Val McCallum frankly discusses his celebrity parents and family tragedies as well as his long career as a songwriter and consummate studio musician.
John joins Off Camera to talk about sinking 12 years into a movie that made absolutely no sense, and Everybody Wants Some!!, its incongruous follow up. He lets us in on how he makes natural, spontaneous conversation actually sound that way, and why people who want to be directors might want to start at the library. Or the baseball field.
Blake Mills is an intellectual who's been a pop-rock musician since age 13. He talks about writing songs that openly express his life, no matter what.
Aimee Mann riffs on her childhood and how she went from barely knowing how to play guitar to becoming a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter.
Robert Downey Jr. opens up about his unorthodox early life and his storied career, from his approach to playing Charlie Chaplin to being Iron Man.
The world's greatest skateboarder talks career, injuries and his post-competition life with his foundation and billion-dollar video game series.
Few rockers can boast a pedigree that goes from Nirvana to Foo Fighters, but drummer Dave Grohl has done all that and says he still feels like a kid.
Judd joins Off Camera to talk about being a loner who reads comic books all the time, about creating iconic comedies like Knocked Up, Superbad, and most recently, This Is 40. At once eviscerating and empathetic, he holds a mirror up to us and we laugh in recognition. Apatow has seen us naked, and we don’t mind. Off Camera sits down with the crazy voice in all of our heads for an in-depth interview.
Laura Dern is an actress who knew what she wanted at age 7. She talks about career choices and dedication to her craft over big box office success.
Stacey Peralta talks about launching skateboarding as a sport, getting rich, then popping a career wheelie to make films like "Dogtown and Z-Boys."
Some comics are drawn to comedy by unhappy childhoods; Martin Short was not, as he relates in stories about his funny family and classic characters.
Coming off his critically acclaimed role in "Nebraska," laid-back "SNL" alum Will Forte expounds on his surprisingly straightforward life and career.
Starring in "The Wire" when he was a teenager, actor Michael B. Jordan talks about "Fruitvale Station," versatility and transcending typecasting.
Edgy comic Sarah Silverman talks openly about what shaped her life and career, from struggling with depression as a teenager to writing for "SNL."
Damon joins Off Camera to talk about why no matter what it is, it will be something that he absolutely loves.
Zach joins Off Camera to talk about creative versus commercial success, family dynamics on and off screen, and the risks and rewards of pursuing one’s artistic vision. Also in this issue: A long-overdue examination of tombstone aesthetics and the bar mitzvah we’d have given anything to attend.
Rashida joins Off Camera to talk about her relationship with her iconic parents, her uncertain transition from academia to acting, scripting Toy Story 4, regulation in the post-digital porn industry, and her ball- and apartment-busting lead in the upcoming Angie Tribeca. The most surprising thing you’ll learn in this interview is how much you didn’t know about Rashida Jones; and the more you know, the more you’ll want to see from her – we guarantee it. Join us for a wide-ranging and inspiring conversation, in which the roles of both host and esteemed guest will be played by finger puppets.
Jake joins Off Camera to talk about what draws him to roles and directors, what led him to re-think his career as an artist, and his philosophical chats with his good friends in the LAPD. That, and a bit of early advice he got from Chris Cooper: “Never leave a scene with any regrets.” Gyllenhaal says he still doesn’t understand that one entirely, but we’re pretty sure you won’t leave this conversation with any.
Ellen joins Off Camera to talk about the process of making a feature version of a documentary, building to pre-Juno fame in Halifax versus Hollywood, what a video game taught them about acting and why it was such a simple joy to flirt with a woman in a parking lot.
Tatiana joins Off Camera to talk about what she learned in the transition from improv to scripted roles, what it’s like to play the multitudes of Orphan Black, why monsters scare her more than robbers and why she once faked sleeping for 17 hours. So go ahead and judge Tatiana Maslany; we did, and found her as fascinating, funny and relatable as they come.
Olivia joins Off Camera to talk about what’s become most important to her as an artist, the characters we relate to versus the ones Hollywood usually shows us, and why she could make “the shittiest movie ever” and still have it be called an important film.
This ain't a cogent, chronological, coherent conversation. This is the not-strictly-proverbial hot blast of cheese. Which is not to say you won’t find the usual inspiration, wise words and artistic insights. They’ll just be doled out by the inimitable Jack Black, who has a way with words that is more than entertaining, but less than linear.
William joins Off Camera to talk about the truth about acting technique, the perks and pitfalls of series TV, the process of putting together a feature-length indie, and what he’s learned from his experience on both sides of the camera. We talk about everything, including how to fire George Clooney so he stays fired. Well, almost everything… Sorry, Bill.
Joseph joins Off Camera to talk about the danger of definitions, the value of encouragement and his latest film, The Walk. His one regret about fame? It hinders approaching his fellow humans unrecognized for discussions about the innumerable topics that interest him. So if a vaguely familiar face saunters up to your park bench and starts a friendly chat, just enjoy the conversation. We sure did.
Bill joins Off Camera to talk about visions of being a standup comedian and figuring out other people were better at delivering his material than he was. Though he says he’ll always be a comic at heart, he had too many ideas and too much confidence not to take his “spec script scam” out to Hollywood, where he quickly progressed from writing shows to running them to producing them, working with some of the best mentors in the business along the way.
Linda joins Off Camera to talk about the audition process, the benefits of delayed puberty, the scourge of self-criticism and what she’s learned from the cast of her current show, Bloodline. And, why she may be doomed to spend eternity in a prairie dress. Sadly, she didn’t cry after our interview, but we still think it went well.
Aubrey joins Off Camera to talk about her transition from standup to film, her inability to re-tell a story and fighting for the roles she's not usually offered. And, masturbation (in a strictly clinical context, of course). She's called herself the worst talk show guest ever and hopes one day to be as smooth a chatter as Tom Hanks. We wish her success in every goal but that one.
Michelle joins Off Camera to talk about her path, The Path, how sex is rarely just sex, and learning the meaning of “improv” the hard way. And after all these years, they lift the veil on their past.
Kristen joins Off Camera to talk about personal and professional challenges, the surprising things that bring her joy now, and why everyone needs Veronica Mars as their imaginary friend. She also explains why she married a hillbilly from Michigan. That would be Dax Shepard, who wasn’t with us. . .or was he?
Ritter joins Off Camera to talk about her tough but formative adolescence, being at the forefront of an unprecedented new TV format, and why you might want to pick up a pack of Post-Its the next time you’re at the store.
Kathryn joins Off Camera to talk about the smell of too much comedic gas (sweaty), the role childhood plays in art (crucial), and how Catholicism screws up everything (we’re officially going to hell now). All, while proving that the best conversations happen with guests who bring two mugs to an interview.
Kate joins Off Camera to talk about the edge and subtle humor she brings to even her most serious roles. She has the emotional intelligence of someone who can at once deeply feel the grab bag of experience life hands us, and ponder it from a philosophical remove. If she’s found some of that intelligence to be hard-won, she nevertheless brings it to bear in portraying the kind of layered, complex characters we see around us every day, but all too infrequently on screen. Carry on, Ms. Beckinsale, carry on.
Nick joins Off Camera to talk about writing, ranting and why he loves his new film The Founder, despite having called its subjects "purveyors of the McShit Sandwich." He also shares why he won't be playing Ron Swanson knockoffs for the next 10 years. That's fine with us, as long as he keeps playing Nick Offerman.
Ewan joins Off Camera to talk about image, the classic films, consistency and sameness, which you won't find, unless you look at the acting itself. All his performances are among the most unlabored and unguarded you’ll find. He plays straight and gay, outcasts, open-hearted romantics and con men with no more effort than is needed. If he ever slacks off to the tune of, say, two projects a year, it’s usually to risk a bracing shot of live theater, singing in a Disney musical, or a body- and soul-jarring motorbike circumnavigation of the globe, visiting UNICEF programs along the way. He also seems undaunted by the tricky business of sequels, soon revisiting his breakout role with the follow up to Trainspotting. None of which really answers the question of which box to check for McGregor—leading man or character actor? As long as we get to keep watching, we don’t really care. In fact, we hope we never find out.
Elijah joins Off Camera to talk about the gauntlet of childhood fame, one of the most massively successful cinema franchises ever and his preference for interesting filmmakers over star-making roles, loves fulfilling his compulsion to get weird, wonderful stories out in the world, and calls Fantastic Fest his favorite week of the year. Artist? Explorer? Definitely. Calculating careerist? Not so much. “If I’d thought strategically, I might be in a different place, but I’m so happy being where I am.” For someone with no strategy, he’s one of the smartest guys we know.
Gillian joins Off Camera to talk about her childhood, Community, obedience and her directoral debut.
Chadwick joins Off Camera to talk about choosing a clear point of entry to the business, resisting becoming the go-to guy for movies about iconic black figures and his entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Emmy joins Off Camera to talk about The Phantom of the Opera, her transition to TV and Fiona Gallagher and how playing her has made Rossum more confident, free, outspoken – and, a director. Once asked how to combat shyness, she advised, “Remember how you felt when you were five, when you were fearless, and thought no one would judge you.” In her world, judgment comes with the job. Now she knows the trick is to be fearless anyway. Or should we say shameless?
Pamela joins Off Camera to talk about finding her voice, not only as a writer and actor, but as a showrunner and director. Rave reviews have made Hollywood listen; too bad that doesn’t work with her own kids. But then we wouldn’t have one of the most honest, touching and relatable shows on TV. Let the second season of tears, hugs and door slamming commence.
Bill Hader joins Off Camera to discuss storytelling in Barry, struggling with anxiety on SNL, why he waited so long to pursue his dream to become a filmmaker, and why everyone in town thought he was on drugs in high school.
Dan joins Off Camera to discuss what he loves about the uncertainty of Legion, how he found his voice for Beauty and the Beast, why you might catch him at the local deli taking a new accent out for a spin, and why we must hold on to our invisible wrist watches.
John joins Off Camera to discuss mining his life for comedy, why the best approach in life is one without expectations, and why we all need a little bit of Street Smarts in our lives.
Alison joins Off Camera to discuss how the stunts on GLOW are real and really dangerous, how dealing with sexual harassment in character forced her to come to terms with her own #MeToo experiences, and what to do when you are acting with Meryl Streep. Hint: Keep your mouth shut and try to steal all her tricks!
Awkwafina joins Off Camera to talk about embracing the responsibility that comes with being an Asian-American actor in Hollywood, discovering her comedic talents post personal tragedy, and why Margaret Cho is her spirit animal.
Elizabeth joins Off Camera to talk about the biggest lesson she’s learned from her family, why she may be one of the few actors who likes to audition, and why she’s the most Zen type A person you’ll ever meet.
Mary joins Off Camera to talk about the challenges she’s faced as a woman in Hollywood, why making a performance human and believable is so essential to storytelling, and why she’ll never step foot in a casting office bathroom.
As our first two-time guest, Matt joins Off Camera to talk about his acting mid-life crisis, the gamble that almost cost Matt and Ben Good Will Hunting, the invaluable wisdom he’s gained from directors, and why the Boston Red Sox and specifically Fenway Park carry so much significance for him. 'The Bet' Episode. Matt Damon is the first two-time Guest on Off Camera. Matt Bet Sam the Red Sox would win the 2018 World Series over the Dodgers. The Dodgers lost, Matt and the Red Sox won, and Sam was forced to were a Red Sox uniform for the entire interview.
Bo joins Off Camera to talk about the panic attack that led him to step down from stand up, why it’s so important for kids to be able to fail out loud, and why being miserable isn’t a prerequisite for good art.
Dan joins Off Camera to talk about pressures that come with fame, taking on uncharted waters as a “magical dead guy” in Swiss Army, and how to get through a Japanese airport without dying.
David joins Off Camera to talk about how a group of industry rejects turned Stranger Things into a massively popular phenomenon, how he dealt with the inner monsters that nearly cost him his life, and why he really doesn’t like his face.
Al joins Off Camera to talk about why MTV was such a catalyst for his career, how he once gave Madonna a business lesson, why parents of only children should not be given binoculars, and just how white and nerdy he really is.
Olivia joins Off Camera to talk about the importance of zooming out on your life every once in a while, why cell phones are the enemy of storytelling (and our souls), and how Converse high tops can double as chastity belts.
This is his 2nd Appearance on the show. First appearance was Season 1 Episode 5. He is the 3rd guest to appear twice. (Dax Shepard, Matt Damon)
Jason Sudeikis Interviews Sam Jones for the 200th Episode of Off Camera
Zach joins Off Camera to talk about his favorite Between Two Ferns moment, his mission to take the piss out of “celebrity,” and why you should dress up as a witch and go find him on the streets of Venice if you want to have a nice ten-minute conversation.
Noomi joins Off Camera to talk about losing herself in her characters, why vanity is the enemy of good acting, and about her rebellious and wild years as a “punk rock girl,” including the time she stubbornly tried to swim all the way from Denmark to Sweden.
This is Jennys second appearance on the show. Jenny first appeared Season 7 Episode 13.
This is the first time on Off Camera where two guests appear.
