sold pilots to CBS, NBC and the CW networks.  She is currently a writer/producer on ABC's "The Neighbors," and just sold her first book to Three Rivers Press, a memoir called "What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding:  A Memoir of Sex on Vacation."

Direct download: 2_Degrees_Ep_14_Newman_1.mp3
Category:TV & Film -- posted at: 9:45pm PDT
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Comedian Jimmy Pardo Shares Stories Of Breaking Into Hollywood

In this episode, I have the immense pleasure of chatting with the very hilarious Jimmy Pardo. A comedian often described as a "comic's comic" and the host of the immensely popular podcast "Never Not Funny," Jimmy is a guy who never fails to make me laugh. His podcast is the #2 podcast on iTunes hosted by a comic, after Ricky Gervais'. His television credits include: “Conan,” “That 70’s Show,” “Last Comic Standing” “Becker,” “The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson,” “Monk,” “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” and his own half-hour special, "Comedy Central Presents Jimmy Pardo." You may have also seen him interviewing celebrities on Team Coco's web series, "The Pardo Patrol." We talk about everything from managing a record store in the 80's to writing bad jokes about tornados to his new web series "Write Now! with Jimmy Pardo," a joint production of Nerdist and Never Not Funny. It will come out on October 29 on the Nerdist YouTube channel.

JIMMY PARDO'S BIO

Jimmy Pardo is as funny talking to a stranger in an elevator as he is talking to a crowd from the comic stage. That's because everything he observes or thinks, he immediately scans to find the funny. And he always finds the funny. After Jimmy was told for like the thousandth time that he was even funnier offstage than he was onstage, he dropped most of the jokes from his act. Now he spends nearly his entire set interacting with, and making fun of, his audience. And they love it.

Jimmy stands at the very center of the comedy world. That's not only because he's the ultimate "comic's comic," (as he's often called), but also because he represents where comedy is going, and everybody wants to come along.

Jimmy's raucous-but-smart weekly podcast, "Never Not Funny," has revolutionized the way comedians use the internet to connect with their audiences. It's the No. 2 paid podcast hosted by a comedian, after Ricky Gervais's. His guest list reads like a Who's Who of comedy: Conan O'Brien, Adam Carolla, Kevin Pollack, and Sarah Silverman have all been guests. Actors Jon Hamm, Ty Burrell and Craig Bierko have appeared on several of the funniest episodes.

"Never Not Funny" was voted by both iTunes and USA Today as one of the top podcasts of 2006 and 2007. It was an Editor's Pick in the September 2009 issue of Esquire magazine. In 2010, GQ magazine called the show "The Number 1 Relatively Obscure Thing You Need to Be Paying Attention To." The show, which started in Jimmy's dining room in 2006, now regularly hits the road with live tapings at festivals like SF Sketchfest, MaxFunCon, the Vancouver Comedy Festival and Bumbershoot. Twice, Jimmy and Co. have presented the "Pardcast-A-Thon," taping for up to 12 hours to raise money for The Smile Train.

Besides the podcast, Jimmy continues to headline at some of America's top comedy clubs and currently works as Conan O'Brien's opening act on "Conan," getting the studio audience into a laughing mood before the show tapes (he did the same for Conan on "The Tonight Show").

A true multimedia talent, Jimmy has frequently appeared on television and in movies. He has performed on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson." He had his own half-hour special, "Comedy Central Presents Jimmy Pardo." He hosted "National Lampoon's Funny Money" on the Game Show Network, and was the co-host of AMC's "Movies at Our House" for four seasons. He has hosted episodes of VH1's "The Surreal Life" and "Love Lounge" and NBC's "Late Friday." He's appeared on popular shows such as "Monk," "That 70s Show," and "Becker." And he has acted in independent films such as "Relative Strangers" and "The Godfather of Green Bay."

Jimmy was the co-writer and star of the critically-acclaimed one-man show subtly titled "Attention Must Be Paid: The Jimmy Pardo Story" and a live pilot presentation, "Jimmy Pardo's Dance Party." He hosts monthly shows at the famed Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles. He has recorded two comedy albums, "Uno" and "Pompous Clown."

Direct download: 2_Degrees_Ep_15_Pardo_2.mp3
Category:TV & Film -- posted at: 9:37pm PDT
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Assistant Director Scottie Gissel Shares Stories of Breaking Into Hollywood

You can find my podcast with assistant director Scottie Gissel here.

In this episode, I am lucky enough to sit down with assistant director Scottie Gissel.  Scottie started off in the DGA Assistant Director Training Program and from there moved through the ranks to become a 1st AD. She has worked in both television and film and her credits include such productions as "Glee," "Six Feet Under," "Get Shorty," "True Blood," "Jericho," "The Practice" and "Undead Or Alive," just to name a few. Scottie's impressive credits only show what an impressive force she is to have on set. She's the kind of AD you want behind the scenes, and she shares with us what it's like to do the work she does. We talk about everything from the DGA trainee program to working with Bette Midler to the audition process to play a corpse on "Six Feet Under."  

For anyone who isn't sure what an assistant director is, here's a quote from Scottie that was first posted in her "Message From The Chair" on TrainingPlan.org.

"Assistant Directors work the line where business meets art in the collaborative, yet hierarchal, sphere of motion picture and television production. In teamwork with the Director and Producer, the Assistant Director must facilitate production with all departments and prioritize with the ultimate result in mind: to finish the job – having done the work in the time allotted - without incident - beautifully! Not for the faint of heart, but every AD has tales of adventure born of those they have worked on."

SCOTTIE GISSEL'S BIO

I'm a 1st Assistant Director and have worked on such shows as "Glee," "True Blood," "Jericho," "Six Feet Under" and "The Practice."
 
I studied film at the University of Texas at Austin and worked as a Production Assistant in Texas until I moved to Los Angeles and began work as an Assistant Director Trainee. 
I joined the DGA after training for 400 days on such productions as "Beverly Hills 90210" and "Get Shorty."
In 2003 I was appointed by Martha Coolidge, then President of the DGA, to Trustee of this same training program that gave me my start and continue to serve in that position.
DGA TRAINEE PROGRAM 
For anyone interested in the Assistant Director Trainee Program, the deadline to apply is November 5 and the website is trainingplan.org.
Direct download: 2_Degrees_ep_12_Scottie.mp3
Category:TV & Film -- posted at: 10:36pm PDT
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Screenwriter Doug Richardson Shares Stories Of Breaking Into Hollywood

In this episode, I have the immense honor of chatting with screenwriter Doug Richardson. Doug's screenwriting credits include "Die Hard 2," "Hostage," "Welcome To Mooseport" and "Bad Boys." Doug was the first screenwriter in Hollywood to sell a spec script for a million dollars and to date, Doug's produced features have made over 800 million dollars worldwide. Not many screenwriters can say that. But besides huge box office success, Doug also has found success writing novels (Dark HorseTrue BelieversThe Safety Expert). And if that wasn't enough, he also has an amazing blog with some great stories about screenwriting and working in the trenches of Hollywood. In the podcast, we cover some interesting topics, from how he got an agent to writing for Bruce Willis to making the leap from screenwriting to novels. 

DOUG RICHARDSON'S BIO

Doug Richardson was born in Arcadia, California. The son of a career politician, Doug grew up outside Sacramento and inside the state Capitol. He used to talk his way into then- Governor Ronald Reagan’s office, just to get a handful of jellybeans.

Doug left Northern California for Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California’s School of Cinema. For as long as he could remember, Doug had wanted to be a movie director. But in pursuing his goal he discovered how movies are really made: in the writing.

After finishing college, Doug signed a two-year contract with Warner Brothers. In 1989 he garnered national attention when his spec screenplay was the first in Hollywood to sell for a million dollars. Doug’s first feature film, the sequel to DIE HARD, DIE HARDER, was produced in 1990. He has since written and produced feature films including the box office smash BAD BOYS and, most recently, HOSTAGE. To date, Doug’s features have grossed over 800 million dollars worldwide.

In 1997, Doug’s debut novel, DARK HORSE, was published by Avon/Morrow in hardcover, followed two years later by his follow up, TRUE BELIEVERS. Doug continues to write and develop for feature films and television.
He lives in Southern California with his wife, two children and four mutts.

 

Direct download: 2_Degrees_ep_11_Doug_R.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT
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Comedian Adam Yenser Shares Stories Of Breaking Into Hollywood

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with comedian and Emmy Winning writer Adam Yenser. Adam is a writer on "The Ellen Degeneres Show" and you can also see him performing standup all over the country. You may have seen him on TV either on "Last Comic Standing" or in sketches on "Conan" or on "Ellen." Adam shares his stories of starting out in standup and talks about everything from the audition process for "Last Comic Standing" to appearing on TV as Anthony Weiner's bulge to writing for Ellen Degeneres. 

ADAM YENSER'S BIO

Adam Yenser began performing stand-up comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City where he also studied sketch writing. He has performed at numerous venues around the country including Gotham Comedy Club, The Hollywood Improv, and The Laugh Factory. He has worked for "Late Night with Conan O’Brien," "The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien," and "Conan." He has also been a freelance contributor to Weekend Update and currently writes for "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." 

Direct download: 2_Degrees_ep_10_Yenser.mp3
Category:TV & Film -- posted at: 12:30am PDT
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"Modern Family" Editor Ryan Case Shares Stories Of Breaking Into Hollywood

In this episode, I talk to one of my favorite ladies, Ryan Case. Ryan is an incredibly talented and funny editor (and an Emmy winner) who helps shape one of the most successful shows on television, "Modern Family," every week. Some of her other editing credits include "The B--- In Apartment 23," "1600 Penn," "Kath and Kim," "Acting With James Franco" and my short film "My Mom's Just Not That Into Me." We talk about everything from being an extra on "Dawson's Creek" to what happens behind the scenes on "Real World" to where she was when she first read the script for "Modern Family."

RYAN CASE'S BIO

RYAN CASE is a television editor who is currently on her 4th season of
the hit ABC comedy MODERN FAMILY. Ryan earned an Emmy for her work
cutting the pilot of that series, as well as 2 other nominations.
Ryan's other editing credits include the pilots of ABC comedy DON'T
TRUST THE B---- IN APARTMENT 23 and upcoming NBC White House comedy
1600 PENN. She also cut shorts for KIDS IN THE HALL on their last tour and worked on the Judd Apatow produced ACTING WITH JAMES FRANCO. Also, you may have her work during the 2012 Emmys telecast (Lily is a monster). You can find Ryan on Twitter at @film114

Direct download: TWO_DEGREES_OF_ALIE_Ep_2.mp3
Category:TV & Film -- posted at: 1:30am PDT
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Writer/Producer Michael Jamin Shares Stories Of Breaking Into Hollywood

In this episode, I chat with TV writer/producer Michael Jamin, a very funny man whose credits include: "Just Shoot Me," "King Of The Hill," "Brickleberry," "Wilfred," and "Maron." Michael shares a lot of great stories from "the trenches" of some of TV's best writers' rooms. We also talk about everything from how King Lear relates to "Just Shoot Me" to working for the Dionne Warwick Psychic Friends Network to how cats make terrible co-stars to directing Mel Brooks. 


MICHAEL JAMIN'S BIO

Michael Jamin's first writing assignment was a freelance episode of "Lois & Clark:  The New Adventures of Superman."   The series was responsible for launching the career of Teri Hatcher, as well as ending the career of Dean Cain.  After stints on "Just Shoot Me" and "King of the Hill," he and his partner, Sivert Glarum, sold two sold numerous pilots to HBO and CBS, as well as a pair of movies to 20th Century Fox.  Recently, they served as showrunners on  "Glenn Martin, DDS," a stop-motion animation series starring Kevin Nealon, Catherine O'Hara and Judy Greer.  For two seasons, they resisted the studio's wishes to make the family dog talk, citing artistic integrity.  After the show's cancellation, they quickly sought work on a show about a talking dog:  "Wilfred" on FX. They then returned to their animated roots, writing the series "Brickleberry" for Comedy Central.  They are currently Executive Producing "Maron" a single-camera comedy coming soon to IFC.    

Direct download: 2_Degrees_ep_7_Jamin.mp3
Category:TV & Film -- posted at: 1:30am PDT
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Director/Writer/Producer Robert Cohen Shares Stories of Breaking Into Hollywood

In this episode, hilarity ensues when I chat with director/writer/producer Robert Cohen. Rob is one of the funniest guys you will ever meet, and has some amazing credits to his name ("The Simpsons," "The Ben Stiller Show," "Tropic Thunder," "The Big Bang Theory," to name a few). Rob has worked with some of the biggest names in comedy (Mike Myers, Ben Stiller, Will Ferrell, etc.), but more importantly, one of the biggest names in comedy is modeled after him... the character, Milhouse, on "The Simpsons." Rob talks about how he inspired Milhouse and the early days of "The Simpsons." We also cover other topics like having one's own carbonite statue to writing crank calls for Moe's bar to making the transition from writer to director.


A BRIEF BIO

FOR

 

ROBERT COHEN

 

The pride of the Canadian Rockies, Rob is an established television and feature writer/producer, and director, who has been successfully working in every format over the last 21 years, including sitcoms, sketch, variety, improvisation, animation and major motion pictures. 

 

Some of his TV writing and producing credits include “THE SIMPSONS”, “SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE”, “JUST SHOOT ME”“THE BIG BANG THEORY” and “THE BEN STILLER SHOW”.  Rob has also Created and Executive Produced his own shows for The WB, MTV, Comedy Central and NBC.  He is an Emmy Award winner, multiple Cable Ace Award nominee, and sadly, is the model for the character of "Milhouse" on "The Simpsons".

 

On the feature side, his work has appeared in a long list of films, including “AUSTIN POWERS 2 & 3”, “STARSKY AND HUTCH”“DODGEBALL”“SHREK 1, 2 and 3”"MADAGASCAR 1 & 2", “TROPIC THUNDER”, "RIO", "THE SMURFS", "THE CAMPAIGN", and many more.

 

As a director, Rob has filmed shorts for MTV and HBO, music videos for artists such as Aimee Mann, multiple promos and campaigns for Ben Stiller, Tom Cruise, Mike Myers, Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Robert Downey, Jr., Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox.  He has also directed a variety of single-camera TV shows, pilots for MTV and Comedy Central, and various commercials selling cheap cars and fat-free potato chips. 

 

He wrote and directed the comedic feature documentary "Being Canadian".

 

His turn-ons are honesty and short bios.

Direct download: Two_Degrees_ep5_Rob_Cohen.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT
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Writer/Producer/Performer/Comedian Jessie Gaskell Shares Stories of Breaking Into Hollywood

In this episode, I have the immense pleasure of chatting with writer/producer/performer/comedian Jessie Gaskell. Some of you may recognize her as Steph Schwartzman from the hit Hulu web series "Dorm Life." Jessie is a super talented, funny lady with many awesome credits to her name ("Dorm Life," "The Soup," "The Dish," "Pop Up Video"). She's also one of the few people working in comedy who has also worked at a ThinkTank in DC. We talk about many topics from working at "E! True Hollywood Story" to finding a strong zebra for a sketch to creating a hit web series. 


JESSIE GASKELL'S BIO

Jessie is a comedy writer and performer living in L.A. She's written for E!'s "THE SOUP," Style's "THE DISH," and various shows for VH1 and Disney. She also worked as a joke writer for RuPaul. Jessie created and wrote "DORM LIFE," the most-watched original web series on Hulu.com. You can hear her weekly on the the "What's Goin' On" podcast. She loves puppies of all kinds, because she's not a f-ing racist.

You can find more info on Jessie on her website and you can find her hilarious tweets on Twitter.


OTHER FUN LINKS:

DORM LIFE on Hulu:

http://www.hulu.com/dorm-life

THE DISH "I'm on a zebra"


Direct download: 2_Degrees_ep_8_Jessie_Gaskell_revis.mp3
Category:TV & Film -- posted at: 1:00am PDT
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Writer/Actors Brian McCann and Brian Stack Share Stories of Breaking Into Hollywood

In this episode, I have the immense pleasure and honor of talking about comedy with "Conan" writer/actors Brian McCann and Brian Stack. Both guys are two of the most hilarious men you will ever meet. Stack and McCann both started in the improv world in Chicago and from there got hired to write on "Late Night With Conan O'Brien." They've created and portrayed some of the most memorable characters on late night TV. We cover many topics from performing at Improv Olympic in Chicago to talking to Walter Cronkite while dressed as Frankenstein to having one's bare ass on national television. 

 

BRIAN MCCANN'S BIO

Brian McCann is a brilliant writer/performer who has had an extremely successful career in television and film. Brian Stack is jealous of this.

 

BRIAN STACK'S BIO

Brian Stack has been with Conan since ’97, and has played such characters as The Interrupter, The Ghost Crooner, and Frankenstein.  He performed at Chicago’s Second City for 4 years, and still performs regularly at UCB and IO-West.  He has also appeared on “30 Rock,” “The Office,” and “Eagleheart.”

Direct download: Two_Degrees_ep_6.mp3
Category:TV & Film -- posted at: 1:00am PDT
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Our Libsyn site still needs a little work, so please check out our Tumblr site with all the latest info on the podcast!

http://2degreesofalie.tumblr.com/thepodcast

Category:general -- posted at: 2:04pm PDT
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Writer/Actor/Comedians Steve Agee & Scott Chernoff Share Stories of Breaking Into Hollywood

In this episode, I interview two guys I would describe as "fucking hilarious," Steve Agee and Scott Chernoff. They are both writer/actor/comedians with many amazing credits to each of their names ("Jimmy Kimmel Live," "The Sarah Silverman Program," "Tom Goes To The Mayor," "Two Broke Girls," to name a few). Steve and Scott are old friends who first met taking classes at the legendary improv company, Groundlings. They talk about what it was like to be in Groundlings, and what it was like to get "kicked out" of Groundlings and how that ultimately led them to their careers. We also talk about other topics from Steve Martin to "Three's Company" to getting paid to watch TV.


STEVE AGEE'S BIO

STEVE AGEE is an actor, writer and comedian whose comedy career began with stand-up and taking classes at The Groundlings. Steve's writing credits include JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE, THE ANDY MILONAKIS SHOW and various Channel 101 productions. Steve's acting credits includes dozens of appearances on film and TV from co-starring on THE SARAH SILVERMAN PROGRAM on Comedy Central to the feature film SLEEPING DOGS LIE to recent shows such as 'TWO BROKE GIRLS and HAPPY ENDINGS. 


SCOTT CHERNOFF'S BIO

SCOTT CHERNOFF is a writer, actor and comedian who currently creates comedy videos for CONAN on TBS.  Beyond Conan, Scott has also appeared multiple times on JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE, THE SARAH SILVERMAN PROGRAM, and THE LEGEND OF NEIL, as well as Tim & Eric's TOM GOES TO THE MAYOR on [adult swim], THE DISH (Style Network), the movie "Fred & Vinnie," and commercials for the likes of AT&T, KFC, IHOP, T-Mobile, ABC, and other important acronyms. Scott has written/directed dozens of videos for adultswim.com, ComedyCentral.com, CHANNEL 101, SuperDeluxe, JibJab, and MTV-Italy, plus his current web series TV GUIDE LETTER THEATER with rising podcast star Alison Flierl.  Jokes told daily on Twitter @ScottChernoff.

Direct download: Two_Degrees_of_Alie_ep._1_bu.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:48am PDT
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Actress Mircea Monroe Shares Stories of Breaking Into Hollywood

In this episode, I get to chat with one of my favorite friends and a super talented and funny actress, Mircea Monroe. Mircea currently can be seen on the small screen on EPISODES on Showtime with Matt LeBlanc and on the big screen in MAGIC MIKE. Mircea shares her story of breaking into acting and talks about everything from being eaten by a Pterodactyl to pantsless Skype meetings to working with legendary comedy writer Bill Lawrence.  

MIRCEA MONROE'S BIO


You would never guess, but this whitey was raised in the Solomon Islands and Fiji (she’s exotic you guys). Monroe has quickly become one of Hollywood’s hottest rising stars and has done it without sleeping around! Mircea first showcased her acting skills in the theatre, but quickly moved on to the big and small screens where she has proven to be as versatile as she is beautiful (blah blah), having earned starring roles in comedies, dramas, action, and genre pictures.  She prefers comedy, but loves a good cry as well. 

Monroe is just as recognizable on the small screen, having starred on Fox’s high-octane series “Drive.” She has also starred in eight other pilots that were not picked up, which sucked because she was ready for stability and fame in the midwest. In addition are a kazillion guest-star appearances including “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” “Scrubs,” “Sons of Anarchy,” “Without a Trace,” “Rules of Engagement,” “Chuck,” “Franklin & Bash” and numerous sketches on “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” and now “Conan.” These were great because they pay well (with the exception of  “Conan”). 

Monroe is currently a series regular on Showtime’s critically acclaimed comedy series “EPISODES” created by David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik, starring opposite Matt LeBlanc. David created “Friends” so if he and Jeffrey hired her, then she’s validated as a human being. She also recurs on the CW's super cute show "Hart of Dixie." It's awesome except because it's AFTRA, it doesn't contribute to her health insurance plan which means you may see her at the free clinic from time to time. 

Monroe currently lives in Los Angeles but hopes to move as soon as she can. Her twitter name is @missmircea. Please don't send her pics of your penis (you know who you are).

Direct download: Two_Degrees_of_Alie_ep4_Mircea_Monroe_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:51pm PDT
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"Breaking Bad" Composer Dave Porter Shares Stories of Breaking Into Hollywood

In this episode, I have the immense honor of interviewing Dave Porter, the composer for the best show on television, Breaking Bad.  We talk about everything from his musical influences as a kid (Miami Vice) to couch surfing in New York and working for Phillip Glass.  Dave’s an amazingly talented guy and I hope you enjoy this podcast!

 

DAVE PORTER’S BIO

Dave Porter began his musical training at the piano at age five, and began composing as a teen. He studied classical and electronic music composition at Sarah Lawrence College, and started his professional career at Philip Glass’ studio in New York City. Dave is the series composer for the Emmy-acclaimed drama “Breaking Bad” on AMC, and was awarded an ASCAP Film and TV award for “Breaking Bad” and the FOX Studios paramedic drama “Saved” which aired on TNT. He also served as music editor on the final season of the HBO drama “Six Feet Under.” He was the composer for the documentary “Bigger, Stronger, Faster”, which premiered at Sundance and is currently airing on Showtime.  He is currently at work on “Smiley”, a feature horror film from director Michael Gallagher of YouTube’s “Totally Sketch.”  His scores also appear in the dramatic films “The Oh in Ohio” (Parker Posey, Danny DeVito), “Ultraviolet” (Milla Jovovich), and “Vacancy” (Kate Beckinsale).  Dave is currently working on the 5th season of “Breaking Bad,” further expanding the unique blend of ethnic and electronic instruments that have become a signature of the show.

Direct download: 2_Degrees_of_Alie_-_Dave_Porter_Ep._101.mp3
Category:TV & Film -- posted at: 9:00am PDT
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