Tag Archives: Saturday Night Live
The Verdict Is In… “Judged by Paxton” is Awesome
Go behind the scenes of a web series created behind the scenes of another popular show.
Every Wednesday at 7pm Kyle Orozovich, Roman Urbanski, and Steve King make the Internet a whole lot better with new episodes of their web series “Judged by Paxton”. I chatted with the team behind “Paxton” to see what it takes to keep their hilarious web series in business, and how it came to be.
Simply put, “Judged by Paxton” is about 3 guys who work together and try to make it through their day without getting judged by a picture of 80’s-era Bill Paxton on the wall. The series mirrors reality in a way, as it is shot and produced at Kyle, Roman, and Steve’s actual office, “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon”. They all met at NBC doing cue cards for Jimmy and “Saturday Night Live”, and after rescuing the Paxton picture from being thrown away by Fallon’s prop master – it was used on the show in a bit with Bill Paxton himself – “Judged by Paxton” was born.
Once they had the perfect prop, they hung it on the wall of the cue card department, and according to Steve immediately started making jokes about how Bill looked like he was constantly judging them. Roman explained that this played into a larger goal adding, “Aside from working our hardest to get the actual (Fallon) shows ready, we try to make each other laugh as often as possible. This Paxton idea started as a way to make something in less than an hour with an iPhone. And oddly enough it ended up being more freeing than limiting.”
As for the techy kind of stuff, it turns out a few key apps helped get the job done. “Paxton” started as a series of daily Instavideos, which didn’t quite achieve what Kyle wanted to get done. The game-changer came in the form of the app “Spark”, which according to him, let’s you shoot for 45 seconds but also allows you to edit your footage and add music. Kyle explained, “When we did it on Instagram, we had to shoot sequentially and a lot of the times it would crash and we would lose everything and have to start all over again. So Spark gave us some freedom. Then before we knew it, 45 seconds wasn’t long enough either.” Things evolved from there and new episodes, in addition to blooper reels and other fun stuff are posted right on “Judged by Paxton’s” Youtube channel.
But what you won’t see on the channel is the inside scoop I got from the guys on the what it’s like creating a web series behind the scenes of the Tonight Show. They have a ton of good stories, but a lot revolve around what happens when people catch them shooting. Steve said that, “They’ll see Kyle standing in top of the desk with a camera while roman and I are wrestling and be like… ‘Ooookaaayyy…’ And then they usually just turn around and forget what they came for.” Roman added, “We’re always caught off guard and they’ll say, ‘You guys look like I just caught you doing something naughty.’”
As far as the Paxton crew knows, the true star of their web series, Bill Paxton, hasn’t heard about their project, but if that did happen, the results would be almost as funny as their episodes. Kyle would tell him, “we’re big fans and please don’t sue us…” While Steve is hoping for him to see it and get it kick out of it. But as the word on the series spreads, Roman should start carrying around an extra pair of pants, because if he met Bill he would ask him to be in an episode, pee himself, and walk away crying.
Season 3 of Paxton continues next Wednesday at its normal time, but as far as Season 4, the guys are keeping mum. That said, Kyle DID give away this spoiler, “We’re basically just asking for a Cease & desist now.” You can catch up on “Judged by Paxton” on Youtube, and be sure to stay there for new episodes going live Wednesday’s at 7pm. Below are the episodes that Kyle, Roman, and Steve picked as their favorites to get you excited, plus my own personal favorite for good measure.
BACK
“Back was very fun. We got to make a TV show theme song and montage, including the ‘Notice there’s a camera in front of you and smile’ shot.” – Roman
“Recreating an opening montage similar to the ones from the 80s sitcoms I grew up on was really fun. It really brought me back.” -Steve
FIGHT
“Fight was so much fun to shoot (for me, not for Roman & Steve) and it turned out really great.” -Kyle
AND MY FAVORITE… REVENGE
Joke-Spiration
I come from a family that said “Jane, you ignorant slut” at the dinner table before I was even old enough to know what a slut is. Suffice to say, I love a good joke. And as you might have noticed I attempt to write jokes of my own. Sometimes this process can be difficult, and when I’m stuck on the ole writer’s block I turn to the list of Joke-Spiration below. These are the cream of the crop in my opinion. So laugh, get inspired, and laugh some more… You ignorant slut.
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Johnny Depp says that he had to eat so much chocolate during the making of the Oscar nominated film “Chocolat” that he says that he will never eat it again. In a related story, the movie “Chocolat” was so choca-long and choca-boring, that I want my choca-money back.
-Jimmy Fallon 2000
BodyWorld, a new exhibit, opened Friday in Philadelphia, featuring a collection of skinless, preserved cadavers in various poses. Or as I like to call it, “The View”!
-Amy Poehler 2005
“Three Chinese astronauts returned safely to earth this week after a 68-hour voyage in which they performed an historic spacewalk. Which was all the more impressive because they did it as a dragon.”
-Seth Meyers 2008
“After two weeks of cancelled shows on her ‘Rock Witchu’ tour, Janet Jackson revealed that she has been suffering from ‘migraine-associated vertigo.’ So while she may not be able to ‘rock witchu’ she may be able to ‘sit witchu’ or ‘lean against something really stable witchu.’
-Amy Poehler 2008
“A man in New York State pleaded guilty to public lewdness this week after he took his pants off before going into a doughnut shop. The man said he only did it so he could carry more donuts.”
-Amy Poehler 2008
“Two British women who were lifelong friends were surprised to discover that they were actually sisters. And have spent every day since trying really hard to forget about that one time in college.”
-Amy Poehler 2008
South Africa’s Hendrick Ramaala won Sunday’s New York City Marathon in 2 hours 9 minutes and 28 seconds. Ramaala credited his fast time to the fact that he was being chased by 30,000 white people.
-Tina Fey 2004
The inventor of bubble gum died this week. His body was found stuck under a movie seat.
-Colin Quinn 1997
According to Los Angeles officials, the Hollywood Writers Strike cost the city $2.5 billion. Or, roughly: ten movies about treasure.
-Amy Poehler 2008
Next month, a flawless $10 million diamond the soze of a walnut will go on auction at Sotheby’s. And just in time, because Kobe Bryant’s wife has a birthday coming up.
Speaking of which, the preliminary hearing in Kobe Bryant’s rape trial turned ugly on Thursday, when Pamela Mackey, Bryant’s lawyer, “accidentally” said his accuser’s name in court, violating Colorado privacy laws. And, after being admoished by the judge, Mackey went on to repeat the woman’s name five times, which is really bad. Because what lawyer Pamela Mackey did by mentioning the woman’s name, is to put her at risk of further harassment. A lawyer, like Pamela Mackey, of the Colorado firm Haddon, Morgan, Mueller, George, Mackey & Foreman – which is probably in the 303 area code – should know that people can go on the internet and look up any name, like Joe Smith, or, I don’t know – Pamela Mackey – and learn everything about them, and call them and mess with them, and stuff! So, be more careful, lawyer Pamela Mackey, because I heard a rumor that you’re a little unstable, and you like to give wobble jobs to homeless guys! And, I want you to focus up and win this trial. I’m Pamela Mackey – back to you, Pamela Mackey!
-Tina Fey 2003
The official portrait of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was unveiled publicly in the city Tuesday. And I’m proud of New Yorkers because by Wednesday, it only had one penis drawn on it.
-Seth Meyers 2010
Experts have stated that London has surpassed New York City as the world’s undisputed financial capital. Did ya hear that, terrorists?! The world’s undisputed financial capital is LONDON!!!
– Seth Meyers
This year’s Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree is a 76-foot-tall Norway Spruce from Easton, Connecticut. So come on down to Rockefeller Center and watch a tree slowly die.
-Seth Meyers 2009
Amtrak conductors have begun random checks of passengers’ identities as a precaution against terrorist attacks. Great news, because Amtrak is still my favorite way to travel. [begins to sing] Amtrak, America’s way to travel with weed!
– Amy Poehler 2004
The first Winnie the Pooh sequel to be published in 80 years will be published next week with a new character, an Otter named Lottie. Lottie was added to replace Eeyore who finally did it.
-Seth Meyers 2009
In an interview with a fashion industry web site, Kate Moss said, “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.” Said the rest of the world: Bacon!”
-Seth Meyers 2009
It is estimated that Hurricane Sandy left 8 million homes and businesses without power. Also, one man. (KEY: Mitt Romney)
-Seth Meyers 2012
Alana Thompson, Honey Boo Boo’s mom, claims to have lost 100 pounds without surgery, dieting, or exercise. I have to admit, I thought the only way she’d ever lose 100 pounds is in a custody battle.
-Seth Meyers 2012
Met Dave Grohl this weekend…
Thanks to Saturday Night Live, I had a badass weekend. It involved a mini Paul McCartney concert, a Nirvana reunion, and a chat with the King of Rock and Roll– Mr. David Grohl.
I’m not quite sure how to spell all the high pitched shrieking reactions that are shooting through my brain right now, so I thought I’d post some pics instead. Suffice to say, Dave was the nicest and the best, took a selfie with me, and told me I’m a really good guitar player. It’s only upwards from here.
May all of your wildest dreams come true this holiday season! Except for the one about having a boyfriend made of cotton candy… He’d probs just melt in the rain.
Pat Smear’s Guitar and Krist Novaselic’s Bass
Couldn’t be more excited for Sound City!
Sir Paul
Just a couple special guests…
Oh… and this.
Things I watched
Green Day w/Will Ferrell performing East Jesus Nowhere on SNL…
“Is this song still going on?”
Foo Friday
Here are videos from every time I’ve seen FF. They’re in semi-chronological order. I chose these specific videos as they were memorable for an even more specific reason. I won’t bore you with the details.
Saturday Night Live – Walk
Live On Letterman – Bridge Burning
Jersey (IZOD) – Best of You
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon – In the Flesh
San Diego – These Days
New York – Bad Reputation (featuring Joan Jett)
Jersey (Prudential) – All My Life
I got a fever!
These videos perfectly sum up my mood right now…
Joke of the Week
In cue cards we make jokes.
New Look…
Cue Cards is looking a little different these days…
Kurt and Nirvana
So as most of you know today, April 5th, is the anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s death. I’m not going to pretend like I have anything new to say about this. I can say that Nirvana and Foo Fighters are really important to me. Their music is the soundtrack to my everyday life, and who I am is very much affected by these bands.
I was lucky enough to go to the Nirvana exhibit at the Experience Music Project last time I was in Seattle, and to celebrate Kurt, I thought I’d share some of the photos with you. I know they’re not much, but it’s what I got. So, here goes…
As it worked out, I went to the exhibit on opening day. It was super crowded, which limited my ability to take photos. That said, it was a lot of fun to be packed in like sardines with people just as stoked as I was.
This will always make me laugh: “Nirvana played “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Territorial Pissings,” trashed the set, and then Kurt, Krist, and Dave pretended to make out with each other during the show’s closing credits. All this and they were still invited back a year-and-a-half later.”
As part of the exhibit they conducted free guitar classes. They tried to teach us “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and the opening to “Come As You Are.” The best part was watching my mom pick up a guitar for the first time. She’s a good sport.
This letter is worth reading word for word.
This last one is just for fun. To pass the time at SNL, Brian started drawing my picture, but it ended up a little different than we intended. I think it’s better this way.
Little Conqueror 