Downton Abbey: Season 4 Trailer

 

I can only believe that this is the moment that we've ALL been waiting for.  Here is the trailer for Season 4's Downtown Abbey.  And it is such a teaser for is Stateside folks as we have to wait until bloody January 2014 to watch it on PBS.  Kill me now!  It looks so good - filled with debauchery, deceit and affairs.  I can not wait.  If you are a lucky brit, then you can watch it in the UK starting next month. 

The 5er: Comedian Naz Osmanoglu

Comedian Naz Osmanoglu

Worst advice: "Yes, you should definitely wear that funny hat onstage."

 As y'all know, I have a slight sick sense of humour, which means I have a huge affection towards british humour.  I even spelled "humour" like they do.  So, when I was introduced to funnyman Naz Osmanoglu (yes, that's his real name), I was intrigued and that was just the beginning.  He's half English, half Turkish and well, a prince as wikipedia reports, "Prince Şehzade Nazım Ziyaeddin Nazım Osmanoğlu, Imperial Prince of the Ottoman Empire more commonly known as Naz Osmanoglu."  I'm suddenly feeling so inadequate and not worthy. 

Nonetheless, "The 5er" jumps the pond this week to chat it up with the comedian to find out what or rather whom inspired him to jump onto the comedy bandwagon, how maybe a "born again" experience on stage can help one become a better performer and who he name drops as his one-night stand dream girl.  You never know, Naz, your dream may come true here in Hollywood with Ms. Cattrall!

Tell me a little about your comedic background and why you think you're funny.

Well, it all started when I saw Richard Ayoade (Director of "Submarine" & ex Cambridge Footlights (comedy troupe)) do a twenty minute stand up set at my school when I was about 14. It was amazing and I didn't really understand what was happening, I just knew I wanted to do that thing that he was doing. Then I watched Eddie Murphy's "Delirious" and worried that I would never be able to so easily make stuff up like that on the cuff and got quite disheartened...but after a few years I realised it was a craft and it wasn't actually all improvised there on the spot and so I decided to give it a go at university with my mates who now are my colleagues - we write sketches for TV as WitTank and I also do stand up.

Why am I funny? Because I was a MASSIVE loser as a kid. Big time social reject. Short, podgy, scared of people (especially girls) and terrible at sport. Slowly, I realised if I could make people laugh, they forgot to bully me about all the other stuff...

 Richard Ayoade - Comedian/Director/Writer

I'm obsessed with British TV.  Ask our friend Ed as I constantly ask him for suggestions on what the latest brit shows I should watch. Do you have any fave shows? Do tell!
My favourite British TV shows: "Peep Show" (amazing but not for the faint hearted, it's not a feel good show), "The Thick of It" (Malcolm Tucker is amazing), Garth Marenghi's "Darkplace Illumination" (Richard Ayoade is in this - it is a spoof horror doc and it's probably the best one ever). If you like sketch shows, the best one in my opinion is "Big Train" (Simon Pegg, Mark Heap - consistently hilarious)....

Many people think - "How hard can it be to get up on stage and tell a joke or two?!?"  I know that' s not the case.  So, what's one of the biggest challenges that you never realized existed in your journey to becoming a successful comedian? 
Well, the most difficult part of stand-up is being consistently good. It takes literally years to learn how to play all the different rooms, how to unify all the different crowds, how to deal with different types of people... and that is a slog, especially when dying onstage is part of the learning process. You have to die in order to learn and when you first start out, that can be particularly challenging. Worst death I've ever had was my first ever 20 min set in front of more than 100 people. No one laughed for 17 minutes then there was some coughing. I was quite sweaty after.

Also heckling is sometimes hard, although I tend to enjoy them now. Worst heckle I ever had was: WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS!?  

What's the best advice you've ever received? And the worst advice?
Best advice: "Keep going, keep writing, keep gigging". I'ts the only way to get better, by constantly pushing yourself.

Worst advice: "Yes, you should definitely wear that funny hat onstage."

If you could have a one night stand with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Kim Cattrall. She had it "Mannequin", she had it in "Sex And The City" (and yes I have watched it all) and she still has it now. I don't know why, but I really think we would just get on...

Check out these fresh clips of Naz's work.  This here bit is of his character "Antonio".



And here's a sketch he did for WitTank called "The Break Up".

And the 2013 Emmy Nominees Are...

And this just in today - the 2013 Emmy nominations.  This year's award show will take place in Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 22nd.  Congrats to all the nominees!!


From Imdb.com....

2013 Emmy Awards

Nominations announced on Thursday, July 18th; winners announced on Sunday, Sept. 22nd.

Outstanding Comedy Series

Nominees:

"The Big Bang Theory" (2007)

"Girls" (2012)

"Louie" (2010)

"Modern Family" (2009)

"30 Rock" (2006)

"Veep" (2012)

Outstanding Drama Series

Nominees:

"Breaking Bad" (2008)

"Downton Abbey" (2010)

"Game of Thrones" (2011)

"Homeland" (2011)

"Mad Men" (2007)

"House of Cards" (2013)

Outstanding Miniseries or Made for Television Movie

Nominees:

"American Horror Story" (2011)

Behind the Candelabra (2013)

"The Bible" (2013)

Phil Spector (2013) (TV)

"Political Animals" (2012)

"Top of the Lake" (2013)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Nominees:

Alec Baldwin for "30 Rock" (2006)

Don Cheadle for "House of Lies" (2012)

Jason Bateman for "Arrested Development" (2003)

Louis C.K. for "Louie" (2010)

Matt LeBlanc for "Episodes" (2011)

Jim Parsons for "The Big Bang Theory" (2007)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Nominees:

Hugh Bonneville for "Downton Abbey" (2010)

Bryan Cranston for "Breaking Bad" (2008)

Jon Hamm for "Mad Men" (2007)

Damian Lewis for "Homeland" (2011)

Jeff Daniels for "The Newsroom" (2012)

Kevin Spacey for "House of Cards" (2013)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie

Nominees:

Benedict Cumberbatch for "Parade's End" (2012)

Matt Damon for Behind the Candelabra (2013)

Michael Douglas for Behind the Candelabra (2013)

Toby Jones for The Girl (2012) (TV)

Al Pacino for Phil Spector (2013) (TV)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Nominees:

Laura Dern for "Enlightened" (2011)

Lena Dunham for "Girls" (2012)

Edie Falco for "Nurse Jackie" (2009)

Tina Fey for "30 Rock" (2006)

Julia Louis-Dreyfus for "Veep" (2012)

Amy Poehler for "Parks and Recreation" (2009)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Nominees:

Claire Danes for "Homeland" (2011)

Michelle Dockery for "Downton Abbey" (2010)

Elisabeth Moss for "Mad Men" (2007)

Connie Britton for "Nashville" (2012)

Vera Farmiga for "Bates Motel" (2013)

Kerry Washington for "Scandal" (2012)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie

Nominees:

Jessica Lange for "American Horror Story" (2011)

Laura Linney for "The Big C" (2010)

Helen Mirren for Phil Spector (2013) (TV)

Elisabeth Moss for "Top of the Lake" (2013)

Sigourney Weaver for "Political Animals" (2012)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Nominees:

Ty Burrell for "Modern Family" (2009)

Jesse Tyler Ferguson for "Modern Family" (2009)

Bill Hader for "Saturday Night Live" (1975)

Ed O'Neill for "Modern Family" (2009)

Adam Driver for "Girls" (2012)

Tony Hale for "Veep" (2012)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Nominees:

Jim Carter for "Downton Abbey" (2010)

Peter Dinklage for "Game of Thrones" (2011)

Aaron Paul for "Breaking Bad" (2008)

Jonathan Banks for "Breaking Bad" (2008)

Bobby Cannavale for "Boardwalk Empire" (2010)

Mandy Patinkin for "Homeland" (2011)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie

Nominees:

James Cromwell for "American Horror Story" (2011)

Zachary Quinto for "American Horror Story" (2011)

Scott Bakula for Behind the Candelabra (2013)

John Benjamin Hickey for "The Big C" (2010)

Peter Mullan for "Top of the Lake" (2013)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Nominees:

Mayim Bialik for "The Big Bang Theory" (2007)

Julie Bowen for "Modern Family" (2009)

Jane Krakowski for "30 Rock" (2006)

Jane Lynch for "Glee" (2009)

Sofía Vergara for "Modern Family" (2009)

Merritt Wever for "Nurse Jackie" (2009)

Anna Chlumsky for "Veep" (2012)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Nominees:

Morena Baccarin for "Homeland" (2011)

Christine Baranski for "The Good Wife" (2009)

Anna Gunn for "Breaking Bad" (2008)

Maggie Smith for "Downton Abbey" (2010)

Emilia Clarke for "Game of Thrones" (2011)

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie

Nominees:

Sarah Paulson for "American Horror Story" (2011)

Imelda Staunton for The Girl (2012) (TV)

Ellen Burstyn for "Political Animals" (2012)

Charlotte Rampling for Restless (2012) (TV)

Alfre Woodard for Steel Magnolias (2012) (TV)

Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series

Nominees:

"The Colbert Report" (2005)

"The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" (1996)

"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" (2003)

"Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" (2009)

"Real Time with Bill Maher" (2003)

"Saturday Night Live" (1975)

Outstanding Reality Competition Program

Nominees:

"The Amazing Race" (2001)

"Dancing with the Stars" (2005/I)

"Project Runway" (2004)

"So You Think You Can Dance" (2005)

"Top Chef" (2006)

"The Voice" (2011)

Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program

Nominees:

Tom Bergeron for "Dancing with the Stars" (2005/I)

Anthony Bourdain for "The Taste" (2013)

Cat Deeley for "So You Think You Can Dance" (2005)

Ryan Seacrest for "American Idol" (2002)

Betty White for "Betty White's Off Their Rockers" (2012)

Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn for "Project Runway" (2004)

Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series

Nominees:

"Girls" (2012): Lena Dunham("On All Fours")

"Glee" (2009): Paris Barclay("Diva")

"Louie" (2010): Louis C.K.("New Year's Eve")

"Modern Family" (2009): Gail Mancuso("Arrested")

"30 Rock" (2006): Beth McCarthy-Miller("Hogcock!" / "Last Lunch")

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series

Nominees:

"Boardwalk Empire" (2010): Timothy Van Patten("Margate Sands")

"Breaking Bad" (2008): Michelle MacLaren("Gliding All Over")

"Downton Abbey" (2010): Jeremy Webb("Episode 4")

"Homeland" (2011): Lesli Linka Glatter("Q & A")

"House of Cards" (2013): David Fincher("Chapter 1")

Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special

Nominees:

Behind the Candelabra (2013): Steven Soderbergh

The Girl (2012) (TV): Julian Jarrold

Phil Spector (2013) (TV): David Mamet

Ring of Fire (2013) (TV): Allison Anders

"Top of the Lake" (2013): Jane Campion, Garth Davis

Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series

Nominees:

"The Colbert Report" (2005): Jim Hoskinson

"The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" (1996): Chuck O'Neil

"Late Show with David Letterman" (1993): Jerry Foley

"Portlandia" (2011): Jonathan Krisel

"Saturday Night Live" (1975): Don Roy King

"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" (2003): Andy Fisher

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

Nominees:

"Louie" (2010): Louis C.K., Pamela Adlon("Daddy's Girlfriend")

"Episodes" (2011): David Crane, Jeffrey Klarik("Episode 209")

"The Office" (2005): Greg Daniels("Finale")

"30 Rock" (2006): Jack Burditt, Robert Carlock("Hogcock!")

"30 Rock" (2006): Tina Fey, Tracey Wigfield("Last Lunch")

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series

Nominees:

"Downton Abbey" (2010): Julian Fellowes("Episode 4")

"Breaking Bad" (2008): George Mastras("Dead Freight")

"Breaking Bad" (2008): Thomas Schnauz("Say My Name")

"Game of Thrones" (2011): David Benioff, D.B. Weiss("The Rains Of Castamere")

"Homeland" (2011): Henry Bromell("Q & A")

Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special

Nominees:

Behind the Candelabra (2013): Richard LaGravenese

"The Hour" (2011): Abi Morgan

"Parade's End" (2012): Tom Stoppard

Phil Spector (2013) (TV): David Mamet

"Top of the Lake" (2013): Jane Campion, Gerard Lee

Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series

Nominees:

"The Colbert Report" (2005)

"The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" (1996)

"Portlandia" (2011)

"Real Time with Bill Maher" (2003)

"Saturday Night Live" (1975)

"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" (2003)

Can't Wait: "The Bling Ring"

I've been obsessed with Sofia Coppola since "Virgin Suicides" days so when I found out she was on board with this film, "The Bling Ring" I could hardly contain my excitement.  She, of course, not only directed but also wrote this film based on actual events which are about a pack of teenagers obsessed with celebrities who go on the internet to track where these celeb homes are, find out when they're out of town and rob them.  Pretty genius! 

This film stars some heavy hitters and some up-and-comers such as "Harry Potter's" Emma Watson, "American Horror Story's" Taissa Farmiga (ummm, you do know that her older sister is Vera Farmiga but there is a 21 year age gap), newcomers Katie Chang, Israel Broussard and Claire Julien.  You'll also catch Leslie Mann (finally, a film without her hubbie directing!) and hotness Gavin Rossdale.  Can't wait to see this - it comes out on June 14th. Watch the trailer...!

Can't Wait: "Carrie"

Right?  Do you blame me?  As a horror film lover, this looks like a great remake of the original "Carrie" which starred Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie.  That film was shot in 1976. 

But the new version of "Carrie" which stars Chloe Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore looks even more vicious. Two great starring actors - just like the original and this one is directed by Kimberly Peirce who directed "Boys Don't Cry" and "Stop-Loss". Also cast in this film is the famous photographer Arthur Elgort's son, Ansel Elgort, Judy Greer, and brit Gabrielle Wilde who you might recall from "The Three Musketeers". Film releases in October - perfect time for Halloween.  Check out this creepy trailer! 

The 5er: Sweet Home Films's Evan Marlowe and Kerry Finlayson

A typical Hollywood couple (she's an actor, he's a director) but quite an un-typical variety of projects swirling around for Evan Marlowe and Kerry Finlayson's film production company, Sweet Home Films.  I had the honor of working with them last year when they cast me in my first horror film titled "Horror House".  (see red carpet pic below!) They have a great camaraderie working side-by-side with each other - I mean, do they ever fight?  With films, brit comedy shows and a reality show under their belt, they're sure to give the Weinsteins a run for their money in due time.  I caught up with this dynamic duo for "The 5er" and found out what makes them click as a director/producer/actor married team, why they created a british sitcom, who their dream cast would be and the question we've all been dying to know - what's next for Sweet Home Films? 

What are your backgrounds and how did you meet?
KERRY: I started theater and dance school at the age of three in the UK and knew from then on that I wanted to be in the entertainment business. After various theater schools and film schools, I picked up the skills to be both behind and in front of the camera. That passion hasn't stopped and now I get to do the best of both worlds here in LA.

EVAN: I have a background in medicine. I toyed with filmmaking as a teenager, then picked it up again when I met Kerry. In between I've independently studied film and filmmaking, reading books on film criticism and watching lots of movies.

KERRY:  Evan and I met online and instantly knew we had a connection and same sense of humor. This compatibility helps us to work closely as both a production team and a married couple.

How long have you been making films?
KERRY:  Well, if you include the films I made back in film school then a good 17 years. Evan was making short films back in high school using Super 8 film and even started the first film club at his school. He also started making claymation films from a very young age, I believe I was probably more interested in wearing tutus and being a ballerina at that age.

I'm absolutely obsessed with British TV so I was thrilled when I heard you were shooting one called "Shazza".  (Thank you for the cameo role!)  Why did you you want to do a British comedy show?
KERRY:  Being in Los Angeles makes me miss home sometimes as I am so far away from my family. Thanks to networks like BBC America, I get a small injection of British TV and humor to keep me going. I felt it was time that I delved into my British culture and brought a bit of that dry, raunchy Brit humor to the USA.

Who would be your dream cast and where would you shoot? (You can't say your house! LOL)
KERRY: My dream cast would be Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Brad Pitt and Rachel Weisz. I love their work and seem to grow which each project they do. The ideal location would be an old castle in Transylvania.

What's next for Sweet Home Films?
KERRY:  Sweet Home Films has around five scripts under its belt and even talks of a "Horror House 2". A sequel to our last movie "Horror House". We aim to do a second season of SHAZZA and also sell the two reality show concepts we have shot pilots for. It is going to be a busy year, but we look forward to every new project we produce.

Director Evan Marlowe and I at the "Horror House" Screening

Check out the first episode of "Shazza"!

Can't Wait: "Gravity"

Wow, I just saw a mini trailer, if you will, for this upcoming film, "Gravity" starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney and it literally gave me goosebumps.  I'm sucked in and can't wait to see it.  Especially since it's directed by the incredibly talented Alfonso Cuaron (ummm, he directed "Y Tu Mama Tambien", "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban", oh and "Great Expectations"). 

Maybe it's a trend but I think this film has even a smaller cast than the other sci-fi thriller, "Oblivion".  Is this becoming a new cost-saving trend?  (Uh, doubtful on the cost-saving part.  This is Hollywood!)  The film releases in the US on October 4th. Check out the mini trailer here: