Comments (0)

HitFix was at PaleyFest to see the cast of Community; here are some of the highlight:
If you get a chance to see the creative folks who work on “Community” in person for some reason, run to see it. One of the reasons “Community” is one of the best new comedies in years is because it has that amazing cast, which doesn’t have a single weak link.

Since “Physical Education” features lots and lots of Joel McHale in either skimpy clothing or the nude, there were plenty of questions about that, but there were also questions about how the cast members enjoy working with a legend like Chase, who was the center of much good-natured (and occasionally self-inflicted) ribbing about his age.

“Chevy is like Nolan Ryan in that he’s still alive,” McHale deadpanned. Then, he added, “And when Chevy goes, he’s the funniest person on set. He throws the ball harder than anyone. And then he calls you a prick.” (Chase calling the cast members overly nasty names for no reason on set proved the source of many funny anecdotes. “It’s funny because it’s unnecessary,” Glover added.)

Harmon, adding to the lovefest, explained that he’s grown more and more comfortable with letting the cast improvise around the scripts, based on just how good the actors are at finding new twists on lines and new jokes that build on the old ones. (Harmon pointed out one joke in the Troy and Abed closing credits gag from Thursday’s episode that I won’t spoil here but that was a total Glover improvisation.)

“Halfway through the season, I became acquainted with the fact that the best thing I could do for my show was write lukewarm crap and send it down to the set,” Harmon said.

What’s coming up on “Community”? Apparently, the episode the cast is filming right now involves Chase’s character Pierce becoming convinced he’s a wizard. We’ll learn the sad, despairing backstory of Jeong’s Senor Chang. And there’s an episode that apparently broke the budget of the series but was also apparently worth it. When asked to describe it, Harmon would only say it was an attempt to do an action movie in 20 minutes. The cast was similarly excited for it to air.

“Any time I get to say, ‘Get some, bitches!’ in something, it’s gonna be good,” Glover said. “I don’t care if it’s a show or a family reunion.”

If you want the min by min details of the event check out The Futon Critic.

Comments (0)

Nola has an interview with ‘Community’ star, Ken Jeong. Here are some of the highlights:
“My dad was a professor for 35 years, ” said Jeong of D.K. Jeong, an economics professor now retired from the faculty of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro. “I took a class with him in college — just audited it. Watching him teach was like watching him work a room, like Don Rickles.
“He’s clearly where I got my comedy. It amazed me how deeply similar teaching is to performing. When you teach a class, you’ve known the curriculum for years, and you develop a style, the way you present information. You want to develop it in an entertaining way so it sticks with the students. It’s really just like a stand-up comic working an act over and over again, years and years of work until it’s the tightest joke possible.
“My dad definitely had his act honed, after 30 years. It was amazing to see how smooth he was. It was really professional. There was no dead air, really tight. I think about it all the time when I’m doing my character.”
Jeong’s own fish-out-of-water background as a joke-telling physician also plays into Chang’s personality.
“A guy who is Asian who is teaching Spanish, a guy who has a chip on his shoulder — it’s not unlike me being a doctor, ” Jeong said. “Why comedy? Why acting? Why Spanish? Why me?”

…

“I was able to see the pilot months before it was televised, ” Jeong said. “Once I read my part of Senor Chang, I just laughed out loud and said, ‘I’ve got to do this. I will not get an opportunity to do this again.’
“I get to go to work every day and just kind of muck around with people like Joel McHale and Chevy Chase. Our chemistry and our friendships have gotten deeper both off camera and on camera.”
Though a critical success, “Community” isn’t a sure thing for a second season. It’s drawing larger average audiences than comedy-night companion “Parks & Recreation, ” which has been renewed for 2010-11, and NBC’s lineup isn’t exactly spilling excess quality at the moment, but you never know. An average of 5.4 million viewers each week puts it on the bubble.
Jeong isn’t hurting for fall-back opportunities. But losing Senor Chang would be a blow. “It’s the best day job ever, ” Jeong said. “It really is.”

Comments (0)

TV Squad has an interview with Alison Brie, on of the stars of ‘Community’. Here are the highlights:

What are we going see from Annie coming up?
Well, I think we’re gonna see Annie maturing a little bit more, and she develops a love interest in the next couple episodes. You see her mature in certain ways, I think, and just in terms of how naïve she is, I think you do kind of see her growing.

Was it tough to play someone who’s 18 and just out of high school?
No! I don’t know why it’s easy for me to connect with that part of myself. And you know, it wasn’t that long ago, so it’s easy, and it’s fun for me to connect with that part, that sheltered girl that is having her first crush and her first kiss, and try to relive those moments through Annie.

Whereas ‘Community’ (compared to “Mad-Man”) is more free-flowing jokes?
Absolutely. It’s just a crazy free-for-all. Again, we do have great respect for the writing and for the work, but because it’s a comedy, I think they want us to have that much fun all the time, and it trickles into the episodes, you know?

Comments (0)

Sleeping Skills
Joel gives the you tips on how to successfully sleep in class.

Danny & Donald
Danny & Donald talk about the fun in shooting the end of show comedy bits that let them exercise their improv skills.

Comments (1)

From 8-8:30 p.m. ET, “Community” (2.2/7 in 18-49, 5.2 million viewers overall) is up versus its prior original telecast by 5 percent in 18-49 rating (2.2 vs. 2.1)and 10 percent in total viewers (5.2 million vs. 4.8 million). “Community” is currently #2 or tied for #2 among the major networks in the slot in adults 18-34, men 18-49 and men 25-54 and is #1 in men 18-34. Last night’s “Community” is up 29 percent versus NBC’s 18-49 average in the time period this season prior to the “Community” debut in the slot (2.2 vs. 1.7).

Source: rbr

Comments (0)

Ho Ho Ho! Or should I say, Ha Ha Ha. The end of the fall semester here at Greendale is always the start of the wonderful winter holiday season. And who better to ring in the season than our very own jolly Mr. Winter! Keeping with the constant efforts within the public school system to remain PC, Dean Pelton has created a new non-religious icon for all of us Human Beings here at Greendale to worship.

Read the full Greendale Weekly at the Greendale Community College site.

Comments (0)

Click onto the two videos for Chevy Chase’s comments about Anthony Michael Hall’s appearance onCommunity and his “heartwarming” thoughts on upcoming holidays.

Source: Hollywood Out Break

Comments (0)

PopMatters.com
Posted: Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009

Donald Glover plays football jock Troy and Alison Brie plays goody two-shoes Annie on NBC’s new comedy, “Community,” which airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. EST on NBC.

Brie, who also plays Trudy on “Mad Men,” and Glover, who wrote for “30 Rock” before joining the “Community” cast, indulge in a friendly, teasing, tete a tete of sorts, as they consider 20 Questions.

1. The latest book or movie that made you cry?

Donald Glover: Honestly, there’s a part in a coming episode of “Community” where I sing “Somewhere Out There” from the animated film “American Tale.” It brought up a lot of feeling from when I saw it as a kid, also me moving from New York, relationships and… damn. I got emotional, all right?

Alison Brie: It was “Inglourious Basterds” for me. Yeah, luckily I saw that more recently than “The Time Traveler’s Wife,” which, even though I didn’t care for the film, still made me cry.

2. The fictional character most like you?

Alison: My first instinct here was to say Miranda from Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” or maybe Elizabeth Bennett from “Pride and Prejudice.”

It’s a tough question, because to assess oneself in the light a fictional character you may never find one that really speaks to every side of you. I can fall in love like Ophelia, but I’m not planning on killing myself any time soon.

Donald: I’d like to say Holden Caulfield, but that’s untrue. I’m probably more Gonzo. He’s just a weird dude that just wants to be liked. No one really knows what he is. I like the unbridled sincerity of Gonzo. He just likes what he likes and I really relate to that.

3. The greatest album, ever?

Donald: Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” I know that’s a really easy way out of that question, but let’s be honest. There are very few albums you can play straight through. Quincy’s production is on point, Michael’s genius almost burns through the cover art. I can play that album no matter what I’m feeling and there’s a song to compliment it.

Alison: The Beatles, “Abbey Road.” Donald, you’re wrong. It’s a storybook. It is a four-course meal. It makes the listener feel delighted, silly, sexy, lustful, sentimental, loving, reflective, nostalgic, etc. without seeming choppy and disconnected. It’s a masterpiece.

4. “Star Trek” or “Star Wars”?

Alison: The original “Star Wars” movies paved the way for contemporary science fiction. Also, I’m pretty sure that even outside the realm of science fiction many movies continue to steal fundamental themes and characterizations from “Star Wars.”

Donald: Nerd. Nerd. Nerd.

Alison: I think we both know women nerds are the best nerds to be. Oh, and “Star Wars” provides better Halloween costumes. Chewbacca. Did “Star Trek” have wookies? I rest my case.

Donald: My dad was into both “Star Wars” and “Star Trek,” but he made sure I was into “Star Wars.” I knew the difference between C-3PO and R2-D2 before I knew my right from my left hand.

5. Your ideal brain food?

Alison: Going to the theater. Pretty much any live theater. If it’s good, it inspires me and makes me wish I was a part of it, and if it’s bad, it inspires me and makes me wish I had been in it so that I could prove how much better I could’ve done it. Theater just gets my creative juices flowing. I miss doing it.

Donald: When I get free time I compose music or DJ. Anytime I’m doing something musical, I feel like I’m becoming more in tune with the universe and myself at the same time. It keeps my brain active and I feel like I’m producing something while also making something.

6. You’re proud of this accomplishment, but why?

Donald: I’m proud to be a part of something I “really” think is special. “Community” is straight dopeness. Every script has something in it that I think about later on and laugh. I just wanna do good work.

I’m doing exactly what I said I wanted to do my junior year of high school.

Alison: Since I was old enough to speak I’ve been telling people I would make a living as an actress and that’s what I’m doing. There’s something to said for setting goals and accomplishing them.

7. You want to be remembered for …?

Donald: Hmmm … I kinda answered that in the last question. Umm … a loving father.

Alison: I’ve grown up watching actresses in films and on TV respecting what they do and looking up to them, wondering if I could do it – or do better. I’d love to provide that same kind of challenge for a younger generation of actors.

8. Of those who’ve come before, the most inspirational are?

Donald: Kanye West. That’s a passionate dude. I love hearing his story.

Umm … Chris Rock. I love watching him. He and Adam Sandler are such hard workers. It’s nice to see people who never slow down.

Alison: Kate Winslet and Cate Blanchet. Basically anyone named Kate. These are two women who exude class and honor their craft. They work hard at what they do and make daring choices, in both the roles they take on and their characterizations of those roles. They’re bold and they’re good at what they do.

9. The creative masterpiece you wish bore your signature?

Donald: “Back to the Future.” I love time travel and love stories and action sequences. I feel like if I was born a little earlier, I could have made something similar. But I’m 98 percent sure that’s just wishful thinking.

Alison: I’ll see your “Back to the Future” and raise you a “Ghostbusters.” A while ago they played it on AMC every Saturday and Sunday for a month and I watched it every time. No joke.

10. Your hidden talents …?

Alison: I have a great talent for holding eye-contact. I’m not saying I could beat you in a staring contest, although I probably could, but I can definitely either make someone feel like the only person in the room or totally creep someone out. It’s pretty awesome, or weirdly intense, your call. …

Donald: If I have a smooth floor to lay on, I can put a little water on my back and make this sound …

11. The best piece of advice you actually followed?

Donald: Don’t be mean to your brothers and sisters. I was the fighting with them once and my mom says “One day we’ll be gone and they’ll be the only links to your past. Be nice!” That’s pretty heavy to drop on an 8-year-old.

Alison: “Stay in school.” I decided, in a moment of terrible misjudgment, to drive home and tell my parents that I wanted to leave school and pursue being an actress straight away.

They were actually surprisingly supportive, but my dad sat me down and talked to me about the benefits of college, and he was absolutely right. I wouldn’t take back those years for anything and I don’t think I would be the woman I am today or the actress I am today without my time in school.

12. The best thing you ever bought, stole or borrowed?

Donald: My Techniques. Those turntables don’t stop being awesome. It’s fun to just waste and afternoon mixing different albums and sounds together. I’ve never regretted getting them, even though they cost a pretty penny.

Alison: It would have to be these little shorts I bought in maybe eighth grade that were navy with a lace trim. I bought them just to be undershorts really, little bloomers to wear under skirts.

Now the elastic has worn out, the lace is but a mere suggestion and they are my favorite thing to wear around the house at all times. They’re basically my Teddy bear of clothes.

13. You feel best in Armani or Levis or …?

Alison: Coincidentally, shorts! Mini shorts. Because I grew up, and still live, in California I can pretty much get away with wearing them year-round. You can dress them up or down – I’ve got a great pair of formal shorts from BCBG that I’ll wear almost every day. Throw on some heels and they can go day to night, love it!

Donald: It all depends on the girl I’m trying to impress. If she wants James Bond, I love suits. If she wants rough and tumble, T-shirt it is.

14. Your dinner guest at the Ritz would be?

Donald: Dr. Martin Luther King. I sorta felt like he always knew he was going to die doing what he did. I just would want to chat and see how someone could go on knowing that. I’d like to get him drunk and see how he feels about BET and stuff. The real dirt.

Alison: When I’m at dinner I like to have a good time, have a glass of wine, relax, and enjoy the food. I’d invite one of the following: Seth McFarlane, Jason Segel, Seth Rogen, or Elizabeth Banks.

15. Time travel: where, when and why?

Donald: I’d go into the future. About 500 years. To see if mankind has progressed. I’d also check on my great-great-great-great grand children. I’d just like to know everything was OK, I guess.

Alison: I’d go back and experience Woodstock with reckless abandon and hopefully have an amazing time.

16. Stress management: hit man, spa vacation or Prozac?

Donald: I shop. Too much. Love clothes and music and food. If I’m really stressed, you’ll see me walking into a record shop wearing a new sweater, eating Pinkberry. Like I’m some overweight aunt or something. It’s super sad.

Alison: Spa vacation! I love getting massages. Although I can never stay totally silent when I’m with my family at a spa. The ladies in my family love to chit chat! But a spa can create the same feeling as yoga for me, in terms of connecting with my body and feeling beautiful. Plus, you get to be naked.

17. Essential to life: coffee, vodka, cigarettes, chocolate, or …?

Donald: Flaming Hot Cheetos. I used to eat those and have a (now discontinued) Coke Black and watch “Lost.” Some of the happiest hours of my life.

Alison: I love me some peanut M&M’s. Movie candy of choice for sure! That or Reeses Pieces. Or Bunch a Crunch. OK, I like chocolate. It’s an aphrodisiac, you know.

18. Environ of choice: city or country, and where on the map?

Donald: City. New York City, baby. I’ve never seen anything else like it. It has everything you need. Everything’s open late. Dancing, food, women. It’s the only way to live.

Alison: I’ve lived in South Pasadena all my life and I love the small-town feeling. I love the trees mostly. I like that I live up on a hill because that is my favorite thing – being up above in the peace and quiet of it all, looking down into the hustle bustle. I like that going home feels like an escape.

19. What do you want to say to the leader of your country?

Alison: Good luck!

Donald: Yeah. I’m pretty much just wanna say “It’s gonna be OK … right?”

20. Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now?

Alison: We just wrapped filming on the third season of “Mad Men” and are knee-deep in season one of “Community.”

I’m in the editing process of having a story published in a forthcoming book and looking for some meaty film roles to tackle in the time between shows. Also considering working on my tan, which is still possible in California, even in winter.

Donald: Working on a pilot, writing three movies, a half-hour special for Comedy Central I’m taping in November, “Community,” my third rap album, and creating a replicant to do the first three things at the beginning of this sentence.

PopMatters is an international magazine of arts and culture. Find more PopMatters content at www.popmatters.com.

Comments (1)

NBC is trying to get at least 3,000 followers for their Community Twitter account: nbccommunity, and they are planning to give these puppies:

So follow nbccommunity but also follow our fansite twitter at:
communitynbc !