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The entertainment industry is in the midst of a general contraction after last year’s SAG and WGA strikes, but there’s one sector that continues to thrive: holiday-themed TV movies! Granted, last year’s 116 has very slightly declined to a mere 110 in 2024, but that should still provide you with enough distraction to minimize your obligation to make conversation with loved ones.

There are probably sicko fans out there who commit to watching every single one of these titles. I am, however, normal, and thus limited my in-depth investigation to a single platform: Netflix, which has released “only” five new Christmas comedies. Which (if any) should be your next watch? This guide should help narrow it down.

“I want to watch something from an actual comedy legend”

Comedy fans of a certain age will remember Fear of A Black Hat, a feature mockumentary about fictional hip-hop act Nwh, and a...

It's been almost four years since the events of January 6th at the U.S. Capitol building, and people are still being sentenced for their participation in the attempt to overthrow the 2020 election (also known as an insurrection or a coup). Perhaps the most famous of those individuals, aside from the QAnon Shaman, is the ever-mustached Jay Johnston, a long-time comedic mainstay who has been in the alternative comedy scene for more than 30 years. First famous for his work with Bob Odenkirk and David Cross on Mr. Show and then on Sarah Silverman's TV show, Johnston went on to become a big voiceover artist with roles in Bob's Burgers, Moral Orel, Mr. Pickles, Rick & Morty, and many more series.

More than 1,500 people have been charged in connection with the events of Jan. 6, and now Johnston joins their ranks, having been sentenced to one year and one day of prison time today,...

The 2023 Goosebumps reboot features a mix of familiar faces and relatively unknown actors as its main characters. Justin Long, known for comedic roles, plays the strange and unhinged Mr. Bratt, who is possessed by the ghost of Harold Biddle. Rachael Harris, a comedy veteran, takes on the role of Nora, a guilt-ridden mother, while Rob Huebel plays the understanding guidance counselor, Colin.

While 2023’s Goosebumps reboot features a couple of familiar faces, some of the show’s main characters are played by relatively unknown cast members. The Goosebumps franchise began as a series of successful children’s horror novels in the ‘90s. The success of R.L. Stine's Goosebumps books inevitably spawned a TV adaptation, and that show became a starting point for future stars. Ryan Gosling famously appeared in an episode of Goosebumps long before he was famous. 2015 also saw the arrival of a live-action Goosebumps movie starring Dylan Minnette,...

Multi-hyphenate Nick Kroll is one of the biggest players in comedy right now, with two hit shows, Big Mouth, and Human Resources, drawing large audiences for Netflix. He started writing for Chappelle's Show and Human Giant before getting his break as an actor on the ABC series Cavemen. From there, he appeared in most of the big comedy shows of the 2010s, like Parks and Recreation, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Community, and New Girl.

It’s Scene 1, Take 1 for the 2021-22 class of ViacomCBS’ Directors Initiative. This year’s group, which is guaranteed to helm an episode of television on CBS, includes Julie Herlocker, Joy T. Lane Steven J. Kung, Pat Santana and Bao Tran.

The initiative provides a platform for experienced directors to gain access to showrunners, executives, managers and agents and the opportunity to shadow CBS Television Network and CBS Studios shows throughout the year. The program helps directors develop meaningful relationships with industry professionals that are essential to getting hired.

“The ViacomCBS Directors Initiative gives television directors the access, exposure and opportunity to be successful in this industry,” said Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i, EVP Entertainment Diversity and Inclusion, Global Inclusion, at ViacomCBS. “The success of this initiative has created a growing community of support, where past participants, who are now in positions of influence, are mentoring and hiring current participants.”

One of last year’s participants,...

Photo: 'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm'/Amazon Studios The sequel to the enormously successful 'Borat', Sacha Baron Cohen’s 'Borat 2' or precisely 'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm' surprised audiences with this much-needed satirizing reflection of American culture. The film pierces through social barriers and comically brings to light some of America’s most ridiculous, and at times downright sickening sides. Directed by Jason Woliner, who directed successful comedies Human Giant, Nathan For You, and The Last Man on Earth, the film took on the challenge of the character Borat’s worldwide fame strategically, even winking at the 2006 film’s opening scenes, with Borat chasing Americans, and now in 2020, Americans are chasing Borat. This self-reflectiveness was a wise slant to take, immediately distinguishing the film as more than a sequel to the first. Taking a mockumentary approach, this is groundbreaking art that crosses lines, intelligently acknowledges American society’s idiosyncrasies,...

Comedian Paul Scheer recalls the nerve-y process of auditioning for Black Monday with Don Cheadle, the time he made a shockingly dangerous Xbox commercial and more on the latest installment of Rolling Stone’s The First Time.

Ahead of the Season Two premiere of Black Monday, June 28th on Showtime, Scheer spoke about being nothing like his character Keith — a closeted stockbroker in the Eighties — but connecting to the idea of “this guy hiding who he was in a world that couldn’t accept him.”

It wasn’t until Scheer got to the audition,...

There's a saying: just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you. Enter Murray Bauman, a former journalist who has been following the events of Stranger Things very closely, coming to Chief Hopper with all sorts of ideas about Eleven and Barb and a vast government conspiracy over the years. And he's not wrong, though Hopper can't tell him that (at least at first).

Now that we've reached season three and Murray is practically an integral part of the group, it's time to ask: who plays this bearded believer? It's Brett Gelman, one of those quintessential "Hey, it's that guy!" actors.

Gelman got his start doing improv and stand-up comedy in New York City. He quickly developed improv group Monkey D*ck, which went on to be developed into a limited-release TV show for the Upright Citizens Brigade. He also developed a character called Rapzilla for a couple of...

Aziz Ansari is coming back to TV screens. And soon.

In a surprise announcement, Netflix revealed on Monday that the latest stand-up special from the “Master of None” co-creator will be dropping Tuesday, July 9. “Aziz Ansari Right Now,” his fifth comedy special, was filmed as part of the Brooklyn performances of his ongoing international tour, “Road to Nowhere.”

It’s Ansari’s first project available to the public since the release of “Master of None” Season 2. Shortly after the awards circuit tour ended in early 2018, a controversial article detailing sexual misconduct put the show and Ansari’s career on hiatus. According to reports from those same Brooklyn shows back in May, Ansari addresses those allegations as part of his hour-long set. Earlier shows in the tour, even when not referring to the incident directly, did seem to showcase a contrite Ansari, even when couched in a comedy context.

Spike Jonze directed “Aziz Ansari Right Now,...

This break-dancin' kiddo went on to become one of the most recognizable comedians in the biz, having created and starred in Three of his own shows ... one of which captures his childhood in New York state. Before that, he was on the stand-up circuit and eventually broke through with roles on "Chappelle's Show" and MTV's "Human Giant," while continuing to embark on comedy tours with the likes of Aziz Ansari and other big shots in the game.

George McTeague has been appointed senior vice president of development for Optomen Productions, an All3Media company, Variety has learned exclusively.

In his new role, McTeague will report directly to Optomen’s president, Maria Silver. He will be based out of the New York office and work alongside Los Angeles-based senior vice president Ricky Kelehar, who relocated earlier this year to establish a West coast office for Optomen and help oversee the launch of Optomen Entertainment. The new division is focused on formats and game shows for domestic production and global distribution.

“George is a well-respected developer with a track record for successful programming with strong and unique voices,” said Silver. “With his finger always on the pulse, he’s the perfect addition to our New York team as we continue to prioritize premium cable programming on the east coast.”

In his new role, McTeague will be tasked with generating...

Management and production company Artists First has elevated Tucker Voorhees to partner. Voorhees, has been with the company, formerly Principato Young Entertainment, for over a decade.

Voorhees’ clients include actors, writers and directors including Matt Walsh (Veep), Rhys Darby (Wrecked), Jon Daly (I’m Dying Up Here), Johnny Pemberton (I Feel Bad), Jason Woliner (Eagleheart), Colton Dunn (Superstore), Streeter Seidel (Saturday Night Live) and Nelson Franklin (Veep). Previously, he produced MTV’s cult classic sketch show Human Giant and Spike TV’s Players. He currently executive produces PopTV’s Hot Date.

“Tucker embodies the culture of Artists First and is someone who cares deeply about the organization and we welcome him in helping us guide the company into our next evolution of growth,” said Artist First Partners, led by CEO and President Peter Principato, in a statement.

Artists First currently has 21 managers with offices in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.

Comedians Paul Scheer and Rob Huebel have collaborated with each other countless times, at various venues, in several different mediums. Maybe you’ve seen them on their MTV sketch show Human Giant, in any of the dozen movies and TV shows they’ve appeared in or at the Ucb Theatre doing their show Crash Test. If you’ve […]

The post ‘Crash Test’ Trailer: Paul Scheer & Rob Huebel’s Comedy Special Recorded on a Moving Bus appeared first on /Film.

Welcome to Screen Rant’s “Geek Picks,” where we collect the finest movie-related geekery from around the Web. Today you’ll find a cool Spider-Man mask necklace; Doctor Who companion action figures; Comic-Con survival tips from 2/3 of Human Giant; an alternate ending to Silver Linings Playbook; adorable cosplay turned into comics; and a Mega Man cake. All that and more on this edition of Sr’s Geek Picks!

If you have any Geek Picks of your own, please send them to srgeekpicks(at)gmail(dot)com and you may be featured on a future post!

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Silver Linings Playbook Alternate Ending

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Comic-con Survival Tips: Paul Scheer & Rob Huebel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBuLTwZCAs4

Join Paul Scheer & Rob Huebel as they provide some tips and advice on this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.

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A Conversation Between Superman, ...

Click to continue reading Sr Geek Picks: Comic-Con Survival, ‘Silver Linings Playbook...

When you think sexy, you think Paul Scheer. Women around the world are eagerly anticipating the adaptation of the Twilight fan fiction turned best-selling novel trilogy that starts with Fifty Shades of Grey. The Social Network producers Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti are behind the forthcoming adaptation, and while there's been a lot of speculation about who will play successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey, the physical and emotional dominant to impending college graduate Anastasia Steele's submissive personality, I think we have our top candidate in "Human Giant" star Paul Scheer. Watch below! Here's Paul Scheer's audition for Fifty Shades of Grey, embedded from College Humor: Honestly, I lost it every time he said "butt stuff," especially as robotic Christian Grey. Frankly, after hearing all about this book series from various women, the only way I would see this movie without the utmost skepticism is if Paul Scheer was cast.

On TV this Friday: The Common Lawmen get down to the good stuff as Season 1 comes to a close, Lost Girl finds a hot new problem and House of Payne closes its doors, for good. Here are 10 programs to keep on your radar.

8 pm 2012 Summer Olympics (NBC) | On tap: diving, bicycle motocross and track and field. (Does anyone else get irrationally anxious while watching diving? Platform – featured tonight – is bad enough, but springboard? Louganis, you scarred me for life.)

8 pm WWE Smackdown (Syfy) | Dolph and Vicki are guests on Chris Jericho’s The Highlight Reel.

8:30 pm Tyler Perry...

Knowing that Matthew Weiner -- the creator and showrunner of AMC's "Mad Men" -- is a scary stickler for secrecy just makes the fact that a bogus final page of a "Mad Men" series finale script leaked online that much funnier. Penned by "Human Giant's" Jason Woliner, the faux page was re-tweeted by "Parks & Recreation" co-star Aziz Ansari and, thus, transmitted to the world.

Read it for yourself below for the full comedic impact. Suffice to say it manages to tie together nicely the show's iconic opening credits, the recent conspiracy theory about someone from the show plummeting to his or her death and Weiner's history with "The Sopranos." (Hence the mention at the end of the show achieving "Sopranos-level TV history.")

Since Weiner has signed on for two more seasons, we'd just like to note that he has plenty of time to maneuver things so they end up as described in Woliner's script.

It told you CollegeHumor was getting serious about long-form content. In addition to the company’s recent hire of Sam Grossman (who “oversaw the creation and production of series including Human Giant and Silent Library” and worked on programs for The Onion and The Gregory Brothers) as Senior Vice President of Development, the overarching online media and entertainment entity comprised of CollegeHumor, Jest, Dorkly, and SportsPickle just announced a partnership with Tony Hernandez and his Jax Media for more long-form projects. Hernandez has worked on such film and television properties as Meet the Parents, A Beautiful Mind, and Louie. Jax Media is the production company behind a number of pilots for Comedy Central and IFC, as well as IFC’s The Onion News Network, the cable television iteration of the popular satirical newspaper, No word yet on when the first programs out of the partnership will debut, but CEO of CollegeHumor Media,...

Mila Kunis has gone to the bargain bin with "Friends With Benefits," scary ballet school for "Black Swan," and back to a time when feathered hair was standard for "That '70s Show," but her latest role really sounds like hell.

Deadline reports that the actress will star opposite comedians Rob Riggle, Nick Swardson, Brian Posehn and Kumail Nanjiani in the animated film "Hell & Back."

The movie, which will be shot in stop-motion style, tells the story of two buddies who attempt to rescue a friend who mistakenly winds up in hell. Kunis will play Orpheus' half-human lady demon daughter, who knows a thing or two about getting by in the underworld.

"Human Giant" writer/director Tom Gianas wrote and will co-direct the movie with Ross Shuman, who has worked with Kunis in the past during his stint on Cartoon Network's "Robot Chicken."

Kunis will be returning to the big screen in 2012 in C.

CollegeHumor Media (the overarching online media and entertainment company comprised of CollegeHumor, Jest, Dorkly, SportsPickle) announced today it hired Sam Grossman away from his Director of Development position at Comedy Central to be CollegeHumor Media’s shiny new Senior Vice President of Development. Grossman will be responsible for CollegeHumor’s burgeoning original long-form content business, where he will be charged with growing the company’s library of properties in the category of longer-than-the-length-of-a-viral-video-or-average-web-series-episode for both online and TV. Given Grossman’s work history, it’s a job at which he should perform well. At MTV, Grossman “oversaw the creation and production of series including Human Giant and Silent Library. He’s also worked on programming for The Onion and The Gregory Brothers. Grossman's hire is the latest in a set of developments indicating CollegeHumor's express interest in developing more long-form content. The company recently announced its first foray into the...

MTV News looks back the awards shows that deserved standing ovations and those that left us falling asleep in our chair.

By MTV News staff

Photo: Getty Images

With the end of Oscars season, we say goodbye to awards shows for a few months. The spectacles honored the best in television, music and movies, and each handed out a good amount of hardware. But who put on the best show? Not all awards shows were created equal, and some get the benefit of live performances while some have to rest on the laurels of acceptance speeches.

As the 2011-2012 awards season comes to a close, the MTV News staff has taken a look back at the year that was to give you the breakdown on which shows earned standing ovations and which were just seat fillers.

The Academy Awards

"Another year, another reminder that the Oscars are no longer the...

MTV News looks back the awards shows that deserved standing ovations and those that left us falling asleep in our chair.

By MTV News staff

Photo: Getty Images

With the end of Oscars season, we say goodbye to awards shows for a few months. The spectacles honored the best in television, music and movies, and each handed out a good amount of hardware. But who put on the best show? Not all awards shows were created equal, and some get the benefit of live performances while some have to rest on the laurels of acceptance speeches.

As the 2011-2012 awards season comes to a close, the MTV News staff has taken a look back at the year that was to give you the breakdown on which shows earned standing ovations and which were just seat fillers.

The Academy Awards

"Another year, another reminder that the Oscars are no longer the...

Writer/directors Tom Gianas (Human Giant) and Ross Shuman (Moral Orel) are assembling quite the cast for their stop-motion feature Hell & Back if you're a comedy geek.  It started off with T.J. Miller and Nick Swardson.  Now Rob Riggle, Brian Posehn, and Kumail Nanjiani have joined the voice cast.  The story centers on two buddies who must rescue their friend who was dragged into hell by mistake.  According to Variety, Riggle will voice a 20-year-old who is finally growing up.  Posehn will play an aging heavy metal fan trapped in the 80s (naturally).  And Nanjiani will play "Sal the Demon, an employee in hell." Corey Campodonico, Eric Blyler, and Alex Bulkley are producing for ShadowMachine, the studio behind Moral Orel, Robot Chicken, and Frankenhole.  I am probably the biggest fan of Moral Orel you've ever met, and I love this cast and the art of stop-motion in general.  Very eager to see this one.

On Jan. 17, 1962, in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, James Eugene Carrey was born. Fifty years later, James -- better known to you as Jim Carrey -- is one of the biggest comedy stars in Hollywood (the middling returns for "Mr. Popper's Penguins" notwithstanding.) But what's his best contribution to cinema? Moviefone asked Paul Scheer, of "Human Giant" fame, for his favorite Carrey moment -- which, as it turns out, comes from the at-the-time bomb, but current-day cult favorite, "The Cable Guy." "Two words: Porno Password," Scheer explained. "Hands down the best Jim Carrey scene on film. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, then stop whatever you are doing immediately. Even if you are in the middle of performing heart surgery. And, come on, let's be honest, if you are reading this during heart surgery, you already clearly don't respect you job. But I digress. If you don't know about Porno Password,...

Hell, apparently, needs stand-up comics.

Nick Swardson and T.J. Miller are going to need all the laughs they can muster as they prepare to go to "Hell & Back," according to Deadline.

"Hell & Back" is an R-rated stop-motion animated film in which two best friends have to rescue their pal after he's accidentally dragged to hell (say hello to Alison Lohman when you get there, fellas!). The film is being produced by ShadowMachine, the production company that's been ramping up its feature film activity upon its success with both "Robot Chicken" and "Moral Orel" on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim.

Swardson and Miller, both stand-up comics, have enjoyed some recent success in the movie business. Swardson was seen last summer as Danny McBride's dim-witted partner in crime in "30 Minutes or Less" and currently plays a role in Adam Sandler's "Jack and Jill." Miller (who will always be the hapless...

Starring Steve Carell and Keira Knightley for writer/director Lorene Scafaria.

Cast, crew set for pre-apocalyptic comedy.

Production begins this week on Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World, written and directed by Lorene Scafaria. The pre-apocalyptic comedy stars Golden Globe Award winner Steve Carell and Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley.

Confirmed as joining the two lead actors in the cast are . in alphabetical order . Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights), Adam Brody (Damsels in Distress), Roger Aaron Brown (The District), Tonita Castro (The Sarah Silverman Program), Rob Corddry (Mandate.s Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay), two-time Academy Award nominee Melinda Dillon (Close Encounters of the Third Kind), Rob Huebel (Human Giant), Gillian Jacobs (Community), Derek Luke (Focus. Catch a Fire), Melanie Lynskey (Focus. Away We Go), T.J. Miller (Cloverfield), Mark Moses (Desperate Housewives), Patton Oswalt (United States of Tara), William Petersen (CSI), Lindsay Sloane (Horrible Bosses), and...

Production begins this week on Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, written and directed by Lorene Scafaria. The pre-apocalyptic comedy stars Golden Globe Award winner Steve Carell and Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley.

Confirmed as joining the two lead actors in the cast are - in alphabetical order - Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights), Adam Brody (Damsels in Distress), Roger Aaron Brown (The District), Tonita Castro (The Sarah Silverman Program), Rob Corddry (Mandate's Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo), two-time Academy Award nominee Melinda Dillon (Close Encounters of the Third Kind), Rob Huebel (Human Giant), Gillian Jacobs (Community), Derek Luke (Focus' Catch a Fire), Melanie Lynskey (Focus' Away We Go), T.J. Miller (Cloverfield), Mark Moses (Desperate Housewives), Patton Oswalt (United States of Tara), William Petersen (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), Lindsay Sloane (Horrible Bosses), and Bob Stephenson (Jericho).

Two-time Independent Spirit Award nominee Tim Orr is the film's...

Billed as a "pre-apocalyptic comedy," Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World, starring Steve Carell and Keira Knightly is about to go into production. Though the two leads were announced last month [1], the rest of the cast for the film - written and directed by Lorene Scafaria (Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist) - has now been revealed. It includes Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights), Adam Brody (The Oc), Rob Corddry (Children's Hospital), Rob Huebel (Human Giant), Gillian Jacobs (Community), Derek Luke (Antoine Fisher), Melanie Lynskey (Away We Go), T.J. Miller (Cloverfield), Patton Oswalt (Big Fan) and William Petersen [2] (CSI) just to name a few. Wow. Pretty impressive for a first time director. Read more after the jump. The official plot description of the film from a Focus Features press release is as follows: Set in a too-near future, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World explores...

It has been reported that Bill Hader was one of the actors considered for a role in Ghostbusters 3 by Sony. Even Dan Aykroyd had confirmed that Hader was one of the actors being considered.

The Playlist recently spoke with Hader and here is what he had to say,

“I heard about it the same way you guys did! I went online and was like, woah! Cool! All my friends were calling, ‘are you gonna be in Ghostbusters 3?’ I obviously am very flattered, but I don’t know anything about it.”

Looks as though even though Hader may be in consideration for the role , but that a formal invitation has not been made. That does not mean that he may not end up starring, it just means that talks have not yet begun.

Hader will next be seen alongside Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in Paul. He also is...

Dan Aykroyd seems to be massaging the truth when it comes to Ghostbusters 3. He has no problem talking about the long gestating and perma-rumored project, but even when the co-writer, co-star and co-producer offers up a supposed confirmation, it has to be taken with a grain of salt. Last month, for example, he "confirmed" some casting rumors [1] that actors like Bill Hader and Anna Faris were being considered for roles in the new film. The Playlist went right to the source and asked Hader about these rumors. Guess what? He has no idea what Aykroyd is talking about. That doesn't mean Aykroyd is lying, just that the process isn't nearly as far along as he made it sound. Read Hader's quote and more after the jump. Update: Anna Faris has commented too. Read about it below. Here's what Hader told The Playlist [2] at the True Grit premiere. I heard...

Judd Apatow-Produced 'House Of Joel' Comedy Project Is Still Very Much Alive, Has A 'Human Giant' Writer Onboard At the red carpet premiere for "True Grit," we took the opportunity to ask Bill Hader about a certain impending project, a certain big-time sequel that may reunite a certain beloved cast. Less than a month ago, word got out that Sony was eying Hader, Will Forte and Anna Faris as potential proton-pack wielders in "Ghostbusters 3." And then Dan Aykroyd himself confirmed that Hader was one of the "strong possibilities." But has anyone actually contacted Hader about this? "I heard about…...

Exclusive: Comedy Central has picked up an animated pilot from TV and film production company ShadowMachine (Robot Chicken, Moral Orel). The untitled project will serve as a showcase for original animated comedy shorts, with each micro series coming from a different creator/writer, utilizing a a different animated format - 2D, CGI, Stop-mo, etc. - and varying in length depending on the show. “When I was first approached about this, I thought, ‘yes, let’s do a show where the characters have a lot of energy,’ said Kent Alterman, Comedy Central's head of programming and production. "Then it was explained to me that it would literally be animated, and I thought, ‘even better.’” Executive producing the project, which is envisioned as a springboard for potential new full-length animation series, are Alex Bulkley and Corey Campodonico of ShadowMachine and writer-director Tom Gianas (Human Giant, SNL). “Some of the best animated...

Dan Harmon is a writer and actor living in Los Angeles. He's one of the founders of the internet's earliest on and off-line video communities, Channel101, which, since 2002, has been a breeding ground for Andy Samberg, Human Giant, and a bevy of up and comers in New York and La's alt comedy scenes. Harmon is also the creator and executive producer of the NBC television series, Community, which has benefited from Harmon's online video experience and expertise. The latest case in point, Dean Pelton's Office Hours. Jim Rash's expertly acted character of the ambitious, over eager dean of Greendale Community College is the central figure in a six-part companion web series to the so-far-underrated TV show. It's the third of three distinct Community web series released since the series' premiere in September 2009, including Abed and Starburn's video Spanish class assignment, and the 5 As of Greendale. It's also fantastic.

Earlier this year, hopes were high about the possibility of an Anchorman sequel -- that is, until news came out that Paramount had essentially passed on the project [1]. Soon afterward, Ben Stiller chimed in via Twitter [2], hinting that his attempts at getting Zoolander 2 off the ground may have been met with a similar fate. While we still don't have any new updates on that particular sequel, it looks like Ben Stiller is trying to build momentum up again, this time by bringing back Derek Zoolander in animated form. The character is one of two web series that he will be involved in for Paramount Digital Entertainment. According to the New York Times [3], Stiller will voice Zoolander in a series of online shorts, and he hopes to get the rest of the original cast members on board, including Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell. He will also be starring in a...

30 Rock to air live episode on October 14 The cast of NBC's Emmy Award-winning comedy series 30 Rock will perform a special live episode from famed studio 8H on Thursday, October 14 (8:30-9 p.m. Et).

The announcement was made by Angela Bromstad, President, Primetime Entertainment, NBC and Universal Media Studios.

"We've had great success with live episodes in the past, both in a creative sense and in the ratings," said Bromstad. "I can't imagine a series more suited to do an incredible live episode, thanks to its many cast, writers and producers, who hail from TV's most renowned live series, SNL"

In the series' first live episode, two versions will be telecast -- one live for the East Coast and one for the West Coast. The first show will be telecast at 8:30-9 p.m. (Et) for the East and the cast will perform the same episode for a new broadcast at 11:30 p.

Last night's posts coming out of Twitter-Wood were full of glamorous party shots from around San Diego and photo ops with cosplayers from Comic-Con. James Gunn for instance checked out some "Tron" costumes, while David Wain got detained by a couple of Stormtroopers.

Things were going on outside Comic-Con as well, though. Demi Moore took a pic with her "Lol" co-star Miley Cyrus. Bret Easton Ellis laughed at "Inception," and Rich Sommer went to a "Simpsons" read-through. You'll find those retweets and info on who had dinner with Ellen Page after the jump.

I'm @brianwarmoth, and this is Twitter-Wood for July 23, 2010.

Twitter Pic of the Day:

@davidwain Met two really sweet boys http://yfrog.com/6fmj8ej

-David Wain, Actor/Writer (”Role Models,” “Wet Hot American Summer”)

@mrskutcher Me Miley and our amazing director Lisa Azuelos! http://twitpic.com/27wknl

-Demi Moore, Actress ("Striptease," "G.I. Jane")

@robhuebel The big hit...

With Tsr Buzz, you’ll find links to articles, videos and other random things that will help you waste your time just a little bit more.

Pogo is a Youtube musician who takes sound bites from movies, mixes them with bits of music, and turns them into beautiful, danceable tributes – with visual editing to match. From his wide catalog, this is probably his best work. Which is fitting, considering that it is for Pixar’s best movie.

As Pogo demonstrates, there’s a lot of magic that can be done with the manipulation of sound. Now, Aziz Ansari, Rob Huebel, and Paul Scheer (known as “Human Giant”) educate us about the importance of designing sounds into film and television. Ben Burtt would be proud.

Human Giant – Foley Artist – watch more funny videos Before Spike Jonze made Where the Wild Things Are and Adaptation, he made music videos. Slow-motion is rarely this compelling.

It’s time for me to come out of the iTunes-ophile closet and proclaim that, “Yes, while I may spend a lot of my time thinking about movies that no one may ever want to see, I happen to like music a lot also.” That’s the only way I explain the unintentional trend in this latest version of Tsr Buzz, which consists of bro-mancing, very amusing moments in music, and … a little bit more Bieber.

I dedicate this Tsr Buzz to Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. In honor of that brilliant movie, this fourth episode also kicks ass, and will probably entertain you to no end.

With Tsr Buzz, you’ll find links to articles, videos and other random things that will help you waste your time just a little bit more.

Here is a collection of photos that show actors Jason Bateman and Dustin Hoffman taking...

Aziz Ansari did a fine job of hosting the 2010 MTV Movie Awards last night. These awards shows are never about the host, but he had some standout moments all the same. And while he was inevitably overshadowed by the force of nature that is Les Grossman, he held his own just fine in the face of the mega-producer's screaming, hairy, dancing adversity.

Now we want to find out what you thought. By our count, Aziz had five standout moments during the show. Did you have a favorite? Which was it? After the jump, I've embedded all five segments for your viewing enjoyment and posted a poll at the end. Tell us when you think the "Parks & Recreation" star shone the brightest.

Aziz Spoofs "Precious," Hangs With Justin Bieber

Aziz Ansari'S Opening Monologue

Aziz Is Taavon, Swagga Coach To The Stars

Aziz And Paul Scheer Bring Back "Human Giant" With...

The MTV Movie Awards had highs and lows, and was shepherded by comic actor and former MTV "Human Giant" alum Aziz Ansari. Ansari lambasted arch eco-villain Bp in song, and Oscar winning actress Sandra Bullock emerged from the shadows of scorned spouse exile and asked her fans to stop pitying her, by way of an awkward scripted smooch with her "Proposal" co-star's wife (Scarlett Johansson). Bullock closed her moment with something her Tinseltown peers for the most part have been silent about, to pray for the people in the Gulf area affected by the massive oil spill that continues to wreak havoc on so many lives. No big Hollywood fundraisers or "do good" video campaigns for our...

'Like Ronnie from 'Jersey Shore,' he's not going to be at the Oscars,' the host says of limitless comic opportunities.

By : Eric Ditzian, with reporting by Tim Kash

Aziz Ansari

Photo: Sohyung Kang/ MTV News

If Aziz Ansari were running the 2010 MTV Movie Awards, some of the highlights from the show would include a fistfight between a Hollywood superstar and a reality show mover-and-shaker, and a certain A-List star whipping out his manhood in front of millions of viewers.

Come to think of it, Aziz basically is in charge, as host of this year's awards show. So, yeah, things could get a bit insane on Sunday, when it airs live at 9 p.m. Et/Pt. You'll just have to tune in to see what the 27-year-old comedian delivers. As he told MTV News, his wish list is a ridiculous and amazing mix of celeb pranks, brawls...

'Like Ronnie from 'Jersey Shore,' he's not going to be at the Oscars,' the host says of limitless comic opportunities.

By : Eric Ditzian, with reporting by Tim Kash

Aziz Ansari

Photo: Sohyung Kang/ MTV News

If Aziz Ansari were running the 2010 MTV Movie Awards, some of the highlights from the show would include a fistfight between a Hollywood superstar and a reality show mover-and-shaker, and a certain A-List star whipping out his manhood in front of millions of viewers.

Come to think of it, Aziz basically is in charge, as host of this year's awards show. So, yeah, things could get a bit insane on Sunday, when it airs live at 9 p.m. Et/Pt. You'll just have to tune in to see what the 27-year-old comedian delivers. As he told MTV News, his wish list is a ridiculous and amazing mix of celeb pranks, brawls...

I guess when you’re shuttling from gym to laundromat to tanning salon and back again, day after day, then hitting the clubs every night, there’s not a lot of time left for leisure activities like watching the boob tube. How else to explain that the kids from MTV’s “Jersey Shore” have no clue whatsoever who MTV Movie Awards host Aziz Ansari is?

Just watch in the video below as Snooki, the Situation and the rest of the “Shore” crew express utter befuddlement at the mere mention of the 27-year-old comedian’s name.

Ronnie: “Who?”

Sammi: “Who?”

DJ Pauly D: “God bless you. What’d you say?

The Situation: “You don’t have to say sorry to me.”

Snooki: “Who’s that?”

JWoww: [looks quite puzzled]

They’d better study up soon, as the reality stars will be taking part in Sunday night’s festivities during MTV News...

Harrison Ford, Mark Hoppus, Ewan McGregor and others celebrate the 'Star Wars' sequel.

By Adam Rosenberg, with reporting by Todd Gilchrist

Harrison Ford

Photo: MTV News

A long time ago, in the galaxy that we still live in, "Star Wars" creator George Lucas rocked Hollywood to its foundations when he achieved the unthinkable: "The Empire Strikes Back" became the rare sequel to surpass its predecessor, "Star Wars," in terms of quality. Friday marks the 30th anniversary of the release of "Empire" (which now carries "Star Wars: Episode V" in its title), and famous fans descended on L.A.'s ArcLight Theater for a special screening followed by a Q&A with Han Solo himself, star Harrison Ford.

As "Star Wars" heroes and other celebrities walked the event's red carpet, they spoke to MTV News about the enduring legacy of Lucas' classic sci-fi series. "[Lucas] introduced us to that world with the first movie,...

Harrison Ford, Mark Hoppus, Ewan McGregor and others celebrate the 'Star Wars' sequel.

By Adam Rosenberg, with reporting by Todd Gilchrist

Harrison Ford

Photo: MTV News

A long time ago, in the galaxy that we still live in, "Star Wars" creator George Lucas rocked Hollywood to its foundations when he achieved the unthinkable: "The Empire Strikes Back" became the rare sequel to surpass its predecessor, "Star Wars," in terms of quality. Friday marks the 30th anniversary of the release of "Empire" (which now carries "Star Wars: Episode V" in its title), and famous fans descended on L.A.'s ArcLight Theater for a special screening followed by a Q&A with Han Solo himself, star Harrison Ford.

As "Star Wars" heroes and other celebrities walked the event's red carpet, they spoke to MTV News about the enduring legacy of Lucas' classic sci-fi series. "[Lucas] introduced us to that world with the first movie,...

Some bloggers and Twitterers thought it 'stunk on ice,' while others felt it was a necessary chapter in the concluding series.

By Adam Rosenberg

Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lilly and Terry O'Quinn in "Lost"

Photo: ABC

Did you watch "Lost" on Tuesday night? If not, stop reading. Seriously. Spoilers ahead.

Ok. If you're still here, you either watched the revealing episode, "Across the Sea," or you don't care if major plot points are spoiled. To summarize, it was entirely focused on the origin of Jacob and his nameless friend, the Man in Black, on the mysterious Island at the center of the series.

It was revealed that the two are fraternal twins. Their pregnant mother washed up ashore and was killed by a native (Allison Janney) after delivering them. It was also revealed that the Island's protectors — first the mysterious native, later Jacob himself — are charged with keeping safe a cave housing a bright,...

The Paley Center for Media announces the exclusive DVD release of the PaleyFest2010 panel honoring the cast and creators of Lost. The event, presented live on stage before a sold-out audience at last month's 27th annual William S. Paley Television Festival, featured cast members including Terry O'Quinn ("John Locke"), Michael Emerson ("Ben Linus"), Nestor Carbonell ("Richard Alpert"), and Zuleikha Robinson ("Ilana") along with executive producers Damon Lindleof, Carlton Cuse, Jack Bender, Adam Horowitz, Eddy Kitsis, and Liz Sarnoff in a no-holds-barred and often hilarious conversation moderated by actor and avid Lost fan Paul Scheer (Human Giant). The Paley Center and PaleyFest are proud to offer this uncensored and candid look behind the scenes of one of the most groundbreaking and iconic series on television today prior to its series finale this May.

Kristen Bell also sheds some light on the funnyman, who takes the Movie Awards stage Sunday, June 6, at 9 p.m. Et/Pt on MTV.

By Eric Ditzian

Aziz Ansari

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

He's been a "Human Giant," he's been bombastic comedian Raaaaaaaandy, he's been the scene-stealer on NBC's "Parks & Recreation" — but just who is Aziz Ansari, this year's MTV Movie Awards host?

Just ask Zac Efron, Diddy or Kristen Bell.

"Aziz was born in the snowy mountains of the Himalayas," Bell tells us in a new Movie Awards promo. "He used to put on his dark-blue overalls and just go sit in the snow."

Ok, well, that doesn't exactly jibe with Ansari's known biography, but who are we to question the sweet-faced actress?

Let's see what Diddy has to say ...

"One time, young Aziz got stuck under a TV," the rapper explains. "He was trapped under there for six years.

How’s comedian Aziz Ansari preparing for his gig as the 2010 MTV Movie Awards host? By stalking former Oscar emcee Billy Crystal, of course. “I’m outside his house right now,” the 27-year-old comedian told the Associated Press. On June 6, Ansari—whose MTV show Human Giant proved a significant stepping stone in his career—will host the 19th annual event....

I know how excited y'all are to hear that Aziz Ansari will be hosting the 2010 MTV Movie Awards on June 6. Andy Samberg did a kickass job of it last year, but I think Aziz is up to the challenge of following that up, even if there's not another Eminem/Bruno confrontation to highlight the evening.

My big hope is that Ansari, forward-thinking social embracer that he is, will keep us chuckling throughout the night with live tweets from the show. If you don't follow @azizansari on Twitter, then you're missing out. The former "Human Giant" star has one of the most consistently entertaining feeds out there. After the jump you'll find some highlights from the past few months, including Aziz's epic-length live tweet of his "Twilight" cherry-popping.

On late nights with "Kindergarten Cop"...

@azizansari Was all set to go to bed at 1am. What happened? Kindergarten Cop on HBO at 110am!