OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!

The dates have been set.  Be sure to 'Like' the team's Facebook page for the most up-to-date info on the project.  Don't forget to contribute to the Kickstarter come April 1st!

The Grover Perspective

I tell people I'm pursuing a career in comedy because it sounds infinitely better than "show business".  I spent more time at Sundance this year than any other because I don't know when I'll be in Utah during the festival again.  I was surrounded by show biz. Suffocated by pseudo-success.  It felt like people were trying to convince everyone around them that they were legitimate filmmakers.  Similar to football fans wearing their favorite player's jersey, people at Sundance wear Patagonia jackets and trendy glasses to masquerade as their favorite industry icons. The line between fan and filmmaker becomes indiscernible. The only thing more repelling than a person gloating in their success is pretending be successful. I remember thinking "I'm surrounded by people pretending to be filmmakers" followed by "oh no, is that what I'm doing?". 

 I tell people I'm a comedian. I'll tell them I'm a writer. Am I? A critical perspective on what I've done in comedy would suggest that it's been a successful hobby, but to call it a career would only be appropriate with a substantial dose of sarcasm. I've made some money in comedy at times, but balanced with the money I've put in I've easily netted a loss. What makes me any different? Why am I any more legitimate than some dude with a half-beard talking about how mumble core isn't what it used to be? I hope it's commitment to the dream.  The willingness to give everything I have to be successful. I hope it's because, more than anything, I want to create funny.  I want to do it well. I want do it in a way that contributes a unique perspective.  And, yes, I want to make money doing it. This is pretentious. That's fine. It'll be the common ground I can share with those in the biz. That, and my trendy ass glasses. 

My motivation: a birthday story

Birthdays make you think about a lot of things, like how fast your life is whipping by you, or which of your friends are still around, or what your favorite kind of cake is.  Today, turning 26, I have only thought about one question: where am I going?


My life so far has been great, like double-underlined and bolded great.  Had a great high school experience with fun extracurriculars and lots of time on the lacrosse field.  Had the opportunity to go to a Service Academy and experience all of that.  Got to live in Taiwan for two years and learn Chinese (freaking CHINESE).  Got to marry a smoking hot babe that loves my guts.  Have a great job that will pay the bills until I decide I don’t want it to pay the bills.  And on top of that, I have the world’s two funniest dogs.  But I feel bad that I’m still not satisfied.

When I hear about friends doing great things I am genuinely happy for them, excited even.  But then, in quiet moments, I’ll picture being there with them, doing great things.  That’s why when Jordan and Mike told me they were going for it and moving to Hollywood to chase their dreams, I had such mixed feelings.  I thought it was awesome that they were doing it, and I was confident that they could find their spot out there, but what I really wanted was to go with them.  And while I can’t drop everything and go chase dreams, I have found a way to participate: by making a documentary about it. 

‘How Do Be Funny?’ will be a first of its kind documentary, highlighting two of the funniest people I know as they transition from normal life to the life of a DO-er (i.e. someone who does).  But I’m not making it for them, and I’m not making it for all the film festival awards it will win (it’ll probably win all of them…).  I’m making this film because I really wanted to experience the ride, try and get high off of it, and DO something. And if you want, you can ride along with us.



-Curtis