Gene Stupnitsky: Episode 54

Bleav presents On The List with Brett Gursky

It’s the fifty-fourth episode of On The List with Brett Gursky. This week's guest Gene Stupnitsky (“Good Boys”) talks all about his career as a writer and director. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from the making of his feature directorial debut "Good Boys"- an R-rated comedy starring kids. He discusses writing the script with his writing partner Lee Eisenberg, bringing Seth Rogen on as a producer, and casting the kids, including Jacob Tremblay. Then Gene takes Brett back to the beginning, where he grew up in Chicago as a self-proclaimed "comedy nerd", and how an internship with his mentor & friend Harold Ramis set him on the path for his career. Gene talks about starting out as an assistant on "Curb Your Enthusiasm", and how his TV spec "Lonnie and Gordo" led to a writing job on "The Office". Brett and Gene chat about the famous "Dinner Party" episode- written by Gene & Lee- which Rolling Stone calls "the greatest 'Office' episode ever". They also discuss the HBO series "Hello Ladies"- created by Gene, Lee, & Stephen Merchant- which Brett and Gene worked on together, and which is how they became friends. Other projects they discuss: "Year One", "Bad Teacher", and "SMILF". Gene also offers advice to aspiring writers and directors. Be sure to check out "Good Boys" when it hits theaters August 16th.