Television is much more difficult because at every moment the network can force you to change things based on their belief about what would make it popular. You’re in a constant debate with a gun at your head, and the gun is cancellation. So it’s hard to win the arguments.
Up until ‘Bridesmaids,’ the general consensus was that women preferred comedy a bit softer.
We are at this weird moment where there’s an economic model that supports creativity. People are demanding something new and fresh.
There was definitely a period when I just felt out of sync with earth.
I’m the guy who gets uncomfortable. That’s why I was able to write ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin’ and ‘Knocked Up.’ I believe in those guys.
It’s so difficult to shock America these days.
I love the Lonely Island. I wish there was more Lonely Island movies.
People like the comedy more when they care about the characters.
I think a lot of Hollywood is in retreat right now trying to figure out how to make money and make the safest bets.
I always felt as a kid that I was underappreciated, invisible or weird, but I’ve always secretly thought people would one day appreciate what is different about me. I’m always putting that message out there.
You know, I’m a big comedy fan.
I love magazines and film critics, so I eat it up. I’m not one of those people who says ‘I never read anything.’ I generally read all of it.
I think a lot of studios today are run by women, and we are entering a time when a lot of women have evolved in Second City and Upright Citizens Brigade and wanted to become writers and comedians.
I always see other people as predecessors and admire them.
I still feel like a nerd.
I have to make good things so good comedians want to talk to me.
If you develop 10 things, and you can get two or three made, that’s a very high ration.
I like when people are very passionate about what they want to write about. Even if it’s silly, you can be very passionate about it.
I was in the recording studio when Pink was recording for a part of the gay rights anthem. It was just amazing to watch her perform. She’s just such an incredible singer. She so funny, and so smart, yet she’s doing it for this silly, silly song.
I hear Amy Schumer on Howard Stern, and I think, “I wish there was a movie that starred her, because she’s so interesting,” and then at some point I go, “I guess I have to get involved, because it’s not happening right now. Maybe I should help try to make that happen.”